Rory McIlroy is now the favourite to win the Sports Personality of the Year – but previous comments may come back to bite him.
The Northern Irishman has enjoyed a historic year, including finally ending the 11-year wait for his career Grand Slam after winning the Masters.
He also played a key part in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup success, as they beat the USA for the first time on away soil since 2012.
McIlroy, who has been crowned ‘the best European golfer ever‘, had previously been behind England footballer Chloe Kelly after she helped guide the Lionesses to Euro glory in July.
Rory McIlroy could buck a SPOTY trend
If McIlroy does win SPOTY 2025, it would also mark the first time a golfer has won the award since Nick Faldo in 1989 and the first male to win since Lewis Hamilton five years ago.
Aside from Faldo, Welshman Dai Rees is the only golfer to win in 1957.
McIlroy did finish second behind Hamilton in 2014 after winning two majors, but missed out to Mary Earps in 2023 despite winning four of his five Ryder Cup matches in Europe’s win in Rome.
It was his comments after Earps won the annual award that may impact his chances of winning after he labelled it a “popularity contest.”
He said: “Actually, whatever the results, I forgot I was nominated.
“So that’s how much I think about it. It’s a popularity contest, and I think it’s just really not what it once was.”
It’s been over 10 years since McIlroy last attended the SPOTY awards evening, but did confirm he will be in the audience this time around.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he confirmed it would be good for the sport if he were in attendance. McIlroy said: “The plan is to go. I have more chance of winning if I’m actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts, it could only be a good thing for the game.
“I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will.”
The SPOTY awards take place in Manchester on December 18.
SPOTY odds
McIlroy is now EVENS to win, with Kelly 2/1 to become the third English women’s footballer in four years to claim the award.
F1 star Lando Norris is the third favourite at 9/2 as he aims to become the Drivers’ Champion heading into the final race.
Luke Littler is 10/1 ahead of Hannah Hampton (14/1).
- Rory McIlroy (Evens)
- Chloe Kelly (2/1)
- Lando Norris (9/2)
- Luke Littler (10/1)
- Hannah Hampton (14/1)
- Keely Hodgkinson (25/1)
- Lucy Bronze (33/1)
- Ben Stokes (40/1)
