Rory McIlroy is the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025, sealing the top honour after a season that finally ticked every box in his glittering career.
The Northern Irish golfer topped the public vote on Thursday night, capping a year that included Masters glory, Ryder Cup success on American soil, and a run of wins that reminded everyone why he has been one of the sport’s defining figures for more than a decade.
The annual BBC awards celebrate the biggest moments across British and world sport, and this year’s ceremony delivered a mix of historic achievements, breakthrough stars and emotional recognition.
Rory McIlroy finally completes the picture
For McIlroy, 2025 was the year it all came together.
In April, he won the Masters at Augusta National, completing golf’s career Grand Slam and ending years of questions about the one major title missing from his résumé. From there, the momentum never really stopped.
He played a central role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in the United States, contributing crucial points as the team edged out the Americans in a tense contest. He also lifted the Irish Open again, added wins at the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and finished the year by claiming his seventh Race to Dubai title.
It was the kind of season that left little doubt when the public votes were counted.
Mondo Duplantis dominates again
Pole vault superstar Armand “Mondo” Duplantis was named World Sport Star of the Year, and few would argue with that decision.
The Swede enjoyed another flawless season, winning global gold once more and setting a stunning 6.30m world record. He went undefeated across all 16 of his competitions in 2025, becoming the first male pole vaulter in the modern era to post back-to-back unbeaten seasons.
At this point, Duplantis is not just winning. He is redefining what dominance looks like in his event.
Europe’s Ryder Cup team delivers on hostile ground
The Team of the Year award went to Europe’s Ryder Cup side after their dramatic 15–13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black.
Led by captain Luke Donald, Europe handled the pressure of playing away from home and silenced a fierce New York crowd to claim their first Ryder Cup win on U.S. soil since 2012. It was only Europe’s fifth victory in America since the tournament began in 1927, underlining the scale of the achievement.
Sarina Wiegman keeps rewriting England’s history
England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman picked up Coach of the Year after another landmark season.
Wiegman guided the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory, retaining the European Championship title after a dramatic final against Spain decided on penalties. The win made England the first national team, men’s or women’s, to lift a major trophy away from home.
It was yet another chapter in a coaching career that continues to set new standards.
Michelle Agyemang announces herself
Teenager Michelle Agyemang was named Young Sports Personality of the Year after a breakout summer.
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Just months after making her senior international debut, she came off the bench to score vital late goals in both the quarter-final and semi-final at Euro 2025. Her impact helped drive England all the way to the title and earned her the Golden Girl award as Europe’s top young player.
Currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, Agyemang’s rise has been fast and impossible to ignore.
Thierry Henry honoured for a defining career
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Thierry Henry, a player whose influence stretches far beyond trophies and statistics.
Henry retired as Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, won multiple Premier League titles and FA Cups, and was a key part of France’s World Cup and European Championship-winning sides. Even years after retirement, his legacy in English football remains intact.
Helen Rollason Award recognises strength beyond sport
The most emotional moment of the night came with the Helen Rollason Award, presented to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe.
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Following the tragic loss of their daughters in 2024, the two fathers have turned grief into purpose, running major marathons and raising funds for a foundation created in their children’s memory. Their work has supported families and causes well beyond the world of sport.
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Full list of BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 winners
- Sports Personality of the Year: Rory McIlroy (Golf)
- World Sport Star of the Year: Armand “Mondo” Duplantis (Athletics)
- Team of the Year: European Ryder Cup Team (Golf)
- Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman (Football)
- Young Sports Personality of the Year: Michelle Agyemang (Football)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Thierry Henry (Football)
- Helen Rollason Award: Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe
This year’s awards reflected a season packed with history, emotion and standout performances, with McIlroy’s long-awaited crowning moment sitting at the centre of it all.
