The Northern Irishman finally got his hands on the prize after a stunning year which saw him win The Masters, thereby completing golf's Grand Slam, as well as the Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy has won Sport Personality of the Year, capping off an incredible 2025 in which he won the Masters in dramatic fashion and helped Europe to the Ryder Cup. 

An emotional Rory McIlroy appeared tearful as he paid tribute to the 'inspirational' fathers of two of the young girls murdered in the Southport attacks.