By Vinod Ram 
The BBC has unveiled the six extraordinary athletes competing for the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year award, and this year’s lineup represents one of the most competitive shortlists in the ceremony’s 72-year history. From penalty shootout heroes to record-breaking champions, Britain’s sporting elite will battle it out on December 18th at MediaCityUK in Salford.
The Magnificent Six: Who Made the Cut?
The prestigious shortlist features talent across football, darts, golf, Formula 1, and rugby union, showcasing the incredible breadth of British sporting excellence in 2025.
Hannah Hampton: England’s Penalty Shootout Queen
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton delivered one of the most memorable performances in women’s football history when she saved two penalties in the Euro 2025 final against Spain, helping England defend their European Championship crown. Her exceptional year earned her the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing her as the world’s best female goalkeeper.
Hampton’s dominance extended beyond international football. At club level, she was instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic treble, sharing the WSL Golden Glove award with an impressive 13 clean sheets in 22 games. Her commanding presence between the posts throughout the tournament, including two crucial saves in the quarter-final shootout, made her an undeniable force.
Chloe Kelly: From Uncertainty to Glory
In what might be the ultimate redemption story of 2025, Chloe Kelly transformed from a player uncertain of her place in January to a double champion by summer. The Arsenal forward, who famously scored the winning goal in extra time during Euro 2022, proved she remains England’s player for high-pressure moments by converting the decisive penalty in the Euro 2025 final.
Kelly’s journey from Manchester City to Arsenal initially on loan coincided with remarkable success, including starring in Arsenal’s Champions League final victory over Barcelona. Her ability to deliver when it matters most has cemented her status as one of England’s most clutch performers.
Ellie Kildunne: Rugby’s Rising Star
England rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne emerged as a breakout star during the Red Roses’ triumphant World Cup campaign on home soil. The 26-year-old Harlequins player scored five tries during England’s blistering tournament run, including two crucial scores in the semi-final against France after missing the quarter-final clash with Scotland.
Kildunne’s exceptional performances throughout 2025, including representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics, have established her as one of the most exciting talents in women’s rugby union.
Luke Littler: Darts’ Teenage Phenomenon
At just 17 years old, Luke Littler made history by becoming the youngest darts world champion ever, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a dominant final performance. But the teenage sensation didn’t stop there. His subsequent victories at the Premier League and World Matchplay made him only the fifth player in history to complete the PDC Triple Crown.
Littler’s remarkable year culminated in November’s Grand Slam of Darts victory, propelling him to world number one at age 18—the youngest ever to achieve this ranking, shattering the previous record set by a 24-year-old Van Gerwen. This would mark his second consecutive year being shortlisted, having also won the Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2024.
Rory McIlroy: Completing Golf’s Ultimate Achievement
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, 36, achieved the pinnacle of golf success in 2025 by winning The Masters in a thrilling playoff against Justin Rose. This victory made him only the sixth man in history to complete a career Grand Slam of golf’s four major championships—an elite club that includes Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
McIlroy’s excellence extended to team competition at The Ryder Cup, where he contributed three and a half points to Europe’s dramatic victory over the United States in New York, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure on both individual and team stages.
Lando Norris: Britain’s Newest F1 Champion
McLaren driver Lando Norris became the 11th British Formula 1 world champion in what was the closest finish to an F1 season in 15 years. After trailing his teammate Oscar Piastri by 34 points after 15 races, Norris produced a stunning comeback, including back-to-back victories in Mexico and Brazil.
The season culminated in a nail-biting finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Norris, Piastri, and four-time champion Max Verstappen all capable of winning the title. By finishing third, Norris held his nerve to clinch McLaren’s first drivers’ championship since 2008, ending the season just two points clear of Verstappen.
The Ceremony: What to Expect
The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony will air live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, December 18th. For the second consecutive year, an all-female presenting team of Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott will host the event from MediaCityUK in Salford.
In a new twist for 2025, the six contenders will be narrowed down to a top three live during the broadcast before the public votes for the overall winner at bbc.co.uk/spoty. This format promises to add extra drama to an already exciting evening.
Additional Awards and Categories
Beyond the main prize, several other prestigious awards will be presented:
Young Sports Personality of the Year shortlist includes Michelle Agyemang, Luke Littler, and Davina Perrin.
World Sport Star of the Year nominees are Mariona Caldentey, Terence Crawford, Armand Duplantis, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shohei Ohtani, and Mohamed Salah. Voting for this category remains open until midday on Sunday, December 14th.
The ceremony will also honor winners of the Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Helen Rollason Award, and Team of the Year (contenders to be announced December 15th).
Who Are the Favorites?
According to current betting odds, Rory McIlroy is the hot favorite with odds around 8/15 to 10/11, followed by Lando Norris and Chloe Kelly. However, the competitive nature of this year’s shortlist means any of the six could realistically take home the trophy.
The public’s voting power, combined with the live elimination format, ensures that December 18th will be a night of genuine suspense and celebration of British sporting excellence.
A Year for the History Books
BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski captured the sentiment perfectly: the performances of these six athletes have been breathtaking and belong in the history books. Each nominee delivered moments of pure brilliance that defined 2025, from last-minute penalties to record-breaking championships.
As Britain celebrates another remarkable year of sporting achievement, one question remains: who will the nation choose as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025? Tune in on December 18th to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025?
Thursday, December 18, 2025, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Who is presenting SPOTY 2025?
Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott
How can I vote?
Voting will open during the live show at bbc.co.uk/spoty
Who won SPOTY 2024?
Olympic gold medal-winning athlete Keely Hodgkinson was the 2024 winner
What is the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award?
It’s Britain’s most prestigious sporting honor, established in 1954, celebrating the sportsperson judged to have achieved the most that year
Where can I watch past ceremonies?
Previous ceremonies and highlights are available on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer
#SPOTY2025 #BBCSportsPersonality #SportsPersonalityOfTheYear #BritishSports #SPOTY #HannahHampton #ChloeKelly #EllieKildunne #LukeLittler #RoryMcIlroy #LandoNorris #BBCSport