Rory McIlroy has won Sport Personality of the Year, capping off an incredible 2025 in which he won the Masters in dramatic fashion and helped Europe to the Ryder Cup.
The Northern Irishman ended his long-running snub of the prestigious award ceremony to see off competition from England rugby star Ellie Kildunne, who finished second in the public vote, and F1 world champion Lando Norris, who completed the top three.
McIlroy, 36, was in attendance at BBC Sport headquarters at MediaCity in Salford and had been hot favourite with bookmakers to take home the prize.
He completed the career Grand Slam by winning in Augusta in April before spearheading Luke Donald’s brilliant team at Bethpage Black five months later.
McIlroy dedicated his award to his wife and daughter, saying: ‘2025 has been the year I made my dream come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between.
‘My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy – they’re what holds me together, my rock. They couldn’t be here tonight, they’re back in America but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate with them. Thank you for your support and everything you’ve done for me.’
McIlroy’s victory is a significant moment for his sport and he is the first golfer to scoop the award since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989.
He is only the third golfer to win SPOTY after Faldo and Welshman Dai Rees, who finished first in 1957.
Rory McIlroy celebrates after being presented with the gong by 2024 winner Keely Hodgkinson
Rory McIlroy, pictured celebrating the Ryder Cup triumph, has had a brilliant year
Danny Willett came last after winning the Masters in 2016 and Matt Fitzpatrick failed to make the shortlist after winning the US Open in 2022.
McIlroy was second to Lewis Hamilton in 2014 after winning back-to-back majors and that was the last time he attended the ceremony, until tonight.
His perfectly timed U-turn comes after he was brutally dismissive of SPOTY this January, saying: ‘Whenever I saw the results, I forgot I was nominated.
‘So that’s how much I think about it. It’s a popularity contest. It’s not what it once was.’
He refused to send in a video message two years ago and did not appear remotely on the broadcast that night.
But after one of the best years of his career, he confirmed in November that he would be jetting in for this edition.
‘I have more chance of winning if I’m actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts it could only be a good thing for the game.
‘I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will,’ he had reasoned.
That decision proved to be a wise one.
McIlroy had snubbed the annual event since coming second back in 2014 (above) but was in attendance this year after performing a U-turn
His brilliant Masters win came after a sudden death playoff against Justin Rose following a nervy final round filled with incredible shots and baffling mistakes.
The wait of 3,898 days for a fifth major was finally over and he burst into tears having completed the career grand slam.
McIlroy was a rock for Team Europe at Bethpage Black, enduring horrendous abuse directed at him and his wife from hostile American fans to come out on top.
His winning form has now extended to SPOTY and golf’s long drought is over.
Lionesses stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton were also nominated for the main prize, along with world darts champion Luke Littler.
