A Year to Remember: 2025's Biggest Sporting Moments
2025 was a landmark year in sports, featuring Liverpool's record-equalling 20th title, Rory McIlroy's career Grand Slam at The Masters, and Luke Littler's dominant rise to darts world No. 1.
The 2025 sporting year was defined by historic milestones and dominant performances, etching new names into the history books across football, golf, and darts. From record-equalling league titles to career-defining grand slams, the year delivered unforgettable moments that will be discussed for years to come.
Why it matters:
This year's results weren't just about trophies; they were about cementing legacies and shifting the balance of power. Rory McIlroy solidified his all-time great status, Liverpool matched Manchester United's long-standing record, and Team Europe proved their resilience in a hostile Ryder Cup environment, setting the stage for future rivalries and defining narratives for the seasons ahead.
The details:
- Football: Liverpool were crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 20th time, matching Manchester United's haul. Paris Saint-Germain finally broke their Champions League duck, while England's Lionesses successfully defended their European Championship title in Switzerland.
- Golf: Rory McIlroy held his nerve to win The Masters in a play-off, completing the coveted career Grand Slam. In a massive team achievement, Europe's golfers rose above the hostility at Bethpage Black to claim a memorable Ryder Cup victory on US soil.
- Darts: Luke Littler completed his ascent to the top of the darts world. He won his maiden PDC World Darts Championship and five other majors, climbing to world No. 1 in a dominant calendar year.
- Cricket & Rugby: Joe Root finally scored his first Ashes century in Australia, a personal landmark in an otherwise frustrating series for England. Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions celebrated their first series victory over the Wallabies since 2013.
The big picture:
The 2025 sports landscape was a tapestry of breakthroughs and validations. Established stars like McIlroy and Root reached new personal heights, while new dynasties began to form with Liverpool's domestic dominance and Littler's meteoric rise. These moments will serve as the benchmark and the backstory for the drama and competition that will unfold in 2026.