Rory McIlroy won BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the end of 2025, which he called “the year I made my dreams come true.” This was the highlight of a historic season in which he finally completed a career Grand Slam and returned to the top of the world of golf.

McIlroy was named the 2025 winner at the annual ceremony held this evening at BBC Sport’s offices in MediaCity, Salford. He beat out five other nominees from football, rugby, darts, and Formula One.

His golf team, Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, also won the award for Team of the Year, making him a double winner.

Rory McIlroy arriving at dock10 Studios for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in MediaCityUK, Salford
Rory McIlroy arrives for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards at MediaCityUK, Salford. (PA)

Before the public vote, the 36-year-old was clearly the favorite. He had won The Masters in April, ending an 11-year wait for a major title and becoming only the sixth player in history to win the modern career Grand Slam.

Many people also thought that his win at Augusta National was one of the most important times in his career and one of the best sporting events of the year.

After winning the Masters, McIlroy was a key part of Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in the US. This made his case for the prestigious award, which was chosen by a public vote, even stronger.

The golfer’s victory speech said that 2025 was the year his dreams came true.

He started by congratulating the other finalists: “I mean, look at all the work you’ve done this year and over the course of your careers. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes.”

“It’s an honor to be in this room with so many hardworking people. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between, 2025 was the year my dreams came true. I owe a lot of thanks to all the people who helped make it happen.”

“First, thanks to everyone who voted for me, my family, and my parents.” Parents, if you’re reading this, thank you for everything you did for me. I wouldn’t be here without you.

To my wife Erica and daughter Poppy: you keep me together; you’re my rock.” Even though they couldn’t be here tonight, I can’t wait to celebrate with them again tomorrow. I love them and want to thank them for everything.

And thanks to the BBC for putting on these awards.” I remember how much I looked forward to watching these awards on TV as a child. They were such an important part of the Christmas season. I’m so proud to have this prize, and I hope to try again next year.

Since the award began in 1954, McIlory is the first player from Northern Ireland to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He is also the third person from Northern Ireland to win the title, after jockey AP McCoy in 2010 and pentathlon gold medalist Lady Mary Peters in 1972.

McIlroy said on the program before his win, “When you want something so badly, the only thing that stands in your way is yourself.” “It’s taken me 14 to 15 years to finally win the Masters.

Also, the golfer got emotional when he talked about his daughter Poppy and said that being a dad “makes losses easier.

“Like everyone else, my family has been watching me through this, and I could feel everyone with me the whole time.”

McIlroy, Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly of the Lionesses, Ellie Kildunne of England’s rugby team, Luke Littler of darts fame, and Lando Norris, who was just named Formula One world champion, were the six people who were nominated for the 2025 award.

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Kelly and Hampton were chosen because they helped England win its second straight European Championship in the summer. Kildunne, on the other hand, was a key part of the Red Roses’ home World Cup victory.

Norris won the Formula One world title last weekend in Abu Dhabi, and Littler had an amazing breakthrough year. At age 17, he became the youngest world darts champion and went on to win several other big titles.

In 2024, Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson got the award after winning a gold medal at the Paris Games and defending her European title. Now, McIlroy takes her place.

At the event, other awards were given out, such as Coach of the Year, which went to Sarina Wiegman.

The Helen Rollason Award went to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, the dads of the two girls killed in the Southport attack. Michelle Agyemang won the Young Sports Personality of the Year award, and Mondo Duplantis won the World Sport Star award.

James Nesbitt, an actor from Northern Ireland, made a surprise appearance on the show to talk about Team Europe’s win in New York during the Ryder Cup earlier this year. Niall Horan, a singer from One Direction, also spoke about McIlroy’s nominated video.

Thierry Henry, a former star player for Arsenal and France, also got the Lifetime Achievement award for his contributions to football during the show. Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, and Alex Scott presented the award.