A thunderous roar of celebration erupted at MediaCity in Salford as Rory McIlroy was crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025, becoming the first golfer to lift the iconic trophy in 36 years.
A Year of Dreams Fulfilled
The 36-year-old Northern Irish superstar sealed a phenomenal year by taking the public vote, a fitting tribute to a season where he achieved his lifelong ambitions. McIlroy's victory breaks a long drought for golf, with the last winner being Nick Faldo in 1989. The only other golfer to have won is Dai Rees in 1957.
"2025 has been the year that I made my dreams come true," an emotional McIlroy told the audience. "From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everywhere else in between. It has really been the year that dreams are made of."
The Masters Triumph That Sealed the Deal
McIlroy's watershed moment came in April at The Masters, where he finally captured the green jacket to complete the career Grand Slam. Having endured an 11-year wait for a major and several agonising near-misses at Augusta National, his victory placed him among the legends of the sport.
"I've had my chances at Augusta, I've been trying for 15 years, and the heartbreaks made it even sweeter," he admitted. The win meant he joined an elite group including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen.
His year was further decorated by leading Europe to a dramatic Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black in New York amidst a fiercely partisan American crowd, and by winning the European Order of Merit.
Podium Finishers and Other Award Winners
In a surprising reveal, the top three were announced 25 minutes before the show's end. England rugby union's Ellie Kildunne, a key figure in the Red Roses' Women's Rugby World Cup win, finished a remarkable second. Formula One world champion Lando Norris secured third place.
Golf enjoyed further success as Europe's Ryder Cup team claimed the Team of the Year award. England's Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman won Coach of the Year for a second time after guiding the team to Women's Euros glory.
Other notable winners included:
- Mondo Duplantis: World Sports Star of the Year for a second consecutive year.
- Michelle Agyemang (19): Young Sports Personality of the Year.
- Thierry Henry: Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Night of Powerful Moments
The most poignant award of the evening was the Helen Rollason award for outstanding achievement in adversity, presented to David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar. The two fathers ran the London Marathon to create legacies for their daughters, Elsie (7) and Alice (9), who were tragically killed in the Southport dance class attack in July 2024.
"I'm just a dad keeping a promise to a little girl," David said. The moment visibly moved McIlroy, a father himself, who later called the men "heroes".
With this award, Rory McIlroy has cemented an unforgettable year, transitioning from a perennial contender to a history-making champion, both on the course and in the public's affection.
