First golfer since 1989: Rory McIlroy is Sports Personality of the Year

The sporting year 2025 comes to a crowning conclusion: Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY). The Northern Irishman secured the prestigious trophy after a season that will go down in the annals of golf with a long-awaited career Grand Slam and a triumphant Ryder Cup.

It was a historic moment in Salford when the result of the public vote was announced. Rory McIlroy relegated rugby great Ellie Kildunne and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris to second and third place respectively. McIlroy thus ends an era: no golfer had managed to win this award since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989.

How Rory McIlroy became a golf legend in 2025

The cornerstone of this success was his performance in April at a venue that had often broken his heart in the past. With his triumph at the Masters in Augusta, McIlroy finally completed his collection of titles. He now belongs to that elite circle of only six players - and is the first European ever - to have won all four major tournaments at least once.

The final in Augusta was pure excitement. After a dramatic play-off against Justin Rose, McIlroy could no longer contain his emotions. "A moment like this makes up for all the years and all the narrow defeats," he said later, describing the moment of liberation he had had to wait eleven years for.

Double triumph: Ryder Cup success and team award

But the evening had another surprise in store for Rory McIlroy. Shortly before accepting his individual prize, he was already on stage to celebrate the "Team of the Year" award. Ryder Cup Team Europe won the favor of the fans for their spectacular victory on US soil.

In the duel at Bethpage Black (New York), McIlroy was the emotional driving force for the Europeans. With 3.5 points, he played a major part in captain Luke Donald's team celebrating their first away win in 13 years. Together with his close friend Tommy Fleetwood, he represented the team on stage and turned the evening into a real day of celebration for golf.

An emotional evening: tears and gratitude

In his speech, the 36-year-old appeared unusually vulnerable. He described 2025 as the year in which his "dreams came true". The audience took a particularly deep look into his soul when he spoke about his role as a father. Visibly moved, he paid tribute to the fathers of the Southport victims, who had previously been honored for their bravery.

"As the father of a little girl, I see these men as absolute heroes," McIlroy said in a fragile voice. Although his wife Erica and daughter Poppy were unable to be there, Rory emphasized that they were his "rock", without whom this success would not have been possible.

A year of superlatives for the world No. 2

Alongside the headlines from Augusta and the Ryder Cup, McIlroy's year was marked by an impressive run of titles. He won the Irish Open in front of his home fans, secured the Players Championship and the event at Pebble Beach and finished the season as winner of the Race to Dubai for the seventh time.

The SPOTY Award is the fulfillment of a childhood dream for him: "I grew up with this show, it was an integral part of the pre-Christmas season. It's a huge honor to hold this trophy myself now."

Will 2026 be the year of the title defense?

Rory McIlroy impressively proved in 2025 that he is the ultimate representative of his sport. Having made his peace with Augusta, he seems more liberated than ever. The competition has been warned, as McIlroy has already announced his intention to fight for the crown again next year.