The Holywood golfing star’s award capped a landmark season that saw him finally complete a career Grand Slam and return to the summit of world golf.
McIlroy was crowned the 2025 winner at the annual ceremony held at BBC Sport headquarters in MediaCity, Salford this week, beating competition from five other nominees across football, rugby, darts and Formula One.
I am just very honoured to get my hands on this trophy
The six nominees for the 2025 award were McIlroy, Lionesses duo Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, England rugby star Ellie Kildunne, darts sensation Luke Littler and newly crowned Formula One world champion Lando Norris.
McIlroy was also a double-winner, after Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, which featured the golfer, won the award for Team of the Year.
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His achievements drew praise from Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described McIlroy’s exploits as “inspirational”.
“Congratulations, Rory McIlroy, for winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year,” he posted on X.
“Your incredible performance securing a Ryder Cup victory with Team Europe, alongside a Career Grand Slam, was inspirational.”
The 36-year-old was the clear favourite heading into the public vote after ending an 11-year wait for a major title with victory at The Masters in April, becoming only the sixth player in history to complete the modern career Grand Slam.
His triumph at Augusta National was also widely regarded as one of the most significant moments of his career and one of the standout sporting achievements of the year.
McIlroy followed his Masters success by playing a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on US soil, further strengthening his claim for the prestigious award, which was decided by a public vote.
Rory McIlroy lifting the trophy this week. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire
In his speech upon winning, the golfer said 2025 was the year his dreams came true.
“I remember growing up looking forward to watching these awards on TV, it was such a big part in the run up to Christmas, so I am just very honoured to get my hands on this trophy, and hopefully I’ll challenge myself to get again next year,” he said.
McIlory has become the first golfer from Northern Ireland to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year since the award began in 1954, and is the third NI sportsperson to take the title following jockey AP McCoy in 2010 and pentathlon gold medallist Lady Mary Peters in 1972.
Taking to social media following the announcement, NI’s First and Deputy First Ministers paid tribute to McIlroy’s success.
“Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year,” First Minister Michelle O’Neill posted on X.
“A fitting award and an amazing way to finish off what has been an absolutely spectacular year on the course.
Rory McIlroy was crowned 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire
News Catch Up – Friday 19 December
“Rory’s achievements are inspiring our young golfers and athletes to believe in their potential and follow their dreams!”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also posted on her socials, saying: “Amazing! Well done Rory after an incredible achievement this year – well deserved!”
Fellow Ryder Cup golfer Shane Lowry also congratulated McIlroy, posting on Instagram that “nobody deserves it more”.