The British Broadcasting Corporation has released the list of contenders for its Sports Personality of the Year 2025, drawing global attention with a group of athletes whose achievements have shaped an unforgettable season. The nominees are England footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union standout Ellie Kildunne, rising darts sensation Luke Littler, golf champion Rory McIlroy and Formula One driver Lando Norris.
The winner will be chosen during a live broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, 18 December. The programme will be anchored by Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding, live from MediaCityUK in Salford. This year’s ceremony will reflect a wide span of remarkable performances across major sports.
BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said the shortlist captures a season marked by landmark moments. He noted that each nominee produced displays that will endure in sporting memory and that the public now has the chance to honour the athlete whose work best defined the year. Online voting for the main award will open during the broadcast, with instructions to be announced.
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The Team of the Year award will also be decided by public vote, with nominees to be unveiled on 15 December. Other honours to be presented include Young Sports Personality of the Year, Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and the Helen Rollason Award. Voting for the World Sport Star category is already open.
Hampton’s year stood out with a string of milestone achievements, including the Yashin Trophy for the world’s best female goalkeeper. Her penalty saves carried England through the European Championship, where she was named player of the match in the final and secured a place in the team of the tournament. She also helped guide Chelsea to a domestic treble and shared the WSL Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets in 22 matches.
Kelly moved from an uncertain start to a triumphant finish, lifting both the European Championship and the Champions League. She delivered decisive penalties throughout the tournament, struck a dramatic semi-final winner and earned a spot in the team of the tournament. Her club form with Arsenal capped a season that placed her fifth in the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Kildunne dominated the Women’s Rugby World Cup with five tries as England claimed the trophy on home soil. After missing the quarter-final due to concussion, she returned with force in the semi-final and scored twice against France. Her performance in the final against Canada electrified a packed stadium and secured her place among the year’s standout athletes.
