Who saw that coming? Rory McIlroy became just the third golfer to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year after clinching the career Grand Slam and playing a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win.
And on an astonishing night for golf, Europe’s Ryder Cup side also picked up the Team of the Year prize.
The 36-year-old won the Masters to become just the sixth man – and first European – to achieve the Slam, joining Americans Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, and South Africa’s Gary Player.
Having won the US Open, The Open and US PGA Championship by 2014, the Northern Irishman had to wait another 11 years to make his “dreams come true” at Augusta National in April.
He was then a key part of Europe’s first Ryder Cup win in the United States since 2012, contributing three and a half points to his team’s dramatic victory.
McIlroy also won the Irish Open for a second time, with further triumphs at the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, before he ultimately topped off a stellar year with his seventh Race to Dubai title. He is now just one behind Colin Montgomerie.
“Wow,” McIlroy said on stage after receiving the award. “First of all, I would like to congratulate all of the other finalists. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes, so it is a pleasure to just be in this room. I feel truly honoured to just be a part of it. 2025 has been the year I made my dreams come true. From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It’s the year dreams are made of.
“I have a lot of people to thank. Firstly, the public, my family, my mum and my dad. They sacrificed so much for me. I wouldn’t be here without them, so thank you. My wife Erica and my daughter Poppy, they are what holds me together. My rock. They couldn’t be here tonight but I can’t wait to get back tomorrow and celebrate this with them. I love you.
“And to the BBC for hosting these awards. It has always been something growing up that I watched on TV. It was always a big part of the run-up to Christmas, so I am very honoured to get my hands on this trophy. Hopefully I can challenge to get it again next year.”
England rugby union player Ellie Kildunne was second, with Formula 1 driver Lando Norris in third. England forward Chloe Kelly, Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and darts world champion Luke Littler were also shortlisted for the iconic award by a panel of experts, with McIlroy receiving the most public votes.
Before collecting his individual award, McIlroy – along with England’s Tommy Fleetwood – picked up the Team of the Year award after Team Europe were celebrated for their Ryder Cup success.
Team Europe saw off competition from England’s Euro 2025-winning women’s football team and England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup champions to win receive that accolade.
McIlroy is just the third golfer to win Sports Personality, after Dai Rees in 1957 and Nick Faldo in 1989.Â
The Northern Irishman also now tops a career money list determined by OLBG. Bringing together earnings of top players on the PGA Tour, European (DP World) Tour and LIV Golf, McIlroy has taken in a combined $187.4m, which edges out Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm.
I didn’t think that McIlroy would claim this award, but his recognition, alongside that of Team Europe, makes this a great night for our sport.
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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