The prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award will be handed out tonight, with a stellar six-athlete shortlist reflecting a remarkable year of British sporting success. The ceremony, hosted from MediaCity in Salford, will crown one standout performer from a field featuring Masters champions, European football heroes, and a new Formula One world champion.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 Ceremony
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 show will be broadcast live on Thursday 18 December, running from 7pm until 9pm on BBC One. The event will be presented by the familiar trio of Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott.
The Leading Contenders for the Top Prize
The shortlist is dominated by figures from a golden year for English women's team sports, alongside individual superstars who have reached the pinnacle of their professions.
Rory McIlroy (4/7 favourite) is the clear frontrunner after a career-defining season. The Northern Irish golfer finally captured the Masters at Augusta, ending his long quest for the green jacket in dramatic fashion. He then showcased immense resilience, facing down hostile crowds to be a pivotal figure in Europe's stunning Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black. McIlroy is reportedly attending the ceremony for the first time in a decade, signalling his belief that this could be his year.
Chloe Kelly (9/2) is the Lionesses' super-sub hero. Despite not starting a single match at Euro 2025, her impact was seismic. She inspired a quarter-final comeback against Sweden, scored the semi-final winner against Italy, and netted the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Spain to defend England's European crown. Her journey from being frozen out at Manchester City to becoming a national icon at Arsenal epitomises her resilience.
Lando Norris (10/3) joins the list fresh from securing his maiden Formula One World Championship. The McLaren driver held his nerve in a tense season-long battle, displaying impressive toughness to fend off Max Verstappen and manage an internal team rivalry with Oscar Piastri. His honest and humble reaction to his triumph has further endeared him to the public.
The Complete Shortlist of Nominees
The full list of athletes in contention for the main award is as follows:
- Rory McIlroy – Golf (Masters Champion, Ryder Cup winner)
- Chloe Kelly – Football (Euro 2025 winner with England)
- Lando Norris – Formula One (F1 World Champion)
- Luke Littler (20/1) – Darts (Reigning World Champion and World No. 1)
- Hannah Hampton (66/1) – Football (Euro 2025 winner and goalkeeper of the tournament)
- Ellie Kildunne (40/1) – Rugby (World Rugby Player of the Year, World Cup winner with Red Roses)
Other Major Awards to Be Presented
In a significant change for 2025, the Team of the Year award will now be decided by a live public vote during the show. The nominees are the Lionesses (Euro 2025 winners), the Red Roses (Rugby World Cup winners), and the European Ryder Cup team.
The Young Sports Personality of the Year shortlist features darts sensation Luke Littler, Lionesses breakout star Michelle Agyemang, and record-breaking cricketer Davina Perrin.
Furthermore, Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary career, which included two Premier League titles and a World Cup win.
The World Sport Star category features global icons such as Spain's Mariona Caldentey, Sweden's Armand Duplantis, and Japan's Shohei Ohtani.
With voting open for the main award and the Team of the Year prize, tonight's ceremony in Salford promises to be a thrilling celebration of a unforgettable sporting year.
