Luke Donald-led Team Europe were named BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year 2025 after their Ryder Cup win in New York. Europe defeated the United States 15–13 at Bethpage Black to secure a rare away win.
The win was Europe’s first Ryder Cup triumph on American soil since 2012 and only their fifth overall in the USA since the event began in 1927. Facing a loud home crowd, Europe delivered one of the most dramatic performances in Ryder Cup history.
Europe went into the final day with a big 11½–4½ lead, the largest ever before Sunday singles. They needed only three points to win the title. While the Americans fought back strongly, Europe held on to secure the victory.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood collected the award on behalf of the team. Speaking on stage, McIlroy highlighted the collective effort behind the success.
“It’s an honour to be part of teams like this. We’re up here as two of the 12 players, but the captain, vice-captains and the entire backroom staff all played a huge role. We couldn’t have done it without them,” McIlroy said. (BBC Sports)
Team Europe beat strong competition for the award, including England’s Euro 2025-winning women’s football team and England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup champions. This marks the seventh time a European Ryder Cup team has won Team of the Year and the first since 2010.
Luke Donald urged fans to back Team Europe ahead of SPOTY voting
Ahead of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, Luke Donald asked fans to support Team Europe. On December 15, the Ryder Cup captain shared a team photo on X and wrote:
“What a team. Please vote for these legends.”
Europe’s Ryder Cup win in 2025 was anything but easy. The United States pushed hard on the final day, with many matches going down to the closing holes. Despite the pressure, Team Europe held their nerve. Ludvig Åberg delivered a crucial win, while a number of tight matches were halved to keep Europe in control.
The turning point came late in the day. Shane Lowry, who was two down with four holes to play, fought back and holed a crucial putt on the final green to secure the half point Europe needed. Further halves in the remaining matches confirmed a 15–13 victory.
Europe’s teamwork stood out throughout the week, and the win marked another milestone for Luke Donald, who became only the second European captain after Tony Jacklin (1985 and 1987) to lead his team to back-to-back Ryder Cup victories. His leadership both on and off the course was recognised in November when he was named the winner of the Services to Sport Off the Field of Play category at the 2025 SJA British Sports Awards.