SPOTY 2025: Rory McIlroy odds-on favourite to win

July 23, 2025

Rory McIlroy is the hot favourite to be crowned the Sports Personality of the Year.

The Northern Irishman ended an 11-year wait for a career Grand Slam in April when he wore the green jacket with a famous victory at Augusta.

He could strengthen his claim to win the prestigious award if Team Europe triumphs and retains their defence of the Ryder Cup on US soil in September.

McIlroy is the clear odds-on, 8/13 favourite with Irish bookmakers to win the SPOTY 2025, ahead of F1 driver Lando Norris.

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, when he won two major trophies, the PGA and the Open Championship.

The SPOTY 2025 runners and riders

Norris (6/1) is the second favourite and could elevate his chances if he wins the F1 Drivers’ Championship for the first time.

The 25-year-old is currently second in the rankings, just eight points behind his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Darts sensation Luke Littler, who finished second behind Keely Hodgkinson last year, is the third favourite at 10/1 after he won the World Darts Championship at the beginning of the year.

Following the top three are members of the England Women’s Football team, who are looking to defend their European Championship title.

Two sensational late comebacks against Sweden and Italy, led by Michelle Agyemang, have booked their place in the final, where either Germany or Spain awaits.

Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive extra-time winner against the Italians, is 16/1 while Agyemang is 25/1.

What Rory McIlroy said about SPOTY

McIlroy may be a controversial winner in the eyes of the BBC following comments he made last year regarding the award.

The 36-year-old was nominated in 2023, for which England goalkeeper Mary Earps won, but described the whole event as a “popularity contest.”

When asked about his views on it, he damningly 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.”

If he does win this year, he will become the first Northern Irishman to win it since jockey Tony McCoy in 2010. Prior to him, boxer Barry McGuigan won in 1985.