Rory McIlroy BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025
Golf legend Rory McIlroy has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025, capping a remarkable season that saw him reach historic milestones and capture the public’s imagination in the United Kingdom. The 36-year-old Northern Irish golfer won the coveted award during the annual BBC ceremony held on Thursday, beating strong competition from other leading British and international sports stars in a public vote that reflects both achievement and widespread support across sporting fans.
McIlroy’s award-winning year was defined by his long-awaited victory at the Masters Tournament in April, where he completed the career Grand Slam by winning golf’s most historic titles, becoming only the sixth male golfer in history to achieve that feat. His Masters win was followed by a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in the United States, a team triumph that added to his stellar season. McIlroy also secured victory at the Players Championship, his home Irish Open, and his seventh consecutive Race to Dubai title, underlining his consistency and excellence throughout the year.
The competition for the BBC Sports Personality award was intense, with England rugby star Ellie Kildunne finishing second and Formula One World Champion Lando Norris placing third in the voting. McIlroy’s success makes him the first golfer to win the BBC award since Nick Faldo in 1989, and he is also the first male athlete to claim the title since Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton in 2020. The accolade reflects a year of personal triumph and recognition for McIlroy’s contributions to sport, solidifying his place among the greats in golf and British sporting history.
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