The Holywood man had collected a raft of accolades during the year, from the Green Jacket at the Masters to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year title.
However, McIlroy missed out on one accolade – a mooted knighthood failed to materialise in this week's New Year Honours.
And some news reports have claimed it’s because he invested in a development that was later ruled to be a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme.
It has since emerged however, that his omission came despite an official nomination from Stormont for his achievements to be recognised.
According to the Press Association, the devolved administration in Belfast made a recommendation to the Cabinet Office for the star golfer from Co Down to receive an honour.
There had been expectation within the lead department at Stormont – the Executive Office – that McIlroy, who was made an MBE after his first major victory in 2011, would be knighted.
His Masters triumph meant he completed a rare career Grand Slam, becoming the first European player to win all four men’s major championships with his victory at Augusta.
The 36-year-old was also part of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team in the United States in September.
But while several prominent sports figures were honoured by the King, McIlroy didn't make the cut.
That has led to raised eyebrows, including from a fan of the golfer with a keen knowledge of how the honours system works. They told the Belfast Telegraph that they expected McIlroy to get a knighthood.
The Daily Telegraph reported that McIlroy’s omission may be connected to a previous investment that was later examined by HM Revenue & Customs.
It suggested the matter may have been viewed as a potential concern during the honours process, drawing comparisons with Sir David Beckham, whose knighthood only came this year, after scrutiny of a previous tax-related investment.
There has been no suggestion that McIlroy acted improperly or intended to avoid tax when he invested in a 2015 scheme.
The Belfast Telegraph has contacted both McIlroy’s team and the Cabinet Office for comment.
The latter declined to comment, with a spokesperson stating: "We wouldn’t comment on individual honours."
McIlroy was one of several high-profile individuals who invested in the regeneration scheme, which covered parts of Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield.
The scheme qualified for tax relief under the Business Premises Renovation Allowance, before HMRC launched an investigation into whether it had been used for tax avoidance.
McIlroy was appointed an MBE in 2012 after winning his first major championship.
When asked a few months ago about the possibility of receiving a knighthood, McIlroy said it would be "an unbelievably massive honour”, adding that it is “obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me”.
“But, I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life,” he said.
Many prominent people have called for McIlroy to receive a knighthood – including his former agent Chubby Chandler, and Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Following the Masters triumph in April, Mr Nesbitt said: “For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sportspeople have become icons in their fields. Think George Best, Mike Gibson and Mary Peters, to name just three.
“Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them, and with the grand slam monkey off his back, looks set for even more success. This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that.”
Several figures from Northern Ireland were recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours list.
Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards was among those honoured for services to sport.
His success came almost 18 months after his Paris triumph, suggesting that a future knighthood for McIlroy is possible.
Freelance broadcaster Helen Mark, who presents BBC Radio Ulster’s Open Country and the Ulster-Scots programme Kintra, was made an MBE. She said she was “thrilled” to be recognised.
Elizabeth Hamilton, a security guard at Stormont Castle, was also appointed an MBE in recognition of her long service.
Despite McIlroy’s omission, the honours list this year did include a range of famous figures from across the sporting world, including England women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman, who received a damehood, and several members of England’s European Championship-winning squad.
Captain Leah Williamson was appointed a CBE, while Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh were made MBEs. Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton were not included.
News Catch Up - Tuesday 30 December
Elsewhere, former Tottenham Hotspur executive chairman Daniel Levy received a CBE for services to charity and the community in north London.
Ice skating champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were awarded a damehood and a knighthood respectively for services to their sport, more than 40 years after winning Olympic gold in 1984.
Former marathon world champion Paula Radcliffe, sport broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley were appointed OBEs, while former England cricketer and broadcaster Isa Guha received an MBE.
