Gary Lineker's true feelings about Rory McIlroy clear for all to see with Masters comment

Rory McIlroy has finally clinched the last jewel in his major tournament crown at the fulfilling a lifelong ambition - and is among the many fans celebrating his triumph. The Northern Irishman had a nail-biting finish at Augusta, narrowly missing a birdie on the final hole, which led to a tense sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose.

The 35-year-old made amends for his 18th finish with a stellar drive down the fairway and a match-winning birdie just as Rose faltered. This earned him the coveted green jacket and also an illustrious career Grand Slam - making him one of just six golfers to achieve this great feat.

Celebrities and sports enthusiasts were rooting for success, with Lineker being one of the many sports figures backing him ahead of the

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In an interview on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips with the snooker legend, the ex-England striker shared his thoughts on McIlroy's prospects before the final round commenced - and expressed his hope for a McIlroy victory.

Discussing the year's sporting highlights in 2025, Lineker shared his excitement for the first golfing major of the season. He said: "This time of year is great, but the Masters is special, isn't it? I actually always put it in my diary, put it in, the four nights so I don't make them [busy] because I've done that in the past. When you suddenly go, 'I booked dinner on Sunday night, oh my god, it's Masters Sunday.'"

Hendry asked Lineker: "Do you think Rory will win it?" To which he replied: "I don't know, I hope so. I mean, he's got to have a chance. It's not like there are 140-150 players who are all incredibly good and people say, 'Oh, he hasn't won a major for ages.' But he's so good, I mean, I'd love him to win it, I'm a massive fan - got a lot of time for him."

This high praise for McIlroy highlights the Holywood man's popularity within the sporting Following his historic putt, congratulations flooded in from all corners of the sport on social media.

Fellow Grand Slam winner Gary Player took to X to offer his congratulations, as he wrote: "Rory has made his mark on history, and all of us who love this game are incredibly proud. Well done, my friend. Welcome to the club."

Sir Nick Faldo, a retired English golfer and three-time Masters champion, also expressed his admiration for the Northern Irishman. "I've never been put through the wringer of emotions like that in the commentary box. So pleased for @rorymcilroy, and proud to have known him all these years since he was a whippersnapper in the @faldoseries," he said.

After clinching a historic victory, McIlroy couldn't hold back his emotions as he reflected on the journey that led to triumph, adding that this particular success would "free him up" moving forward.

Speaking with Sport NI, McIlroy said: "Getting the Masters, the career Grand Slam, the fifth major, getting all that out of the way. I think it will allow me to play with a lot more freedom. I really do think it's going to free me up. It's been a long time coming."