Rory McIlroy wins SPOTY as golf star gives classy instant response | Other | Sport
Rory McIlroy has been named the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year after a whirlwind season on the PGA Tour – and in golf’s majors. The Northern Irishman was voted in by the public thanks to a stellar 2025, which saw him not only win thrice on the PGA Tour, but also complete the coveted Career Grand Slam at the Masters in April and claim the Ryder Cup with Team Europe on away soil.
Speaking after collecting his award, McIlroy said: “First of all, I’d just like to congratulate all the other finallists here tonight. What you’ve all done this year, and over the course of your careers, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes. It’s a pleasure just to be in this room, along with so many dedicated people and, yeah, I feel truly honoured just to be a part of it so congratulations.
“It’s been the year that I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in-between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of. I have a lot of people to thank, firstly the public.
“Thank you for voting me as your sports-person of the year. My family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I obviously wouldn’t be here without them, so mum and dad, if you’re watching, thank you.
“My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They are what sort of holds me together, my rocks. 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 this with them as well. So thank you for all of your support, everything that you’ve done for me over the years, and can’t wait to get back and see you. Love you.
“And to the BBC for hosting these awards. I remember growing up, looking forward to this night, watching it on TV, seeing who was going to win. It was always a big part in the run up to Christmas. Just very honooured to get my hands on this trophy behind me and hopefully I can challenge to get it again next year. But thank you everyone. Truly is an honour and have a great evening. Thank you.”
It comes as McIlroy enterted the night as part of a six-person shortlist to claim the prestigious award; alongside Luke Littler, Lando Norris, Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Kildunne. The list was whittled down to three at around 8.40pm on Thursday evening, as Norris, Kildunne and McIlroy remained.
After picking up the Team of the Year award alongside Tommy Fleetwood for Team Europe’s win at Bethpage Black, McIlroy was then named as the sole winner of the 2025 BBC SPOTY award. Elsewhere on the night, Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe received the Helen Rollason Award, Sarina Wiegman picked up Coach of the Year, Michelle Agyemang was handed out Young Sports Personality of the Year, Armand Duplantis picked up the World Sports Star award and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry got a Lifetime Achievement award.
