Golfer Rory McIlroy has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025, a testament to his remarkable achievements including a career Grand Slam and a pivotal role in Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup victory.

The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland etched his name into golfing history in April, winning the Masters at Augusta National and completing the coveted set of all four major championships. He joins an elite group – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player – as only the sixth man, and the first European, to achieve this feat.

McIlroy had previously secured the US Open, The Open, and US PGA Championship by 2014, but the Masters eluded him for eleven long years. He described finally winning the Masters as making his “dreams come true.”

His stellar year continued with a key contribution – earning three and a half points – to Team Europe’s first Ryder Cup win on American soil since 2012. The victory was made even sweeter after McIlroy spoke out against “unacceptable and abusive behaviour” directed at his wife, Erica, during the competition at Bethpage Black in New York.

Beyond the majors and the Ryder Cup, McIlroy also clinched victories at the Irish Open (for a second time), the Players Championship, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, culminating in his seventh Race to Dubai title.

“Wow,” McIlroy expressed after receiving the 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.”

He continued, “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.”

England rugby union player Ellie Kildunne finished as runner-up, while Formula 1 driver Lando Norris secured third place.

Just moments before accepting his individual honour, McIlroy, alongside Tommy Fleetwood, collected the Team of the Year award, recognising Team Europe’s Ryder Cup success. They beat out competition from England’s Euro 2025-winning women’s football team and England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup champions.

McIlroy is only the third golfer to win the prestigious Sports Personality award, following Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989. He is also the third Northern Irishman to claim the title, joining boxer Barry McGuigan (1985) and jockey Sir AP McCoy (2010).

Reflecting on the support he’s received, McIlroy stated, “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.”

He added with emotion, “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.”

McIlroy also expressed his gratitude to the BBC, saying, “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.”

The dramatic conclusion to McIlroy’s Masters victory saw him overcome a two-shot deficit and a shaky start, eventually prevailing in a sudden-death play-off against Justin Rose. “A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green,” McIlroy said. “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”

Looking ahead, the world number two has hinted at a future role as European Ryder Cup captain, stating, “I would love to be the European team captain at some point. But that will be when I’m not good enough to make the team, or I make way for the new generation to come along.”

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE