Europe’s victory at Bethpage Black was McIlroy’s sixth in eight Ryder Cup appearances and second in America after also playing in 2012’s memorable triumph at Medinah.
Speaking on Tuesday, Donald – who also led Europe to their 2023 win in Rome – said McIlroy would make a “good captain”, but the world number two does not expect to take the reins until the “mid-2030s”.
“Certainly not 2027 [at Adare Manor in Ireland],” he laughed when asked if he would like to lead the side.
“I hope I’m still playing at that point and good enough to put points on the board for Europe. But yeah, I would love to be the European team captain at some point.
“But that will be when I’m not good enough to make the team, or I make way for the new generation to come along.”
McIlroy is returning to action at this week’s DP World Tour’s India Championship – a new tournament – alongside Ryder Cup team-mates Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland.
Grouped with Hovland and US Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin, McIlroy begins Thursday’s first round at Delhi Golf Club at 02:55 BST.
