Rory McIlroy has confirmed the reason behind his wife’s absence from the BBC Sports Pers., where he claimed the prestigious award.
His wife Erica and daughter Poppy were notably absent from the celebration, having stayed behind in the United States where the family maintains a home in Florida.
McIlroy spoke movingly about his family during his acceptance speech, describing them as his foundation.
He said: “My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They’re what holds me together, they’re my rock.”
McIlroy added: “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.”
The golfer also expressed gratitude to his parents for the sacrifices they made throughout his career, acknowledging he would not have reached this point without their support.
The Northern Irishman is the first player from his sport to receive the honour since Sir Nick Faldo triumphed in 1989.
McIlroy finished ahead of England women’s rugby standout Ellie Kildunne, who came second, while Formula One world champion Lando Norris secured third place.
Rory McIlroy confirmed the reason behind his wife’s absence from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Thursday evening
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PA
The 36-year-old had come agonisingly close to winning before, finishing as runner-up to Lewis Hamilton back in 2014 after multiple nominations over the years.
He travelled from Florida to Manchester on Wednesday evening to attend the ceremony in Salford, where he finally got his hands on the coveted prize.
The award capped off a remarkable 2025 campaign that saw McIlroy fulfil a lifelong ambition at Augusta in April, claiming the green jacket to complete golf’s career Grand Slam and become only the sixth player in history to achieve the feat.
“When you want something so much, the obstacle becomes yourself. When you go through the heartbreaks, it makes it even sweeter,” he reflected on his Masters triumph, which came after an 11-year wait for that elusive fifth major.
Rory McIlroy insists he is still hungry for more titles | PAHis success continued at the Ryder Cup in September, where he contributed three-and-a-half points to Team Europe’s victory over the Americans at Bethpage Black.
The triumph came despite a hostile atmosphere, with Erica subjected to abuse from spectators, including having beer thrown at her. State troopers and police dogs were eventually deployed to manage the crowd.
McIlroy became visibly emotional when the conversation turned to fatherhood during his interview with Clare Balding.
The golfer paid a heartfelt tribute to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, whose daughters Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were among the three children killed in the Southport attacks in July 2024.
Rory McIlroy secured the SPOTY award after an incredible year | PAThe two fathers completed the London Marathon this year and received the Helen Rollason Award at the ceremony.
Struggling to contain his tears, McIlroy said: “Being a father of a little girl, Elsie and Alice’s dads are absolute heroes.”
He added that fatherhood had transformed his perspective on both victory and defeat.
He explained: “Being a dad makes the losses easier, but it makes the good moments even more special.”
