Despite a stellar 2025, including completing the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, Rory McIlroy was notably absent from the New Year Honours List due to reported concerns over his tax history. The 36-year-old golfer had a triumphant year, not only securing victory at Augusta but also contributing to Europe’s Ryder Cup win in the USA.
His achievements were recognised when he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year earlier this month, becoming only the third golfer to receive the accolade in 72 years. However, the Northern Irishman’s name was missing from the Honours List, which included recognitions for ice skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who received a damehood and knighthood, respectively.
Members of the Lionesses’ victorious European Championship team were also honoured.
Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman was bestowed an honorary damehood, while captain Leah Williamson saw her OBE upgraded to a CBE. In total, 1,157 individuals received honours, with 46 hailing from the world of sport, including members of England Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning side.
According to The Telegraph, McIlroy, who was awarded an MBE after his first major win in 2011, was left off the list following intervention by tax officials. McIlroy’s situation mirrors that of David Beckham, who was barred from further honours for several years due to a ‘red flag’ raised over tax issues.
Football icon Beckham received his knighthood this year through the King’s Birthday Honours following years of exclusion.
The public nominates individuals for honours, which are subsequently reviewed by the Cabinet Office, who liaise with HMRC to identify any potential grounds for exclusion. After the Cabinet Office completes its assessment, the list proceeds to the Prime Minister for endorsement before the King bestows the awards.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald was also absent from this year’s honours list, alongside Lionesses stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, who received nominations for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award together with McIlroy.
Rugby league icon Kevin Sinfield was similarly overlooked, despite accumulating over £11million for motor neurone disease charities. Sinfield received an MBE in 2014, an OBE in 2021 and a CBE in 2024, but remains ineligible for advancement due to regulations preventing upgrades within three years of receiving the previous honour.
Following his triumph at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, McIlroy declared: “Look 2025 was the year I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of.
“I have a lot of people to thank, firstly the public for voting for me, but my family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you.
“My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They’re what holds me together, they’re my rock. They couldn’t be here tonight, they are back in America, but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate with them. I can’t wait to see you, I love you.”
