Rory McIlroy has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025, capping a remarkable year that saw him win the Masters and play a key role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory. The Northern Irish golfer topped the public vote, with rugby union star Ellie Kildunne finishing second and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris taking third.
McIlroy, 36, received the trophy from Keely Hodgkinson and Thierry Henry at the ceremony in Salford. In his acceptance speech, he said: 'It's such an honour just to be in this room with all of these incredible people. 2025 is the year I made my dreams come true, the year dreams are made of, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between.' He thanked his family, particularly his wife Erica and daughter Poppy.
The evening also saw Europe's Ryder Cup team named Team of the Year, while England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman was awarded Coach of the Year. Young Sports Personality went to footballer Michelle Agyemang, and Armand Duplantis was named World Sport Star. Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Thierry Henry, and the Helen Rollason Award went to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe.
The ceremony included tributes to sporting figures lost during the year, with a performance by a choir formed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City stadium fire. The event was hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.
