The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 shortlist features Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris among six nominees competing for the prestigious sporting award
The contenders for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 have been revealed, with Luke Littler among six major stars vying for the coveted honour.
The darts prodigy aka ‘the Nuke’ became the youngest world champion in darts history when he won the 2025 World Championship at 17 years and 347 days old in January. Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has also savoured a stellar year following his long-awaited Masters victory and his contribution to Team Europe’s Ryder Cup success.
England Lionesses stars Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly have also earned nominations after their pivotal roles in the European Championship glory. Fresh F1 world champion Lando Norris and England Rugby World Cup hero Ellie Kildunne complete the shortlist battling for the prestigious prize.
The champion will be announced on Thursday, December 18 during a live BBC broadcast hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.
BBC Sport Director Alex Jay-Kelski commented: “This has been a breath-taking 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. It’s been incredible to watch, and I can’t wait to honour their achievements, and to see who the nation chooses as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.”, reports the Mirror.
A judging panel featuring world champion boxer Carl Frampton, sports broadcaster Josh Denzel from Sky Sports and Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates selected the six finalists: McIlroy, Hampton, Kelly, Norris, Kildunne and Littler.
The latter is also in the running for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Award, alongside Arsenal and England’s rising star Michelle Agyemang, and cricket prodigy Davina Perrin.
All six athletes are worthy contenders for the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year title. Kelly and Hampton played pivotal roles in England’s back-to-back Euros victories, with Kelly netting the decisive penalty against Spain in the final.
Littler has enjoyed a stellar year in darts, recently securing the world No. 1 spot after kicking off the year as world champion. Kildunne was instrumental in England Rugby’s World Cup triumph, scoring two crucial tries to defeat France in the semi-finals.
As previously mentioned, McIlroy clinched the Masters at Augusta in April before delivering a masterclass on American soil to help Team Europe secure the Ryder Cup.
Lastly, Norris has been nominated following his maiden Formula One world championship win last weekend. His third-place finish in Abu Dhabi was enough to edge out McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on his achievement, he said: “I’ve not cried in a while. I didn’t think I’d cry, but I did. It’s a long journey… a long journey.
“First of all, I want to say a big thanks to everyone at McLaren and to my parents…. my Mum, my Dad, they’re the ones who supported me since the beginning.
“There aren’t many people in the world, not many people in Formula 1, who ever get to experience what I’ve experienced this season and this year, so I’m happy for everyone.
“I’m happy for everyone more than I am for me, but I’m crazy happy. It’s pretty surreal! I dreamt of this for a long, long time – everyone does. A lot goes into a season like this, a lot of ups, a lot of downs, but none of that matters as long as you come out on top.”