The shortlist for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award has been unveiled, featuring a stellar cast of athletes who have defined the British sporting year. From the historic success of the Lionesses to a long-awaited Formula 1 world championship, the six nominees represent pinnacle achievements across diverse disciplines. The public vote promises to be a fascinating contest between team glory and individual brilliance.
Footballing Icons: Hampton and Kelly's Euros Heroics
The Lionesses' triumphant Euro 2025 campaign, England's first major tournament win on foreign soil, provides two strong contenders. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the tournament's undisputed heroine. Her penalty-saving heroics in the final against Spain, including a stop from world star Aitana Bonmatí, capped a campaign where her crucial interventions against Sweden and Italy kept England's dreams alive. This came in a year where she also helped Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble and shared the WSL Golden Glove.
Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly sealed the title with a nerveless winning penalty, replicating her 2022 final heroics. Her journey to that moment was remarkable, having revitalised her career with a loan move to Arsenal, where she contributed to a historic Champions League victory. Her confidence and impactful moments on the biggest stage have cemented her legacy.
Individual Brilliance: Kildunne, Littler, and McIlroy's Landmark Years
In rugby, Ellie Kildunne became a global star as part of England's Rugby World Cup-winning Red Roses. The electric full-back scored nine tries across the Six Nations and World Cup, with her thrilling attacking play and iconic cowboy hat celebration captivating fans. Her nomination is itself groundbreaking as the first women's rugby player to make the SPOTY shortlist.
Darts sensation Luke Littler compiled one of the sport's most dominant ever years, becoming world champion, world number one, and claiming the World Matchplay and Grand Prix titles. His success has transformed darts' profile and prize money, though the timing of the darts calendar may hinder his chances.
Golfer Rory McIlroy finally achieved the career Grand Slam with a dramatic Masters victory in April, becoming only the sixth man ever to do so. This crowning moment, combined with a Ryder Cup triumph and other wins, marks the finest spell of his storied career, confirming his status as arguably the UK's greatest ever golfer.
The Champion's Composure: Lando Norris's F1 Triumph
Lando Norris etched his name into history as Britain's 11th Formula 1 World Champion, ending a thrilling season with a tense two-point victory over Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. Driving for the constructors' champion McLaren, Norris displayed remarkable composure under intense pressure, navigating internal team dynamics and on-track battles to secure the title his way. His achievement places him among legends like Hamilton, Stewart, and Mansell.
The 2025 shortlist reflects a year of extraordinary success for British sport, presenting voters with a difficult choice between the collective euphoria of team triumphs and the relentless pursuit of individual sporting perfection.
