Rory McIlroy was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2024, becoming the first golfer in 36 years to claim the prestigious award. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman received a thunderous ovation at MediaCity in Salford as he completed a career grand slam with victory at the Masters and led Europe to a dramatic Ryder Cup win in New York.
McIlroy, who also won the European Order of Merit, saw off competition from England rugby star Ellie Kildunne, who finished second, and Formula One world champion Lando Norris in third. The Europe Ryder Cup team was named team of the year after their triumph at Bethpage Black.
In his acceptance speech, McIlroy said: '2025 has been the year that I made my dreams come true. Thank you for voting for me as your sports personality of the year.' He paid tribute to his family, saying: 'My wife, Erica, my daughter, Poppy, they are what holds me together. They are my rock.'
The ceremony also featured emotional moments, including the Helen Rollason award given to David Stancombe and Sergio da Silva Aguiar, fathers of two girls killed in a Southport dance class attack. They ran the London Marathon to create lasting legacies in their daughters' names.
Other winners included Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis as world sports star of the year, 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang as young sports personality, and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry with a lifetime achievement award.
