The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award remains one of the most cherished and hotly debated honours in British sport. First established in 1954, the prize has evolved into a celebration not just of athletic excellence, but of moments that capture the public imagination. It rewards greatness, resilience, cultural impact and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
As the sporting calendar draws to a close and the festive season approaches, attention once again turns to who will lift the iconic trophy in 2025. This year’s shortlist reflects a remarkable twelve months across football, golf, motorsport, darts and rugby, with six outstanding contenders nominated for their achievements.
Before analysing the leading candidates and their odds, it is worth reflecting on the history of the award and the giants who have lifted it before.
Remember, you have until Thursday 18th December to cast your vote for your choice!
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award was first presented in 1954, with Sir Christopher Chataway becoming its inaugural winner. Since then, it has grown into a uniquely British sporting institution, voted for by the public and watched by millions on live television every December.
Over the decades, the honour roll has featured some of the most iconic names in sporting history. Sir Steve Redgrave, winner in 1988 and 2000, remains the only athlete to have claimed the award twice. Sir Andy Murray followed suit with victories in 2013 and 2016 after his Wimbledon triumphs. Formula 1 legends such as Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton have all claimed the prize, while footballing greats including Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs have also been honoured.
In recent years, the award has increasingly reflected the broad spectrum of British sport. Women’s footballers, Olympic athletes and competitors from less traditional mainstream sports have all been recognised, underlining how the definition of sporting excellence continues to evolve.
The 2025 shortlist continues that trend, blending global superstars with emerging icons who have defined the year.
Hannah Hampton’s nomination follows a year that firmly established her as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. Her performances throughout 2025 were defined by consistency, composure and an ability to produce match-saving moments on the biggest stages.
At international level, Hampton played a crucial role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph, producing a series of outstanding saves during the knockout rounds. Her calm presence under pressure and command of the penalty area proved decisive in tight matches, particularly in high-stakes moments where fine margins separated victory from elimination, especially in penalty-shootouts where she excelled.
Beyond tournament football, Hampton’s club performances were equally impressive. She delivered commanding displays week after week, combining modern distribution skills with traditional shot-stopping excellence. Her ability to initiate attacks from deep positions has become a hallmark of her game and a key asset for both club and country.
If there is a weakness in her Sports Personality case, it lies not in performance but in visibility. Goalkeepers are often overlooked compared to goal scorers, yet Hampton’s influence on England’s success in 2025 cannot be understated.
Latest odds (approximate): 12/1
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Chloe Kelly’s nomination reflects a year in which she once again delivered when England needed her most. Already a national hero, Kelly reinforced her reputation as a player for the big occasion during Euro 2025, producing decisive contributions throughout the tournament.
Her pace, creativity and fearlessness made her a constant threat on the flank, while her work rate and defensive discipline embodied the modern demands of elite football. Kelly’s ability to change matches from the bench or the starting XI gave England a tactical edge and a psychological boost. She came off the bench to score vital goals for the Lionesses including the winning penalty in the shootout in the final with Spain.
Off the pitch, Kelly’s influence extended beyond results. She remains one of the most recognisable figures in English women’s football, using her platform to inspire young players and promote the growth of the women’s game nationwide.
While individual accolades in team sports can be contentious, Kelly’s impact during England’s Euro-winning campaign places her firmly among the most deserving nominees of 2025.
Latest odds (approximate): 10/1
Rory McIlroy’s place on the shortlist was secured by one of the defining moments in modern golf history. In 2025, he completed the Career Grand Slam back in April when winning The Masters, becoming only the sixth male golfer to win all four major championships.
The significance of the achievement cannot be overstated. McIlroy’s journey to this milestone was marked by near-misses, intense scrutiny and immense pressure. When the moment finally arrived, it was met with widespread acclaim from fans, peers and sporting figures across the globe.
Throughout the year, McIlroy demonstrated remarkable consistency, combining technical brilliance with renewed mental resilience. His major victory was not a flash of brilliance but the culmination of sustained excellence at the highest level of the sport.
He also played a huge role in Europe winning the Ryder Cup in the United States and also won The Players Championship back in March, the ‘fifth major' and his home Irish Open.
The Sports Personality of the Year award has historically favoured iconic, career-defining moments, and McIlroy’s Grand Slam completion fits that mould perfectly. Few achievements in 2025 carried comparable historical weight.
Latest odds (approximate): 4/1
Lando Norris’ first Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship stands as one of the most compelling sporting narratives of the year. Long regarded as one of the grid’s most talented drivers, Norris finally converted promise into ultimate success in a fiercely contested season.
His championship campaign was built on consistency, intelligence and composure. Norris combined race-winning speed with strategic awareness, often maximising points on weekends where outright victory was not possible. That maturity proved decisive over a long and demanding calendar.
That was especially key in the final race where Norris drove a disciplined race after a poor start to take third place and with it enough points to win the title by just two points from Max Verstappen.
Beyond the numbers, Norris’ appeal extends far beyond the paddock. He has become one of the most recognisable figures in British sport, attracting a new generation of fans to Formula 1 through his personality, media presence and authenticity.
Winning a world championship in motorsport remains one of the strongest credentials in Sports Personality voting, and Norris enters the final stages of the contest as one of the favourites.
Latest odds (approximate): 3/1
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Luke Littler’s extraordinary rise continued in 2025 with his PDC World Darts Championship triumph, confirming him as one of the most exciting talents the sport has ever produced. His performances combined fearless scoring with a maturity that belied his age.
Throughout the tournament, Littler thrived under the Alexandra Palace spotlight, producing high averages and clutch finishes against elite opposition. His victory over Michael van Gerwen represented more than just a title; it marked a generational shift within professional darts.
Littler’s impact has also been cultural. His success has brought renewed attention to the sport, drawing in younger audiences and elevating darts’ profile beyond its traditional fan base. Few athletes in 2025 captured public imagination in the same way.
While darts winners have faced stiff competition historically in this award, Littler’s story, combined with a world title, makes him a genuine contender.
Latest odds (approximate): 6/1
Ellie Kildunne’s nomination recognises a year of outstanding performances that placed her among the very best in women’s rugby. Her influence throughout 2025 was defined by attacking brilliance, athleticism and leadership.
Kildunne consistently delivered match-winning displays, combining pace and power with tactical awareness. Her ability to break defensive lines and create opportunities made her one of the most feared players in international rugby.
In a year where women’s rugby continued to grow in prominence, Kildunne became one of its standout figures, representing the sport with professionalism and excellence. Her nomination highlights the increasing recognition afforded to rugby within the Sports Personality framework.
Although rugby candidates often face stiff competition from football and motorsport stars, Kildunne’s performances in 2025 ensure her place among the elite.
Latest odds (approximate): 14/1
All odds shown were approximate taken from a number of different sports books. Always check the odds on each contender prior to making a bet with your choice of sports betting service.
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Predicting the winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year is never straightforward. Public voting introduces emotion, narrative and timing into the equation, often favouring moments that resonate beyond pure statistics.
Rory McIlroy’s Career Grand Slam represents a historic milestone that may sway voters seeking legacy and achievement. Lando Norris’ Formula 1 title offers a compelling blend of youth, global appeal and championship success. Luke Littler’s rise provides an irresistible story of breakthrough brilliance, while England’s female Rugby World Cup and Euro-winning stars reflect the continued growth of women’s sport.
For us though, Rory McIlroy completing the Career-slam and then anchoring Europe's Ryder Cup triumph in the United States should get him the gong.
Ultimately, the award celebrates not just excellence, but inspiration.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 award will be presented live on BBC television on the evening of Thursday 18th December 2025. The ceremony will feature highlights from the year, special guest appearances and the announcement of the public vote winner.
As the sporting year closes and the festive season begins, the event once again promises to be a fitting celebration of Britain’s finest sporting achievements.
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