LONDON: Rory McIlroy was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday after finally completing golf’s career Grand Slam with a long-awaited Masters victory.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman captured the Green Jacket at Augusta National in April, becoming only the sixth man – and the first European – to win all four major championships. England rugby star Ellie Kildunne finished second in the public vote, while Formula One world champion Lando Norris placed third.
McIlroy’s Masters success came 11 years after he had already won the U.S. Open, The Open and the PGA Championship by 2014. His 2025 season was further highlighted by a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, along with victories at the Irish Open in front of home fans and the Players Championship.
“2025 has been the year I made my dreams come true,” McIlroy said. “From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It’s the year dreams are made of.”
