RORY McILROY CROWNED BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, becoming just the third golfer in the award’s 72-year history to claim the prestigious title.

The 36-year-old Ulsterman was crowned winner at a glittering ceremony in Salford last night, topping a public vote after an extraordinary year that saw him finally conquer Augusta and complete one of sport’s most coveted achievements.

McIlroy emerged victorious from a strong shortlist that included Formula 1 star Lando Norris and England rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne. During the live show, the initial shortlist was whittled down to the final three, before Kildunne was named runner-up, paving the way for McIlroy’s crowning moment.

Widely regarded as the favourite heading into the ceremony, McIlroy’s win was driven by what many commentators have described as the defining year of his career. After more than a decade of heartbreak, near-misses and intense scrutiny, he finally captured The Masters title at Augusta National, completing the career Grand Slam and silencing long-standing doubts.

For years, the green jacket had eluded him, often by the narrowest of margins. But in 2025, McIlroy delivered under the most intense pressure, producing a performance that reminded fans why he has been one of the most compelling figures in global sport for over a decade.

His Sports Personality of the Year win places him alongside golfing legends who have previously claimed the award, underlining just how rare an achievement it remains for players from the sport.

Speaking after collecting the trophy, McIlroy paid tribute to his family, team and supporters, acknowledging the resilience required to keep believing after years of disappointment. For many viewers aged 30 and over, his victory felt particularly satisfying, a reminder that perseverance and patience can still triumph in modern sport.

Rory McIlroy ended golf’s 36-year wait for a SPOTY winner on Thursday night - Credit: PA

The ceremony also celebrated excellence and inspiration across a wide range of sporting disciplines.

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising an unforgettable career that spanned club and international football. From his record-breaking years at Arsenal to World Cup and European Championship success with France, Henry remains one of football’s most iconic figures.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came with the presentation of the Helen Rollason Award to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two young girls tragically murdered in Southport last year. The pair were recognised for their remarkable fundraising efforts and for establishing lasting legacies in their daughters’ names, a moment that brought the audience to its feet.

In the international categories, Swedish pole vault superstar Armand “Mondo” Duplantis claimed World Sport Star of the Year for the second consecutive year, beating competition from Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. Duplantis’ dominance in his sport has made him one of the most consistent athletes on the planet.

England women’s football continued to shine, with Sarina Wiegman named Coach of the Year after becoming the first England manager to win two major tournaments, following the Lionesses’ memorable triumph in Switzerland. Her calm leadership and tactical brilliance have cemented her status as one of the greatest coaches in the modern game.

Meanwhile, Michelle Agyemang was crowned Young Sports Personality of the Year, recognised for her outstanding contributions to England’s success and her emergence as one of the brightest young talents in British sport.

Despite their success, the Lionesses narrowly missed out on Team of the Year, with the honour instead going to the European Ryder Cup team, whose dominant performance secured the trophy and capped a memorable year for European golf.

As the night drew to a close, it was Rory McIlroy who stood at the centre of the celebration, a sportsman whose journey has been defined as much by resilience as brilliance.

For fans watching at home, his Sports Personality of the Year win felt like a fitting reward for a career that has inspired millions, and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones that take the longest to achieve.