The contenders for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 have been officially announced, featuring Rory McIlroy alongside five other prominent figures in sports. McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, had a remarkable year with victories at the Masters and contributing to Team Europe’s Ryder Cup success. Additionally, England lionesses Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly have been recognized for their pivotal roles in securing the European championships.
The list of nominees also includes recently crowned F1 world champion Lando Norris, England Rugby World Cup champion Ellie Kildunne, and darts star Luke Littler. The winner will be unveiled on Thursday, December 18, during a live broadcast on BBC, hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott.
Director of BBC Sport, Alex Jay-Kelski, expressed admiration for the outstanding performances witnessed in 2025, acknowledging the athletes’ exceptional contributions to the sporting world. The panel responsible for nominating McIlroy, Hampton, Kelly, Norris, Kildunne, and Littler included world champion boxer Carl Frampton, sports presenter Josh Denzel, Sky Sports, and Match of the Day host Kelly Cates.
Furthermore, Littler is a finalist for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Award, competing against rising stars Michelle Agyemang and Davina Perrin. Each nominee has showcased exceptional talent and determination deserving of the Sports Personality of the Year title for 2025.
Kelly and Hampton played crucial roles in England’s consecutive Euros victory, with Kelly’s decisive penalty against Spain in the final. Littler’s continued success in darts led to his recent achievement as the new world No.1, starting with a world championship win earlier in the year.
Kildunne’s standout performances were instrumental in England Rugby’s triumphant journey to winning the World Cup, highlighted by her impressive contributions in the semi-final against France. McIlroy’s triumph at the Masters and pivotal role in securing the Ryder Cup for Team Europe further solidified his place among the nominees.
Lastly, Norris earned a nomination following his first Formula One world title win, with a remarkable performance in Abu Dhabi securing his victory over competitors Oscar Piastri and Max Vertsappen. Reflecting on his achievement, Norris expressed gratitude to his team at McLaren and his parents for their unwavering support, emphasizing the significance of the journey and the collective effort that led to his success.