McIlroy? Littler? Kelly? Norris? Who was 2025's biggest s...

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: From Rory McIlroy and Luke Littler, to Lando Norris and Carlos Alcaraz, we look at 15 of the top sporting superstars from 2025.

Sporting superstars of 2025 Digital Rory McIlroy McIlroy has openly described 2025 as the “best year” of his golfing life, having completed the career Grand Slam, clutched three play-offs and enjoyed Ryder Cup glory during his memorable campaign. He had already clutched the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players on the PGA Tour before his success at The Masters, where he demolished Justin Rose in a play-off to claim the Green Jacket and become just the sixth male to win all four major titles. (wild, right?)

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.

The Details

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 Gerwen at 24 years and 251 days in 2014.

Why This Matters

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.

Sports analysts are already debating what this means for the competition.

The Bottom Line

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.

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