Lionesses stars Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly lead Sports Personality of the Year 2025 shortlist | OneFootball

Two England heroes headline a six name shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year 2025 after a year filled with defining moments for women’s football.

Sports Personality of the Year shortlist announced

The BBC has unveiled the six contenders for the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year award and two Lionesses are at the heart of the conversation. Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly are joined by Ellie Kildunne, Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris on a list that recognises the standout performers of an extraordinary sporting year. For followers of the women’s game the prominence of Hampton and Kelly reflects the way they shaped the biggest moments of 2025.

The public will decide the winner during the live show on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer on Thursday 18 December. Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding will host the programme from MediaCityUK in Salford as it revisits twelve months that have elevated women’s football to new heights.

Alex Kay Jelski, director of BBC Sport said: “This has been a breathtaking 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 cannot wait to honour their achievements, and to see who the nation chooses as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.”

Hannah Hampton’s remarkable year

Few athletes have risen as dramatically as Hannah Hampton. Her year ended with the Yashin Trophy which recognises the world’s best female goalkeeper and she earned it through a series of defining performances.

Hampton produced two penalty saves in the European Championship final as England lifted the trophy and she was named player of the match. She also delivered two shootout saves in the quarter final and her consistency meant she was included in the team of the tournament. With Chelsea she collected a domestic treble and shared the WSL Golden Glove thanks to 13 clean sheets in 22 matches.

Chloe Kelly’s decisive touch

Chloe Kelly once again proved she is England’s player for the biggest occasions. At the beginning of the year her future was uncertain yet by the summer she had lifted both the European Championship and the Champions League.

Kelly scored the winning penalty in the Euro final and added another in the quarter final shootout. She also produced a dramatic late winner in the semi final. Her influence at Arsenal was equally important as she helped secure Champions League glory and finished fifth in the Women’s Ballon d’Or voting.

Other Sports Personality of the Year nominees

Ellie Kildunne earned her place after scoring five tries as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup. She also played a key role in another Six Nations Grand Slam and impressed with 14 tries for Harlequins.

Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion in history and later climbed to world number one. Rory McIlroy finally completed golf’s career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters and helped Europe reclaim the Ryder Cup. Lando Norris captured the Formula One world title after a tense season that went down to the final race.

With Hampton and Kelly leading the way this year’s shortlist reflects the growing influence of women’s football and the performances that captivated supporters throughout 2025.