Ballesteros family pay ultimate compliment to Rory McIlroy after moving alongside Ryder Cup great

Rory McIlroy was presented with the Seve Ballesteros Award at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic last week, having won his sixth Race to Dubai title at the end of 2024

Seve Ballesteros' legacy saw him go down as not just one of Europe's, but the world's greatest players, and now the Spaniard's son Javier believes Rory McIlroy falls into that same category.

McIlroy has announced himself as the face of European golf during his career, a role previously taken on by Ballesteros. For many, the Spanish great - who is the most succesful DP World Tour player of all time and a five-time major champion - is an inspiration to those now competing, including McIlroy.

This made the Northern Irishman's win at last November's DP World Tour Championship extra special, having clinched his sixth Race to Dubai title, tying the record of Europe's greatest son in Ballesteros.

It was clear what the record meant to McIlroy, who shed a tear when discussing levelling the number of Order of Merit wins of the late Spaniard. "I think everyone know what is Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players," he said at the end of the 2024 season.

"[In the] European Ryder Cup locker room all we have are quotes of Seve. We had a changing room with Seve's shirt from '95, the last Ryder Cup he played. He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."

Two mins on from his season-ending crowning, McIlroy was back in Dubai to kick off his 2025 campaign at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Before beginning his title defence, the four-time major winner was presented with more silverware having been voted DP World Tour Player of The Year by his fellow players.

Aptly named the Seve Ballesteros Award, the European stalwart's son Javier was given the honour of presenting the prize to McIlroy in what proved a special moment at Emirates Golf Club. Whilst McIlroy's appreciation and love for the Ballesteros name is clear, the feeling is reciprocated by Seve's family.

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Speaking of McIlroy following in the footsteps of his father, Javier told Mirror Sport: "It was an honour to present [the Seve Ballesteros Award] to Rory. He is one of the greatest European players of all time, one of the best players in the history of the game. It was special."

McIlroy's emotional interview in honour of Ballesteros last November was watched by Javier back home, and having seen the tribute to his dad, the Spaniard revealed to McIlroy at last week's presentation that he too shed a tear. "I told him when I handed him the trophy," Javier explained.

"It was emotional to hear his words after winning the Race to Dubai. He had tears in his eyes and so did I. I told him this, it was special. It means a lot. Rory didn’t see my dad win his biggest tournaments, but it is special to see such a big player like Rory get so emotional after winning and matching my dad, it was emotional."

Amid the shift towards the United States in recent years, the majority of McIlroy's schedule has revolved around the PGA Tour. This has not stopped him supporting his home tour though, with the European star a regular at Wentworth each year, as well as Ireland, Scotland and the Middle East.

Whilst the European-based circuit has been somewhat left behind by the States, Javier believes McIlroy's commitment to return home should be commended. "I think it is great. He mainly plays on the PGA Tour which I fully understand and I think everybody does. That is where the best in the world are.

"He is still committed to the European Tour. European golf has a great ambassador in Rory and obviously he is a great player." One record McIlroy will be eager to match of Ballesteros' is five major championships, having gone 11 years without winning one since winning his fourth at the PGA Championship in 2014.

As every year passes, the focus on McIlroy's major wait increases. Javier meanwhile had a major message for his fellow European after presenting him last week's award. "I also told him when we were speaking that I hope he wins his fifth major soon," the Spaniard added with a smile.