McIlroy crowned BBC sports personality of the year after historic grand slam triumph

Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 following a landmark season in which he completed golf’s career Grand Slam and helped Europe reclaim the Ryder Cup on American soil, Sport360NG reports.

The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland sealed his place among the sport’s all-time greats in April by winning the Masters at Augusta National, becoming only the sixth man, and the first European, to capture all four major championships. The victory ended an 11-year wait to complete the set, having previously won the US Open, The Open Championship and the US PGA Championship by 2014.

McIlroy’s Masters success proved the centrepiece of an outstanding year. He went on to play a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in the United States, their first since 2012, contributing three-and-a-half points across five matches. Further highlights included a second Irish Open title, wins at the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and a record-extending seventh Race to Dubai crown.

“2025 has been the year I made my dreams come true,” McIlroy said after collecting the award. “From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between, it’s been a year I’ll never forget.”

England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne finished second in the public vote, with Formula 1 driver Lando Norris taking third place. England forward Chloe Kelly, Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and darts sensation Luke Littler were also shortlisted by the expert panel.

McIlroy becomes only the third golfer to receive the honour, following Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989. He is also the third winner from Northern Ireland, after boxer Barry McGuigan and jockey Sir AP McCoy.

Reflecting on his journey, McIlroy paid tribute to his family and supporters. “My parents sacrificed so much for me, and I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said. “My wife Erica and my daughter Poppy are my rock. I can’t wait to celebrate this with them.”

A season of drama and redemption

McIlroy’s Masters victory was achieved in gripping fashion. Having surrendered a four-shot lead at Augusta in 2011, he again faced adversity in the final round this year after a double bogey erased his early advantage. Despite further setbacks on the back nine, he forced a sudden-death play-off with Justin Rose before holding his nerve to birdie the opening hole and finally claim the green jacket.

“At the end, all the emotion came out,” McIlroy said. “Moments like that make every near miss worthwhile.”

His Ryder Cup performances further underlined his influence, as Europe triumphed at Bethpage Black despite a hostile atmosphere. With six wins from eight Ryder Cup appearances, McIlroy is now widely tipped as a future European captain.

Elsewhere on the night, Team Europe were voted Team of the Year following their Ryder Cup success, edging out England’s Euro 2025-winning women’s football side and the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions.

For McIlroy, a season defined by perseverance, excellence and fulfilment has now been capped with British sport’s most prestigious individual honour.