BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025: Top 10 Power Rankings Revealed

October 3, 2025 Kris Isaksen

As we near the end of an action-packed sporting year, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is wide open. From footballers lifting European trophies to golfers achieving long-awaited milestones, the top 10 list is stacked with talent. Here's a countdown of the athletes who’ve defined 2025 — and could walk away with the coveted SPOTY title.

10. Matthew Hudson-Smith – Battling Against the Odds

Despite entering 2025 as a favorite for World Championship gold, Matthew Hudson-Smith fell short due to a hip issue that hampered his semi-final performance. His time of 44.95s was far off his personal best, but the Olympic and World silver medallist remains one of Britain’s finest 400m talents.

9. Tommy Fleetwood – Breaking Through at Last

After years of near misses, Tommy Fleetwood finally clinched his first PGA Tour title and followed it up by winning the FedEx Cup. His role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, going 4-1-0, sealed his place among golf’s elite this season.

8. Josh Kerr – Grit and Guts on the Track

Josh Kerr endured a challenging year, balancing injuries with triumphs. The 2023 1500m world champion won the 5000m at the UK Athletics Championships but was sidelined during the World Championships final due to a calf injury. Still, his determination shone through.

7. Luke Littler – Darts’ Teenage Sensation

At just 18, Luke Littler continues to redefine darts history. He claimed the World Championship and UK Open, and delivered a stunning nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League. Littler’s youth and poise under pressure keep him firmly in the SPOTY conversation.

6. Kim Little – The Midfield Maestro

Veteran midfielder Kim Little played a key role in Arsenal's historic Champions League win over Barcelona. The 35-year-old’s intelligence, vision, and leadership have made her one of the most respected figures in the women's game — and 2025 proved no different.

5. Hannah Hampton – Hero Between the Sticks

With Mary Earps stepping down, Hannah Hampton stepped up. She delivered clutch saves in England’s penalty shootout win over Sweden and starred in the final against Spain to secure back-to-back European titles. Her efforts also earned her the prestigious Women’s Yashin Trophy.

4. Lando Norris – Fast and Fearless

Lando Norris has been a force on the Formula 1 circuit this year, collecting wins in Monaco, Silverstone, Austria, and Hungary. Locked in a tight title race with teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris remains a serious contender both on the track and for SPOTY honors.

3. Ellie Kildunne – Red Roses’ Try Machine

Ellie Kildunne was central to England’s Rugby World Cup success, bouncing back from a concussion to help her team defeat France and ultimately Canada in the final. The World Player of the Year dazzled fans and lifted the Red Roses to long-awaited glory.

2. Rory McIlroy – Completing the Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters, completing the modern career Grand Slam in a playoff victory at Augusta. The Northern Irishman then starred in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup win, reasserting his place among golf’s all-time greats after an 11-year major drought.

1. Chloe Kelly – England’s Iconic Match-Winner

Chloe Kelly stands as the clear frontrunner for SPOTY 2025 after scoring the decisive penalty in the Women’s Euro final against Spain. Her clutch performances throughout the tournament — and her role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph — make her an inspiring symbol of English football at its best.