Rory McIlroy has been crowned as Sports Personality of the Year to end a brilliant 2025 after completing the career Grand Slam and winning the Ryder Cup again.
The 36-year-old finally completed his quest to win the Masters in April, meaning he had won all four majors.
McIlroy became just the sixth man – and first European – to win all four majors, joining American quartet Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as well as South Africa’s Gary Player.
He followed that feat up months later by helping Europe achieve a famous away Ryder Cup triumph on US soil.
During that victory at Bethpage Black, McIlroy contributed three-and-a-half points as Luke Donald’s side won away for the first time since 2012.
As well as those two big triumphs, McIlroy tasted success at the Irish Open, Players Championship, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, before topping off a stellar year with his seventh Race to Dubai title.
Rory McIlroy ‘truly honoured’ to win Sports Personality of the Year
‘Wow,’ McIlroy said 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.
‘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.
‘I have a lot of people to thank,’ said McIlroy. ‘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.’
McIlroy finished ahead of England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne, who helped her country win the World Cup, and F1’s new world champion Lando Norris.
Lioness duo Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton and darts player Luke Littler were also shortlisted for the award by a panel of experts, with the winner decided by a public vote.
Who else won awards?
Aside from the main award, McIlroy won another title as Team Europe were awarded with Team of the Year after their Ryder Cup success.
Sarina Wiegman was given Coach of the Year, Armand Duplantis won World Sport Star of the Year, Thierry Henry was given the Lifetime Achievement award, Young Sports Personality of the Year went to Michelle Agyemang and the Helen Rollason award went to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe.
