Rory McIlroy wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the first time

Northern Irishman becomes first golfer to win award since 1990

Rory McIlroy arriving for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
Rory McIlroy arriving for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Rory McIlroy has won BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the first time after a career-defining year that saw him complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters and help Europe win the Ryder Cup.

It was two wins on the night for McIlroy as Team Europe were voted team of the year for their away win at Bethpage Black in the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy finished ahead of English rugby player Ellie Kildunne in second place, and F1 champion Lando Norris in third.

He is the first golfer to win the award since Nick Faldo in 1989. McIlroy becomes the fourth Irish winner after Mary Peters, Barry McGuigan and Tony McCoy.

More to follow..

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone