Sports Personality of the Year 2025: The Race for Britain’s Top Sporting Honour

Introduction: A Prestigious Award for Exceptional Achievement

The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, December 18, and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer. This prestigious event celebrates exceptional British sporting achievements and has become one of the most anticipated nights in the UK sporting calendar. The greatest British athlete of 2025 will be voted for by the public this month, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1954.

Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski noted that ‘this year has once again been packed full of amazing sporting moments and stories,’ highlighting drama, triumph and unforgettable moments, particularly from homegrown stars and women athletes. The ceremony holds special significance as it recognises British sporting excellence across multiple disciplines.

Leading Contenders for the 2025 Award

Rory McIlroy remains the 4/6 favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 after a season of golfing dominance. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton also features among the favourites, with her penalty saves proving crucial as England claimed their first major football championship on foreign soil.

Lando Norris, who was runner-up in the F1 Drivers’ Championship last year and has won 11 Grands Prix in his career, is currently leading teammate Oscar Piastri by 24 points. The Women’s Rugby World Cup winner also features prominently, with one dominant try scorer earning World Player of the Year honours after England defeated Canada at Twickenham in front of a record attendance of 81,885.

The Voting Process and What to Expect

Three presenters will be sharing the stage for the awards ceremony: Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will jointly host the event. The British public will be voting for the winner, and will be able to lock in their votes via the BBC Sport website once nominees are officially announced.

Sports Personality of the Year is a BBC award given every December to a sportsperson who has performed exceptionally during the year, with the winner voted for by the public and the top three contenders all placed. The ceremony also includes other prestigious awards such as World Sport Star of the Year, Team of the Year, and Coach of the Year, making it a comprehensive celebration of sporting achievement.

Conclusion: Celebrating British Sporting Excellence

The 2025 Sports Personality of the Year represents more than just an award—it’s a reflection of British sporting achievement across an extraordinary year. With exceptional performances from golfers, footballers, rugby players and Formula One drivers, the competition promises to be intensely contested. For British sports fans, the ceremony offers an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, talent and inspiring performances that have captivated audiences throughout 2025. As voting opens, the nation will have its say on who deserves to be crowned the greatest British sporting personality of the year.