Rory McIlroy was in attendance to celebrate his BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 win but his family were not in Salford as he claimed the award
Rory McIlroy has revealed his wife, Erica Stoll, and daughter, Poppy, were not in attendance for his BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 win. He confirmed the pair instead stayed in the United States with the golf superstar set to join them on Friday after his celebrations in Salford.
McIlroy capped off a fantastic 2025 with a final award, beating figures such as F1 world champion Lando Norris and darts sensation Luke Littler. The Northern Irishman finally won the Masters earlier this year to complete a career Grand Slam before helping Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup.
The 36-year-old, along with Tommy Fleetwood, was also handed the Team of the Year award on a successful night. McIlroy paid tribute to his fellow nominees, family and revealed the impact Erica and Poppy had on his glorious year.
“First of all I’d like to congratulate the other finalists, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes,” said McIlroy on stage. “It’s a pleasure just to be in this room and I feel honoured just to be a part, so congratulations.
“Look 2025 was the year I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of.
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“I have a lot of people to thank, firstly the public for voting for me, but my family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you.
“My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They’re what holds me together, they’re my rock. They couldn’t be here tonight, they are back in America, but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate with them. I can’t wait to see you, I love you.”
Before the award was announced, McIlroy was asked how being a father has changed his outlook. He cited his admiration for Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, two dads who ran the London Marathon to honour their daughters, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, who were tragically killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport in July 2024.
“I think being a father of a little girl, seeing the dads up there tonight, they are absolute heroes,” McIlroy said.
“Being a dad, it makes the losses a lot easier. It makes the wins even more special to be able to share that with Erica [wife] and Poppy [daughter].
“My family, they’ve watched me go through all of this like I’m sure a lot of the public has. I feel like everyone’s been on this journey with me.”
