McIlroy? Littler? Kelly? Norris? Who was 2025's biggest sports star?

Sporting superstars of 2025 Rory McIlroy McIlroy has openly described 2025 as the “best year” of his golfing life, having completed the career Grand Slam, won three play-offs and enjoyed Ryder Cup glory during his memorable campaign. He had already won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players on the PGA Tour before his success at The Masters, where he defeated Justin Rose in a play-off to claim the Green Jacket and become just the sixth male to win all four major titles. A dramatic victory at the Amgen Irish Open was followed by playing a key part in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup win in New York, where he overcame hostile crowds to deliver 3.5 points and help Luke Donald’s side to a first away success since 2012. McIlroy’s strong finish to 2025 wrapped up the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai trophy for a seventh time, leaving him one away from Colin Montgomerie’s Order of Merit record, before he became just the third golfer ever to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Luke Littler Luke Littler has been eulogised ever since his rise to stardom but his 2025 has been something special to watch unfold. The 18-year-old is officially the youngest ever PDC world No 1, clinching the honour at 18 years and 299 days, with the previous record being held by Michael van Gerwen at 24 years and 251 days in 2014. Let’s start at the beginning though. Littler clinched his maiden world title at Alexandra Palace in January, and his 2025 season continued a remarkable trajectory. Three more major titles - the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open - were secured, with Littler also savouring success at the Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, Belgian Darts Open, Flanders Darts Trophy, and Players Championship 32. More then came as he defended his Grand Slam of Darts title against Humphries as he became only the fourth person to go back-to-back in Wolverhampton on the same day he moved to the top of the world, Players Championship Finals glory following. Chloe Kelly It was a rollercoaster 2025 for Kelly. It began with a heated head-to-head with her then-club, Manchester City, that resulted in her moving to Arsenal in the January transfer window. But a return to the Gunners could not have gone better for her, culminating in winning the Women’s Champions League, beating heavy favourites Barcelona. She was England’s saviour again on the European stage too. Kelly’s 119th - minute goal against Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2025 won it for the Lionesses. She had initially seen a penalty saved, but scored the rebound to set up a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final against Spain. But as Kelly herself said, she doesn’t miss twice. She scored the winning penalty in a dramatic shootout as England retained their European title - also won by a Kelly extra-time strike in 2022. After the final, she said: "Tough times don't last. Just around...

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