Chloe Kelly leads the pack for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025

November 1, 2025 Kris Isaksen

With another thrilling year of sport nearly behind us, the stage is set for the 72nd edition of BBC Sports Personality of the Year. From rising stars to seasoned champions, these are the athletes making the biggest splash in the race for Britain’s most prestigious sporting honour — starting at number 11 and working up to the frontrunner.

11. Alessia Russo: Arsenal’s and England’s fearless forward

Alessia Russo delivered on the biggest stages in 2025, leading Arsenal to Champions League glory with a stunning victory over Barcelona. Her summer was equally impressive, playing a key role as England retained their European Championship title after beating Spain in the final.

10. Lucy Bronze: England’s ever-reliable warrior

Named England Women’s Player of the Year, Lucy Bronze proved once again why she’s one of the country’s most dependable defenders. She scored five goals across the season, including a crucial header against Sweden, and played a full 106 minutes in England’s hard-fought final win over Spain.

9. Josh Kerr: Resilience on the track

Josh Kerr’s year was a mix of highs and lows, battling through injury and illness while still making headlines. He won the 5000m at the UK Championships but was hampered by a calf injury at the 1500m World Championship final in Tokyo, finishing last.

8. Sarah Hunter: Coaching England to World Cup glory

As England’s defence coach, Sarah Hunter helped mastermind the Red Roses’ World Cup win on home soil. From top of the pool to a final win over Canada at Twickenham, Hunter’s leadership off the pitch mirrored her legendary playing career.

7. Luke Littler: Darts’ unstoppable teenage star

Just a year after finishing runner-up for SPOTY, Luke Littler returns with even more success under his belt. The 18-year-old captured the World Championship and UK Open, and made headlines with a televised nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen, becoming the youngest world champion in darts history.

6. Kim Little: The midfield maestro makes history

Veteran playmaker Kim Little capped off a glittering career by captaining Arsenal to Champions League success. Her performance against Barcelona was vintage Little — composed, creative, and decisive — earning her a well-deserved place among the year's elite.

5. Ellie Kildunne: A try-scoring titan for the Red Roses

World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne was a standout in England’s triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign. Despite a concussion setback, she returned to score key tries in the semi-final and final, helping avenge their 2022 loss and delighting over 81,000 fans at Twickenham.

4. Hannah Hampton: From understudy to England’s saviour

With Mary Earps retired, Hannah Hampton stepped up as England’s number one — and she didn’t disappoint. Her penalty shoot-out saves against Sweden and match-winning performance in the final helped England retain their European crown, earning her the Women's Yashin Trophy along the way.

3. Lando Norris: McLaren’s main man in title chase

Lando Norris enjoyed a career-best season in Formula 1, going wheel-to-wheel with teammate Oscar Piastri for the Drivers’ Championship. With major wins in Monaco, Australia, and the UK, he’s firmly in the SPOTY mix — provided he can finish the season on top.

2. Rory McIlroy: Grand Slam glory at Augusta

Rory McIlroy finally added The Masters to his trophy cabinet, becoming the first European to complete the modern career Grand Slam. He followed it up with a stellar Ryder Cup performance, helping Team Europe to victory on American soil for a second time.

1. Chloe Kelly: The Lioness with the final word

Chloe Kelly has become the face of England’s footballing triumphs in 2025, scoring the winning penalty in the Euros final against Spain. Her impact was felt throughout the tournament and in Arsenal’s Champions League win — the kind of performances that define a Sports Personality of the Year.