The stage is set for a fiercely contested BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 ceremony tonight. With the British public set to cast their votes, the debate over who deserves the iconic trophy is in full swing. For the fifth year running, a first-time winner will be crowned from a shortlist of six stellar athletes: golfer Rory McIlroy, footballers Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, Formula 1 champion Lando Norris, darts sensation Luke Littler, and rugby star Ellie Kildunne.
The Contenders: A Season of Sporting Greatness
Each nominee has delivered a year of extraordinary achievement, making the 2025 shortlist one of the most competitive in recent memory. Following a run of four consecutive female winners, could Kelly, Hampton, or Kildunne extend that streak? Or will a male champion finally reclaim the honour?
Rory McIlroy: The Grand Slam Completed
The image of Rory McIlroy on his knees at Augusta National in April is seared into sporting history. His victory at the Masters not only ended a decade-long pursuit of the green jacket but also secured his place among the legends by completing the career Grand Slam. The raw emotion of that moment captured the essence of sport. Adding further gloss to an incredible year, McIlroy was a pivotal figure in Europe's dramatic away victory at the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, battling through intense pressure. For many, this award would be a fitting recognition of a career that has defined British sport for over 15 years.
Chloe Kelly & Hannah Hampton: Lionesses' Double Act
The Lionesses' successful defence of their European Championship title in Switzerland was a national event, with over 16 million viewers watching the final. Chloe Kelly cemented her status as a big-game player, scoring decisive goals in the quarter-final, semi-final, and most memorably, thumping home the winning penalty in the shootout against Spain. Her resilience and clutch mentality were defining features of England's triumph.
However, her teammate Hannah Hampton presents an equally compelling case. The goalkeeper was arguably England's player of the tournament, producing a series of vital saves before heroically saving two Spanish penalties in the final shootout. Many argue that without Hampton's consistent excellence, England would not have reached the latter stages for Kelly to work her magic. Hampton also secured a domestic treble with Chelsea, bolstering her credentials on pure sporting merit.
Lando Norris: The World Champion's Drive
Lando Norris secured his place in Formula 1 folklore by becoming Britain's 11th world champion, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere two points in a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi. His triumph was far from straightforward, requiring him to overcome not only a generational rival in Verstappen and a rapid teammate in Oscar Piastri, but also his own inner demons and external criticism. His refusal to compromise his approach, doing it "his way," makes his maiden title a story of immense personal triumph. History is on his side; nearly every British F1 champion in the last five decades has won the SPOTY award.
Luke Littler: The Teenage Phenom
At just 18 years of age, Luke Littler has utterly dominated professional darts in 2025. He captured the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, ascended to world number one, and swept almost every major title, including the UK Open, World Matchplay, and World Grand Prix. In doing so, he has redefined what is possible for a teenager in the sport. His relatable persona—a kebab-loving, Xbox-playing new driver—has captivated the public. Having finished second in the 2024 voting, his unprecedented year makes him a formidable contender, despite darts' historical struggle for the top prize.
Ellie Kildunne: The Red Roses' Shining Light
This was the year England's Red Roses finally converted their dominance into a World Cup victory on home soil. At the heart of their success was the irrepressible Ellie Kildunne. The full-back was the tournament's standout attacking threat, dazzling with two tries in the semi-final and scoring a spectacular individual effort in the final at Twickenham. Her charismatic and unapologetic style, both on and off the pitch, has attracted a new legion of fans to women's rugby and made her a symbol of the team's success.
Our Verdict: A Legacy Acknowledged
Every athlete on this shortlist would be a worthy winner, each having provided the nation with unforgettable sporting moments in 2025. The public's decision on Thursday 18 December 2025 is a tough one.
However, our pick is Rory McIlroy. His victory at the Masters to complete the Grand Slam was an iconic, era-defining moment in British sport. When combined with his crucial role in a historic away Ryder Cup win, it creates a body of work for the year that is arguably unmatchable. Furthermore, this award would serve as a fitting "legacy" recognition. Much like multiple winners Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton, McIlroy has been a enduring superstar for nearly two decades. His career, crowned by his 2025 achievements, deserves to be honoured with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy at least once. This year feels like the perfect time.
