Who Were the Sports Personality Winners of 2025?

Rory McIlroy has been crowned the 72nd winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, recognising his remarkable achievements in golf, including completing a career Grand Slam and leading Europe to Ryder Cup victory. His year was marked by multiple tournament wins and significant contributions to his sport, making him a standout figure in 2025.

Last updated: 07 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

Rory McIlroy's recent accolade as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year spotlights his outstanding contributions to golf over the past year. His achievements not only include winning the prestigious Masters but also playing a pivotal role in the European Ryder Cup triumph. McIlroy's recognition reinforces the significance of his performances and the impact he has on the sport, particularly for fans in the UK and beyond.

Key takeaways

Rory McIlroy became the 72nd Sports Personality of the Year.
He achieved golfing immortality by completing a career Grand Slam with his first Masters title.
McIlroy was instrumental in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, contributing three-and-a-half points.
He secured multiple tournament wins, including the Irish Open and Race to Dubai title.
Sarina Wiegman and the European Ryder Cup Team also received notable awards during the ceremony.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the past year, several key milestones have shaped Rory McIlroy's career and the broader sports landscape:

April 2025: McIlroy wins his first Masters title at Augusta National, completing the career Grand Slam.
September 2025: McIlroy plays a crucial role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, marking their first win in the USA since 2012.
July 2025: His victory at the Irish Open adds to his impressive tally, leading into a successful finish in the Race to Dubai.
October 2025: McIlroy is announced as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, highlighting his exceptional achievements throughout the year.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Rory McIlroy's recent accolade as Sports Personality of the Year brings renewed attention to his achievements in 2025, particularly his historic win at the Masters and his crucial contributions to the Ryder Cup. This recognition serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

What was already established

Prior to this award, McIlroy had already cemented his status within the golfing community by completing a career Grand Slam and showcasing consistent performance throughout the year. His role in the Ryder Cup further solidified his place as one of golf's elite players.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

McIlroy's success has a broader significance for UK sports fans, inspiring a new generation of golfers and sports enthusiasts. His achievements contribute positively to local economies through increased interest in golf and associated tourism activities, particularly around key events like the Masters and the Ryder Cup.

Businesses and jobs

The recognition of McIlroy and the European Ryder Cup Team may lead to increased sponsorship and investment in golf-related initiatives, benefiting businesses in the sporting sector. This could translate into more jobs within the industry, from coaching to event management.

Policy and regulation

As McIlroy continues to be a leading figure in golf, there could be implications for sports policy and funding in the UK. The government and sports bodies may consider increasing support for grassroots golf initiatives, inspired by McIlroy’s success and the public’s enhanced interest in the sport.

Numbers that matter

1: McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with his first Masters title in April 2025.
3.5: Points contributed by McIlroy to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory.
7: Number of Race to Dubai titles won by McIlroy, underscoring his dominance in European golf.
2: Times McIlroy won the Irish Open, showcasing his ability to perform on home soil.
15-13: Score of the Ryder Cup match that marked Europe’s first win on American soil since 2012.

Definitions and jargon buster

Career Grand Slam: Winning all four major championships (The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship) at least once in a professional golfer's career.
Ryder Cup: A biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States.
Race to Dubai: A season-long golf competition on the European Tour, culminating in a final tournament that determines the season's champion.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year: An annual awards ceremony celebrating the best sporting achievements in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, McIlroy's achievements may inspire up-and-coming golfers, leading to increased participation rates in golf across the UK. Local clubs may see a surge in membership and interest in training programmes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The spotlight on McIlroy could influence future sponsorship deals and partnerships within the golf industry, potentially leading to enhanced funding for sports initiatives. Expect announcements regarding upcoming tournaments and events that could benefit from this renewed interest.

Signals to watch

Membership and participation rates in local golf clubs.
Increased media coverage of golf events and tournaments.
Future sponsorship deals involving McIlroy and other prominent golfers.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage young athletes to participate in golf and sports in general.
Stay informed about local golfing events and opportunities for participation.
Consider supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting golf in schools.

Don’t

Neglect the importance of physical fitness and training in sports.
Underestimate the influence of role models like McIlroy on young athletes.
Miss opportunities to engage with community sports programmes.

Checklist

Research local golf clubs and their training programmes.
Attend upcoming golf events to support local players.
Follow McIlroy’s career and similar athletes for inspiration.
Engage with community initiatives promoting sports for youth.
Consider joining local golf tournaments to experience competitive play.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While McIlroy's achievements are commendable, it is essential to consider that the sports landscape can be unpredictable. Injuries, changes in performance, and the emergence of new competitors can alter the dynamics of golf. Additionally, while McIlroy's success may inspire many, the path to becoming a professional athlete remains challenging and requires significant dedication and resilience.

Bottom line

Rory McIlroy's recognition as Sports Personality of the Year highlights his exceptional contributions to golf in 2025. His achievements have not only elevated his career but also inspired fans and aspiring athletes across the UK. As McIlroy continues to excel, his impact on the sport and its community will likely resonate for years to come.

FAQs

What is the significance of McIlroy's career Grand Slam?

The career Grand Slam signifies that McIlroy has won all four major golf championships, solidifying his status as one of the greatest golfers in history.

How did McIlroy contribute to the Ryder Cup?

McIlroy played a crucial role in the Ryder Cup by contributing three-and-a-half points, which helped Europe secure victory against the United States.

What other awards were given during the Sports Personality ceremony?

In addition to McIlroy's recognition, Sarina Wiegman was named Coach of the Year, and the European Ryder Cup Team was awarded Team of the Year for their achievements.