As the calendar turns to a new year, it's time to reflect on the unforgettable sporting drama that captivated the nation throughout 2025. It was a year of historic firsts, stunning upsets, and emotional triumphs that provided the very best of sporting theatre.
From the hallowed fairways of Augusta to a packed Twickenham, British athletes and teams delivered stories of resilience and glory. Daily Mail Sport reporters, who witnessed these events firsthand, have selected their defining moments of a remarkable 12 months.
Golfing Glory and Footballing Triumphs
The narrative of the year was undoubtedly shaped by Rory McIlroy. In April, he finally conquered Augusta National to win The Masters, becoming only the sixth male golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam. His victory, sealed in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose, was a cathartic moment after years of near-misses at the tournament.
Months later, McIlroy showcased a different kind of courage at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Facing relentless and personal abuse from partisan New York crowds, he led Team Europe to a first victory on American soil in 13 years. His defiant retort to a heckler on the 16th hole during the Saturday foursomes, followed by a stunning approach shot, encapsulated a performance of immense mental strength.
In football, the summer belonged to the Lionesses. On a divine July afternoon in Basel, England's women retained their European Championship crown, beating Spain in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The winning spot-kick was converted by Chloe Kelly, whose journey from anxiety and being marginalised at club level to national hero provided one of the year's most redemptive stories.
Club football also delivered surreal moments. Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, with their MetLife Stadium final victory over Paris Saint-Germain notably witnessed by former President Donald Trump on the podium. Meanwhile, Manchester United veteran Harry Maguire headed a last-gasp winner against Lyon to complete a stunning Europa League comeback, sparking pandemonium at Old Trafford.
Rugby, Racing and Remarkable Rise
Rugby union enjoyed a landmark year for the women's game. On 27 September, the Red Roses lifted the Rugby World Cup at a sold-out Twickenham, defeating Canada 33-13 in front of 81,885 fans and a peak BBC television audience of 5.8 million. The victory capped an incredible summer for women's team sports in England.
In the men's game, Northampton Saints produced one of the great club upsets by defeating Leinster, packed with international stars, in a Champions Cup semi-final thriller at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The victory, sealed by a brilliant try from young Henry Pollock, was an instant classic.
The feel-good story of the football league season came from Wales, as Wrexham AFC secured a third successive promotion to reach the Championship for the first time in 43 years. The Hollywood-owned club's fairytale rise, which began in 2021, reached new heights with a decisive victory over Charlton Athletic.
At Aintree, racing history was made on 5 April when training legend Willie Mullins dominated the Grand National in unprecedented fashion. His son, Patrick, rode home the 33/1 winner Nick Rockett, with the Mullins stable also supplying the second, third, fifth and seventh horses in a never-to-be-repeated training masterclass.
Epic Encounters and Emotional Farewells
Cricket provided high-octane drama and poignant farewells. At The Oval, Chris Woakes walked out to bat with a dislocated shoulder, cradled in a sling, in a desperate attempt to win the fifth Test against India. Though England fell six runs short, Woakes's courage confirmed his status as the ultimate team player before he announced his retirement from international cricket weeks later.
In the T20 format, England's batsmen produced a breathtaking display at Emirates Old Trafford, posting a record 304 for two against South Africa. Phil Salt led the charge with an unbeaten 141, the highest score by an Englishman in T20 internationals.
Finally, in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris secured his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship. The British driver held his nerve in a tense desert decider, finishing third to finally overcome the challenge of Max Verstappen and cap a topsy-turvy season for McLaren.
From last-gasp goals to long-awaited coronations, 2025 delivered a sporting spectacle that will live long in the memory, setting a high bar for the year to come.
