Northern Ireland golf superstar Rory McIlroy has not featured in the King’s New Year Honours list 2026, prompting widespread debate over why one of the sport’s greatest talents was not recognised for a historic year.

The 36-year-old completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April 2025, adding to his previous triumphs at The Open, US Open, and US PGA Championship. Later in the year, he captained Team Europe to a Ryder Cup victory on American soil, further cementing his status as one of the world’s premier golfers.

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Calls for Recognition and Knighthood

Following McIlroy’s dramatic Masters play-off victory, public and political figures called for him to receive a knighthood. Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, stated:

“This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that.”

Despite being nominated by Stormont, McIlroy did not appear on the honours list released on Monday evening. Queries directed to the Executive Office were referred to the Cabinet Office, which does not comment on individual honours.

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McIlroy’s Stellar 2025 Season

McIlroy’s achievements in 2025 were historic. In addition to completing the career Grand Slam, he:

• Won the Irish Open, delighting his home crowd
• Claimed victory at the Players Championship
• Secured his seventh Race to Dubai title
• Was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025
• Won RTÉ’s Irish Sports Personality of the Year award

He became the first European golfer to win all four majors, a feat that underscores his place among the all-time greats of the sport.

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McIlroy on the Possibility of a Knighthood

When asked in November 2025 about potentially being titled Sir Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner responded:

“If that were ever to happen, it would be an unbelievably massive honour. That’s obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me. But if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life.”

Since the announcement of the honours list, McIlroy and his team have remained silent on the omission. He is expected to face questions from the media at his next tournament, likely the Dubai Invitational starting 15 January 2026.

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Other Sports Figures Recognised in 2026

While McIlroy was omitted, other athletes received high-profile honours:

• Rhys McClenaghan, Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast from Newtownards, awarded an MBE
• Sarina Wiegman, England women’s football coach, made an honorary dame
• Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, figure skating legends, awarded damehood and knighthood respectively

More than 50 people from Northern Ireland were recognised in total, including Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, and broadcaster Helen Mark.

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Understanding the Honours System

The King’s New Year Honours recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to public life. Commonly awarded ranks include:

• Companion of Honour (CH) – limited to 65 people
• Knight or Dame
• CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
• OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
• MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire
• BEM – British Empire Medal

McIlroy, who previously received an MBE in 2012, remains a celebrated figure in golf, and speculation continues over whether he may receive further recognition in the future.