The shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award has been announced, featuring notable athletes including Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris. McIlroy, who hails from Northern Ireland, is a strong contender after achieving a significant milestone in his career by winning the Masters earlier this year, completing his career Grand Slam. Despite multiple nominations in the past, McIlroy has yet to secure this illustrious prize.
Norris, the newly-crowned Formula 1 world champion, joins the shortlist for the first time. His championship was clinched last weekend during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished third. The last F1 driver to win the award was Lewis Hamilton, who took home the title in 2020.
Celebrating Athletic Excellence
The shortlist also includes two stars from the England women’s football team following their remarkable victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who has recently taken over as the first-choice goalkeeper from Mary Earps, is nominated alongside her teammate Chloe Kelly.
In addition, Ellie Kildunne, a prominent player in the England women’s rugby team, is recognized for her role in leading the Red Roses to World Cup glory on home soil. Another nominee is Luke Littler, a young darts talent who narrowly missed out on the award last year, finishing behind athletics star Keely Hodgkinson. Littler is gearing up to defend his title in the upcoming World Darts Championship, beginning his campaign against Darius Labanauskas.
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming ceremony, stating, “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.” He added that he looks forward to celebrating these achievements and witnessing who the public selects as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
Public Voting and Ceremony Details
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred winner during the live broadcast of the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, scheduled for December 18, 2025, in Salford. The event will be aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 to 21:00 (UTC). In an exciting twist, nominees will be narrowed down to a top three before announcing the overall winner.
Additionally, public voting for the World Sport Star award is now open, with nominees revealed earlier this week. Voters have until midday on December 14 to submit their choices on the BBC website. This year’s shortlist features renowned athletes including footballers Mohamed Salah and Mariona Caldentey, boxer Terence Crawford, pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, athletics star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and baseball player Shohei Ohtani.
As anticipation builds for the ceremony, the spotlight remains on these exceptional athletes and their remarkable achievements throughout the year.
