Best and worst sporting moments of the year

It has been another year of sporting drama, from the highs of England's Euro 2025 triumph and Rory McIlroy’s grand slam-clinching Masters win to the lows of the England Women’s Ashes washout and a dismal year for Welsh rugby.

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Here, the Press Association looks back on five of the best and five of the worst sporting moments of 2025.

BEST MOMENTS

Chloe Kelly clinches England's victory

Chloe Kelly struck the winning penalty as England beat world champions Spain on penalties to win Euro 2025 and defend their crown. It was particularly special for Kelly after a difficult season personally, but the entire England team shone. Lucy Bronze battled through injury, later revealing she played on a fractured tibia, and Hannah Hampton made key saves in the game and then again during the shootout.

McIlroy seals his grand slam

Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam in April, beating Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff at The Masters. McIlroy had blown an overnight two-shot lead with a double bogey on the opening hole of his final round, recovered, and then let slip a four-shot lead over the last six holes as Rose forced the playoff. But McIlroy then birdied the 18th to claim his fifth major title, and first since 2014.

Littler makes darts history