BREAKING: Rory McIlroy named BBC Sports Personality of the Year as every winner confirmed

Rory McIlroy was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2025 after a memorable year which saw him complete the coveted Grand Slam by finally winning the Masters

Rory McIlroy has become just the third golfer in 72 years to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The Ulsterman picked up the award after winning the vote at a star-studded event in Salford on Thursday night.

The golfing sensation won the award over England Lionesses duo Chole Kelly and Hannah Hampton, teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris and Ellie Kildunne, who starred for England as they won the Women's Rugby Union World Cup.

Norris and Kildunne joined McIlroy in the final three, with the shortlist halved during the show. Kildunne was then named runner-up, before McIlroy's crowning moment.

McIlroy was the heavy favourite to win the award after an historic 12 months. The 36-year-old ended years of hurt and near-misses by winning The Masters at Augusta for the first time.

The play-off victory over Justin Rose meant that McIlroy became just the sixth player - and first European - to win a Grand Slam consisting of golf's four majors.

McIlroy had looked destined to join the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods after he completed 75 per cent of the slam in 2014, aged 25. But he was made to wait more than a decade for the holy grail and the Green Jacket.

He then followed up on that remarkable individual triumph by playing a leading role in Team Europe’s historic victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

McIlroy withstood vile abuse from spectators across the three days, but stood tall to deliver three points in a first away victory since 2012. He then ended the year by winning his sixth Race to Dubai title, overtaking the great Seve Ballesteros.

His remarkable 2025 was recognised by voters with McIlroy beating out a host of brilliant other nominees for the award. In doing so he joined Dai Rees (1957) and Nick Faldo (1989) as the latest golfing recipient of the prestigious award.

After winning the award, he said: "Wow. First of all I'd like to congratulate the other finalists, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes. It's a pleasure just to be in this room and I feel honoured just to be a part, so congratulations.

"Look 2025 was the year I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of.

"I have a lot of people to thank, firstly the public for voting for me, but my family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I wouldn't be here without them. Thank you.

"My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They're what holds me together, they're my rock. They couldn't be here tonight, they are back in America, but I can't wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate with them. I can't wait to see you, I love you."

During the ceremony, McIlroy paid tribute to his wife Erica Stoll and young daughter Poppy for their role in keeping him grounded and giving him perspective.

He said: "Being a dad, it makes the losses a lot easier. It makes the wins even more special to be able to share that with Erica [wife] and Poppy [daughter].

"My family, they've watched me go through all of this like I'm sure a lot of the public has. I feel like everyone's been on this journey with me."

He added: "I didn’t make it easy for myself. When you want something so much, the obstacle becomes yourself.

"I’ve had my chances at Augusta, I’ve been trying for 14 or 15 years. When you go through the heartbreaks then it makes it all the sweeter [to win].

Elsewhere at the ceremony, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award for his exploits over an unforgettable career.

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two of the young girls tragically murdered in Southport last year, won the Helen Rollason Award for their remarkable fundraising in establishing legacies in their daughters' names.

Pole Vault sensation Armand Duplantis made it back-to-back World Sport Star, beating out Liverpool's Mohamed Salah to the award.

Sarina Wiegman was named as Coach of the Year, after becoming the first England manager to win two major tournaments after the Lionesses' victory in Switzerland. While Michelle Agyemang, who played such a massive role in their triumph was named Young Sports Personality of the Year.

But the Lionesses did miss out on the Team of the Year with the successful European Ryder Cup side scooping that award.