Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 after a remarkable season highlighted by his historic Masters victory. The Northern Irish golfer secured his first green jacket at Augusta National in April, completing the coveted career Grand Slam. This achievement cements McIlroy’s place among golf’s elite, joining the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player as the sixth man—and the first European—to accomplish the feat.
McIlroy’s journey to the career Grand Slam spanned over a decade. Having already won the US Open, The Open, and the US PGA Championship by 2014, he patiently awaited this crowning moment to complete his major championship collection. Furthermore, he significantly contributed to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on American soil—the first since 2012—by earning three-and-a-half points for his side.
In the public vote that decided the award, England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne finished runner-up, while Formula 1 driver Lando Norris secured third place. Norris, born in Bristol and raised in Somerset, continues to impress his fans with strong performances in the Formula 1 circuit.
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Other notable nominees included England forward Chloe Kelly, Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, and darts prodigy Luke Littler. The winner of the award is selected by public vote from a shortlist determined by a panel of sports experts.
McIlroy becomes only the third golfer ever to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, following Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989. Additionally, Team Europe was honored as Team of the Year on Thursday following their Ryder Cup triumph.