Golfer Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 after completing a career Grand Slam and helping Team Europe secure victory in the Ryder Cup.
The Northern Irishman sealed the Slam with a Masters triumph at Augusta in April, becoming only the sixth male golfer to win all four majors, joining legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
England rugby star Ellie Kildunne finished second in the vote and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris placed third, with Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Luke Littler on the shortlist.
McIlroy ‘honoured’ by award
“First of all, I would like to congratulate all of the other finalists. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes, so it is a pleasure to just be in this room. I feel truly honoured to just be a part of it,” McIlroy said after receiving the award.
“2025 has been the year I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It’s the year dreams are made of.”
McIlroy added: “I have a lot of people to thank. Firstly, the public, my family, my mum and my dad. They sacrificed so much for me. I wouldn’t be here without them, so thank you.
“My wife Erica and my daughter Poppy – they are what holds me together, my rock. They couldn’t be here tonight, but I can’t wait to get back tomorrow and celebrate this with them. I love you.
“And to the BBC for hosting these awards. It has always been something growing up that I watched on TV. It was always a big part of the run-up to Christmas, so I am very honoured to get my hands on this trophy.
“Hopefully, I can challenge to get it again next year.”
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Still more to achieve
“I don’t know what I’m going to do in 2026 to top it, but I’m going to try,” McIlroy later told BBC Sport NI.
“I’ve got a nice little bit of time off over Christmas and New Year, and I think that’s the time to maybe put the highlights on and watch it back and reflect.
“It’s been an incredible 12 months and I want to enjoy everything that I’ve done, but at the same time, this isn’t it for me – I have got a lot more I want to achieve.”
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