The stories that defined sport in 2025

Rory McIlroy seals legendary status, Luke Littler levels above, Lions and Lionesses roar: Sport's biggest stories in 2025 defined sport in 2025 Wednesday 24 December 2025 16:59, UK Image:Sporting Storylines of 2025 - credit AP Photo/PA Image:Britain's Amy Hunt celebrates after she won the silver medal in the women's 200 metres As 2025 draws to a close, Sky Sports looks back at the sporting stories that defined the year, including Rory McIlroy finding the missing piece to the puzzle, Luke Littler's unrelenting ascent, Lions and Lionesses roaring, and so much more. Rory completes career Grand Slam on emotional Sunday at Augusta Given Rory McIlroy posted 21 top-10 finishes in majors without winning during a decade of near-misses and disappointments, it was fitting that the elusive victory and Grand Slam-clinching success came in such dramatic fashion. McIlroy took a two-shot lead into the final day of The Masters and recovered from a slow start to find himself four clear with eight holes to play at Augusta National, only to appear in danger of another major collapse after dropping four shots over the next four holes. A topsy-turvy Sunday saw him add two late birdies but dramatically bogey the last to drop in a play-off with Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose, where a birdie on the first extra hole saw him become just the sixth male in history - and first since Tiger Woods - to complete the career Grand Slam. Premier League glory put into perspective by Diogo Jota tragedy Liverpool broke Manchester City's four-year stranglehold on the Premier League title to emerge as kings of English football in 2025. It saw Arne Slot, in his first season as successor to Jurgen Klopp, become the fourth Liverpool manager to win the title in his first season in charge - and first in the Premier League era. In addition to drawing level with rivals Manchester United, Liverpool's record-equalling 20th title triumph was made even sweeter by the fact fans were there to watch it unfold, a luxury they were denied by the Covid pandemic in 2019/20. But those celebrations many had waited a lifetime for at Anfield were cut short six weeks later by the tragic news that striker Diogo Jota had died in a car crash with his brother, Andre Silva. As the football world mourned the tragic loss of the Portugal international, Liverpool somehow tried to come to terms with the unthinkable tragedy, grieve the loss of a friend and team-mate, all while trying to defend the title he played an instrumental role in delivering. Littler scales new heights in stellar 2025 Luke Littler's rise has been remarkable, but his 2025 season has taken him to new heights. At just 18, he became the youngest PDC world No 1, breaking Michael van Gerwen's long‐standing record. His year began with a maiden world title at Alexandra Palace, setting the tone for a dominant campaign. He added major victories at the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open, along with titles...

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