Overview
- Multiple outlets report the 36-year-old was left off the 2026 New Year Honours list despite a standout 2025 that included a Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam, a pivotal Ryder Cup role and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
- The Telegraph’s reporting, echoed by other publications, says HMRC flagged McIlroy’s nomination over a 2015 investment linked to the Business Premises Renovation Allowance, drawing comparisons to David Beckham’s earlier honours delay.
- There has been no suggestion in current reporting that McIlroy or his advisers knowingly sought to evade tax, and the precise nature of any HMRC concern has not been detailed publicly.
- The Cabinet Office and HMRC declined to comment on the reports and McIlroy’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
- The Independent reports that Northern Ireland’s Executive formally nominated McIlroy for recognition, with expectations of a knighthood at Stormont not reflected in the published list.