The anticipation is building as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 shortlist has officially been unveiled, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between some of the United Kingdom’s most accomplished athletes. With the ceremony slated for Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Salford, the nation is gearing up to celebrate an extraordinary year in sport, one marked by record-breaking feats, comeback stories, and unforgettable moments across a diverse range of disciplines.
This year’s lineup is nothing short of sensational. The six contenders—Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Ellie Kildunne, Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy, and Lando Norris—have each delivered performances that will be etched into sporting folklore for years to come. From the drama of penalty shootouts and the intensity of world championship finals, to the green fairways of Augusta and the high-octane circuits of Formula 1, these athletes have set new standards of excellence and resilience.
Let’s start with the footballing heroes. England’s Lionesses have once again made headlines, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and forward Chloe Kelly both earning deserved spots on the shortlist. Hampton, just 25 years old, has had a meteoric rise in 2025. After stepping into the starting role for England, she quickly became the backbone of the team’s defense. Her defining moment came in the Euro 2025 final in Zurich, where she made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout against Spain, helping England retain their European crown. Her string of commanding performances throughout the tournament earned her a place in the team of the tournament, and she capped her year by winning the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards—recognition as the world’s best female goalkeeper. At club level, Hampton was integral to Chelsea’s domestic treble, sharing the WSL Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets in 22 matches.
Chloe Kelly’s journey is equally inspiring. At the start of the year, her position for both club and country was uncertain. By summer’s end, she had not only become a Champions League winner with Arsenal but also cemented her status as England’s go-to player for big moments. Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final, once again stepped up under pressure, netting the decisive penalty in the Euro 2025 final shootout. She also contributed with a last-gasp semi-final winner and a successful penalty in the quarter-final shootout. Her consistent ability to deliver when it matters most saw her named in the team of the tournament and finish fifth in the Women’s Ballon d’Or voting. As if that weren’t enough, she recently won the Harper’s Bazaar Sportswoman of the Year Award, further underlining her impact on and off the pitch.
In rugby union, Ellie Kildunne has been the face of a resurgent England side. The 26-year-old full-back played a pivotal role as the Red Roses lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil for the first time since 2014. Kildunne scored five tries in the tournament, including a dazzling solo effort in the final against Canada in front of 80,000 fans. Despite missing the quarter-final due to concussion, she returned with a bang in the semi-final, crossing the try line twice against France. Earlier in the year, she was instrumental in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam campaign, scoring four tries, and at club level, she notched 14 tries for Harlequins during the 2024-25 season. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning her a well-deserved place among the nation’s sporting elite.
Turning to darts, few stories have captured the public’s imagination quite like that of Luke Littler. At just 17 years old, Littler stunned the world by becoming the youngest darts world champion in history, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a dominant performance in January. He didn’t stop there—his victory at the World Matchplay saw him complete the coveted PDC Triple Crown of World Championship, Premier League, and Matchplay titles, a feat achieved by only five players before him. In November, Littler’s triumph at the Grand Slam of Darts propelled him to world number one, making him the youngest ever to reach the summit of the sport. Now 18, he’s already rewriting the record books and inspiring a new generation of darts fans.
Golf’s Rory McIlroy, age 36, is no stranger to the SPOTY shortlist, but 2025 has arguably been his finest year yet. In April, McIlroy finally conquered Augusta, clinching the Masters and becoming only the sixth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam. His dramatic play-off victory was his first major win since 2014 and solidified his place among golf’s all-time greats. McIlroy also played a crucial role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on American soil—the team’s first such triumph since 2012—while adding wins at the Irish Open, The PLAYERS Championship, and a record seventh Harry Vardon Trophy after finishing atop the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai standings. Despite multiple previous nominations and a runner-up finish in 2014, McIlroy has yet to claim the SPOTY crown. With bookmakers listing him as the favorite, could this finally be his year?
Formula 1 fans have plenty to cheer about as well, with Lando Norris making the shortlist after a breathtaking season. The 26-year-old McLaren driver pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 34-point deficit to teammate Oscar Piastri with a string of late-season victories in Mexico and Brazil. The championship came down to a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi, where Norris finished third—just enough to secure his first drivers’ title and become the 11th Briton to win the crown. His nerve under pressure and consistency throughout the most competitive season in 15 years have earned him widespread acclaim.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony promises more than just the main award. Other honors to be handed out include Team of the Year, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and the Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. Voting for the main prize will be open to the public during the live broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with fans urged to make their voices heard for their favorite sporting hero.
As Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, put it: “This has been a breathtaking year for sport, driven by athletes whose performances belong in the history books. Each one has delivered moments of pure brilliance that have defined 2025. It’s been incredible to watch, and I can’t wait to honour their achievements, and to see who the nation chooses as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.”
With such a star-studded lineup and a year full of unforgettable moments, the stage is set for one of the most competitive and compelling SPOTY races in recent memory. Don’t miss your chance to vote and witness sporting history in the making on December 18.
