Rory McIlroy fought back tears as he was named BBC’s Sportsperson of the Year on Thursday night.
He beat out the likes of darts star Luke Littler, England footballers Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton and Formula 1 World Driver’s Champion Lando Norris.
He is the first golfer to win the award since Nick Faldo in 1989, which just so happens to be the year Rory was born.
He is also the first male winner since Lewis Hamilton won the award in 2020.
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Speaking when he picked up the award on stage, he said: “2025 has been the year that I made my dreams come true. From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between, it really has been the year that dreams are made of.
He paid tribute to his wife Erica Stoll as he lifted the honour.
“I’ve a lot of people to thank. Firstly, the public, thank you for voting me as your Sports Personality of the Year, but my family, my mum and dad, they sacrificed so much for me and I obviously wouldn’t be here without them.
“My wife, Erica, my daughter, Poppy, they’re what holds me together, my rock. They couldn’t be here tonight, they’re back in America, but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate this with them as well.
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“So thank you for all your support, everything that you’ve done for me over the years.”
Rory became the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam of all four majors when he won the Masters back in April.
So well deserved, Rory!
