GOLF: McIlroy crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year after Masters victory

Rory McIlroy was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday after completing the career Grand Slam with a long-awaited Masters victory.

England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne finished second, while Formula One world champion Lando Norris placed third in the public vote.

McIlroy captured the Masters at Augusta National in April, becoming only the sixth man—and the first European—to complete the full set of golf’s major championships. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman had previously won the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship by 2014, but waited another 11 years to finally claim the coveted Green Jacket.

In addition to his Masters triumph, McIlroy played a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory and added wins at the Irish Open in front of home fans, as well as the Players Championship.

“2025 has been the year I made my dreams come true,” McIlroy said. “From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It’s the year dreams are made of.”

Kildunne led England to victory at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries during the tournament. The 26-year-old fullback, who plays for Harlequins Women at club level and represents the Red Roses internationally, was also named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024.

Norris secured his first Formula One drivers’ championship after dramatic late-season battles, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign. His success also helped McLaren claim the constructors’ title, completing the team’s first championship double since 1998. -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios and Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters