Rory McIlroy has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the first time after winning the Masters and leading Europe to the Ryder Cup in the finest season of the Northern Irishman’s career.
McIlroy became just the sixth player, and the first from Europe, to achieve golf’s career grand slam when he won the green jacket at Augusta to complete his set of major titles. The 36-year-old becomes just the third golfer to win the prestigious SPOTY prize, after Dai Rees and Sir Nick Faldo.
McIlroy was the favourite to win the award and topped the public vote ahead of Ellie Kildunne, who starred in England’s Rugby World Cup win and was second in voting, and newly crowned F1 world champion Lando Norris, who was third. Lionesses heroes Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton and world darts champion Luke Littler were also nominated.
And there was a double success for McIlroy as Europe’s Ryder Cup team won in the first public vote for Team of the Year, ahead of the Lionesses and the Red Roses. There was some recognition for the Lionesses after their Euro 2025 victory, though, with Sarina Wiegman named coach of the year and breakout striker Michelle Agyemang winning Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Sweden’s pole vault king Mondo Duplantis made it back-to-back World Sport Star of the Year awards. Follow all the latest updates from the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year awards below
Sports Personality of the Year awards
- Rory McIlroy wins Sports Personality of the Year 2025 with Ellie Kildunne second and Lando Norris third
- The European Ryder Cup team win Team of the Year
- Michelle Agyemang wins Young Sports Personality of the Year
- Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman named coach of the year for second time
- Pole vault star Mondo Duplantis named World Sport Star of the Year for second consecutive time
- Arsenal legend Thierry Henry honoured with Lifetime Achievement award
- Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, fathers of two of the young girls killed in the Southport stabbings, win Helen Rollason Award
WATCH: The moment Rory McIlroy won Sports Personality of the Year
Thursday 18 December 2025 22:22 , Luke BakerHere’s the moment that Rory McIlroy was named Sports Personality of the Year for 2025 - to a huge ovation.
Emotional Rory McIlroy ends ‘dream year’ with BBC Sports Personality - the award he wanted all along
Thursday 18 December 2025 22:05 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy ended the “year dreams are made of” by adding the Sports Personality of the Year award to his memorable triumphs at the Masters and Ryder Cup after being voted winner of the prestigious BBC prize for the first time.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman topped the public vote ahead of England rugby star Ellie Kildunne, who sparkled as the Red Roses won the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and newly-crowned F1 world champion Lando Norris, who was third.
McIlroy is just the third golfer to be named Sports Personality of the Year and the first since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989. It comes after McIlroy became just the sixth man to complete golf’s career grand slam by winning the Masters in April, as well as leading Europe’s charge to an away Ryder Cup victory against a ferociously hostile United States crowd in September.
To add to McIlroy’s night, Europe’s Ryder Cup team also won the public vote for Team of the Year, ahead of the Red Roses and the Lionesses, who defended their European crown in Switzerland to become the first England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
Read Jamie Braidwood’s full round-up of tonight’s ceremony:
Emotional Rory McIlroy ends ‘dream year’ with the award he wanted all along
Michelle Agyemang reflects on Young Spoty award
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:53 , Luke BakerHere’s what teenage Lionesses star Michelle Agyemang had to say after winning Young Sports Personality of the Year, ahead of Luke Littler and Davina Perrin
“Wow. Thank you so much. I am so grateful. To all my team mates, coaches, I am so grateful.
"To my family, who have supported me all this year and throughout my career – even if it has been so short – I love you.
“As I always say, a big thank you to God for this opportunity because I don't know where I'd be today without him. And thank you so much for all being here and I'm so grateful. Thank you.”
McIlroy's win in stats
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:37 , Luke BakerA couple of nice stats about Rory McIlroy’s victory tonight.
He is just the third golfer to win Sports Personality of the Year after Dai Rees in 1957 and Sir Nick Faldo in 1989.
He’s also only the fourth athlete from Northern Ireland to triumph, following in the footsteps of Olympic pentathlon champion Lady Mary Peters in 1972, boxer Barry McGuigan in 1985 and jockey AP McCoy in 2010.
The likes of fellow Northern Irishmen George Best, Darren Clarke, Willie John McBride, Alex Higgins and Jonathan Rea have also finished in the top three previously.
Rory McIlroy wins Spoty 2025 ahead of Ellie Kildunne
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:24 , Luke BakerLovely moments for Rory McIlroy and for Ellie Kildunne, who finished second in the voting, as well.
Lando Norris finished third, with Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Luke Littler just missing out from the original shortlist of six.
Rory McIlroy's acceptance speech: '2025 is the year my dreams came true'
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:15 , Luke BakerA lot of thanks yous from Rory McIlroy as he gets slightly emotional while accepting the award. A brilliant moment for the Northern Irish golf sensation.
McIlroy says: “Wow. First of all, I’d just like to congratulate all the other finalists here tonight. What you've all done this year and over the course of your careers, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes. It’s a pleasure just to be in this room along with so many dedicated people.
“2025 has been the year that my dreams came true from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of.
“Thank you to the public for voting me as your Sports Personality of the Year.
“Thank you to my family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I obviously wouldn't be here without them.
“My wife, Erica. My daughter, Poppy. They are what holds me together, my rocks. They couldn't be here tonight, they're back in America but I can't wait but to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate this with them as well. So thank you for all your support, everything that you've done for me over the years.
“Thank you to the BBC for hosting these awards. I remember growing up, Looking forward to this night, watching it on TV, seeing who's going to win, it was always a big part of the run-up to Christmas. So I’m just very honoured to to get my hands on on this trophy behind me.
“And hopefully I can challenge to get it again next year! But thank you everyone. It truly is an honour and have a great evening.”
Rory McIlroy wins Spoty 2025
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:06 , Luke BakerWhat a year for McIlroy - finally winning the Masters to complete the career grand slam and adding an away Ryder Cup triumph.
So that means the Spoty 2025 top three looks like this.
1. Rory McIlroy
2. Ellie Kildunne
3. Lando Norris
RORY MCILROY WINS SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2025!
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:05 , Luke BakerHere it comes... It’s RORY MCILROY who win Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
No arguments there. What a year, what a winner! Huge roars as he comes on to the stage!
Ellie Kildunne runner-up in Spoty 2025
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:03 , Luke BakerThieryr Henry announces the runner-up first of all and it’s Ellie Kildunne! The Red Roses star finishes second.
Rory v Lando for the main award. The other one finishing third.
On to the main award
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:02 , Luke BakerOn to the main award now, the final one of the evening.
Will Rory McIlroy, Lando Norris or Ellie Kildunne be named Sports Personality of the Year for 2025?
Last year’s winner Keely Hodgkinson and tonight’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner Thierry Henry are presenting it.
The European Ryder Cup team win Team of the Year
Thursday 18 December 2025 21:00 , Luke BakerStraight on to Team of the Year now. This one was a public vote between the Lionesses, the Red Roses and the European Ryder Cup team...
It’s the European Ryder Cup team! Their away win in the US in September has earned them this win. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood up on stage to collect it. Well deserved!
Michelle Agyemang wins Young Sports Personality of the Year
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:58 , Luke BakerHarry Aikines-Aryeetey and Lucy Bronze are on stage to present the award.
And no, it’s not Littler! Lionesses star Michelle Agyemang wins the award as Littler is denied going back to back. That’s a surprise.
Voting has closed!
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:56 , Luke BakerThat’s it, voting for Sports Personality of the Year 2025 has closed. It’s locked in, the votes will now be counted and verified.
Just a couple of awards left before we find out the main winner.
It’s Young Sports Personality of the Year next up. Darts star Luke Littler, footballer Michelle Agyemang and cricket tyro Davina Perrin are up for this one. Surely Littler’s?
WATCH: Lionesses Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze reveal the role models who shaped their success
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:54 , Luke BakerLionesses Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze have revealed who has inspired them the most in their sporting careers.
The footballers spoke to The Independent on the red carpet at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards this evening.
Hampton said: “For me, 100 percent my family, they've helped me through tough moments.
“My brother's given up his own sporting, career to help me get to the top of mine,. I've always been admired by my brother's strength and determination to get to where he's got to.
Kelly said: “Kelly Smith at the start of my career, being able to look up to such an amazing role model, for sure, Kelly Smith.”
Bronze added: “The person who inspired me the most ever has always been Kelly Holmes. She's the first woman that I watched on TV at any sport be strong, be fearless, and successful.”
BBC SPOTY: England Lionesses on the role models who shaped their success
In memoriam
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:52 , Luke BakerIt’s a typically emotional tribute to all those from the world of sport who have died this year.
There’s a big list of names, from the likes of Ricky Hatton, Diogo Jota and Matt Beard to George Foreman, Dickie Bird and Eddie Jordan.
Bantam of the Opera, a 50-strong choir of Bradford fans created to honour victims of the Bradford Fire perform the club’s anthem Midland Road over the video of the departed.
Sarina Wiegman accepts Coach of the Year Award
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:46 , Luke BakerSarina Wiegman is cheered as she comes on stage to accept her Coach of the Year Award.
“It's an excellent honour to be here again,” says Wiegman. “Thank you so much BBC and the judges. I also would like to congratulate all the coaches who have been so successful with their teams over this last summer.
“I've been part of a tremendous team, an incredible group of players and staff. You know what we saw over the summer. Of course we played crazy matches, especially with the games that we had to win and sorry that we made you have lots of heart attacks! I was not the only one who got heart attacks but a lot more people as well!
“We were so together as a team. The togetherness in this team was so incredible and that was so special to be part of.
“My husband is here, which is very special for me too. I have to thank my family who are always so supportive. Especially when I went to England, another country, that's hard. It's a challenge for me, it was also a challenge for my family, so thank you Martin for your support all the time.”
Sarina Wiegman named Coach of the Year
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:41 , Luke BakerAwards coming thick and fast now. Fluff over, it’s down to business.
It’s Coach of the Year. And the winner is...
SARINA WIEGMAN
The Lionesses coach led England to Euro 2025 glory, retaining their title - a first every victory on foreign soil for an England football team. Well deserved.
A Lioness won’t win the main award but Sarina Wiegman gets Coach of the Year
Top three in Spoty 2025 revealed
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:39 , Luke BakerHere’s the big moment with the top three for Sports Personality of the Year 2025 about to be revealed. Voting has frozen and will re-open when we know the top three...
We’ve got a golden envelope... The names are read out in alphabetical order.
Your top three are:
Ellie Kildunne
Rory McIlroy
Lando Norris
WOW! The two Lionesses have surely split the vote there and taken each other out! Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are out, as is Luke Littler. It’s golf vs rugby vs F1 for the title
Mondo Duplantis named World Sport Star of the Year
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:35 , Luke BakerOur next award of the evening and it’s World Sport Star of the Year. And the winner is...
Pole vault superstar Mondo Duplantis! It was a public vote and the public decided the Swedish pole vault legend would retain the award, winning for a second consecutive year.
Duplantis won a third consecutive world title in September and improved his world record four times this year, now up to 6.30m.
Ellie Kildunne reveals how life has changed
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:32 , Luke BakerThere’s one final nominee to be interviewed before we find out who has made the top three in the voting.
It’s Ellie Kildunne, rugby superstar who helped the Red Roses win the Women’s Rugby World Cup in style on home soil in September. They completed an entire World Cup cycle unbeaten, having not lost a single game since the 2021 World Cup final defeat to New Zealand and it was sealed in front of a sold-out Twickenham.
On her style of play - beating players and scoring tries: “If there's an opportunity, I'll take it. I mean you've seen some of the girls that I’m training against. I'm so scared of getting tackled! So I'm running run around people because I'm trying to avoid it most time but I also love the freedom to see what's in front of me.
On being concussed during the World Cup and missing a game: “It’s the first time I've been concussed but yeah, I was scared. Meg Jones is my sheriff and and my roommate as well and she just kept saying everything's written for us and I'm a strong believer in that. It's a boring book if it's all good stuff! So some of it needs to help us, to keep people reading!
How life has changed: “Well I'm really busy. I could do with going home for a little bit and I've got I've got that over Christmas which I'm looking forward to! But I think the impact is that the whole team and the whole of the World Cup has had not just on women’s sport but all women in sport. It's been beyond what we could have ever imagined. It's something that you can dream of but you never really see yourself in that position.”
Hannah Hampton: 'It's nice for goalkeepers to be recognised'
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:25 , Luke BakerA second triumphant Lioness, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, is next up to be interviewed by Alex Scott.
On Euro 2025 win: “It’s been a lovely but challenging year. Losing my Grandpa on the eve of the tournament was hard. We wanted the dream together so I went out there to try and make him proud. I carried him with me in every minute of those games.”
On being named as the world's best goalkeeper: “It’s lovely. It’s nice for the keepers to be recognised now. Anything I’ve achieved has been down to my parents pushing me and all the coaches I’ve had. They’ve really pushed me and kept me going. They made me realise my dreams that have become reality.”
Chloe Kelly looks back on Lionesses triumph
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:23 , Luke BakerThe first of two Lionesses up for tonight’s award takes to the stage, as Chloe Kelly is interviewed by Alex Scott. She was England’s penalty-scoring superstar as they lifted the Euro 2025 trophy by beating Spain in a shootout.
On the Lionesses environment: “We have a great time in camp and Sarina [boss Sarina Wiegman] makes an incredible environment. I'm proud to represent such an amazing team and Sarina given me an opportunity to represent my country.
On emerging from the bench to win matches for England: “Staying ready for the moment, staying ready for an opportunity when called upon, representing your country is never a given. So when you have that opportunity, take it with both hands and make the most of it. Taking that moment with both hands and having that belief is something you dig deep for.
On coming through dark times: “I had to remember why did I start the game as a young girl? Because I loved it and falling back in love with the game was key. When Arsenal came calling, I'm grateful for that club and I'm grateful for Sarina for allowing me to showcase my ability. And the girls that I stand side by side with on the pitch, I'm so grateful for them because we don't see that success without one another.”
WATCH: Thierry Henry reflects on career after Lifetime Achievement honour
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:10 , Luke BakerWe’ve been down on the red carpet in Manchester this evening and had an exclusive chat with Thierry Henry before he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award
“I feel privileged because I had the opportunity to play with great players and great teams and great coaches,” he said told The Independent.
When speaking about those who inspired him, the 48-year-old said: “A lot of people along the way, whether I can name people that did believe in me and the ones that didn't believe in me. You have to use that as a way to make it yourself. It always has to come from within.”
BBC SPOTY: Thierry Henry on belief, legacy and lifetime achievement
Luke Littler reflects on his whirlwind year
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:08 , Luke BakerLuke Littler is the third nominee that we hear from this evening. He’s mid-tournament at the moment so comes in via video link.
On being defending champion at the worlds this year: “It's different. You've got that defending champion status on your mind. First game I got the win and we'll go back down probably on Sunday, to try and get another and come back after Christmas.
How he keeps his focus: “We really have to focus, especially at the World Darts Championship, the last tournament of the year. The biggest tournament of the year and the fans bring the atmosphere. Year on year at Ally Pally, it’s going to get even bigger and bigger.
On future targets: “There's a few titles on the list that I have not ticked off yet. I'll go and chase them next year but right now it;s all focused for the World Darts Championship.”
Thierry Henry delighted to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Thursday 18 December 2025 20:02 , Luke BakerThierry Henry has accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award and reflected on the honour.
Henry said: “I just wanted to thank BBC Sport for thinking of me for this award and I wouldn't have been able to do that without playing with great players, great teams and great coaches. So I want to thank everybody for that. Yes, I'm French and proud to be, but I'm also a Londoner.
“I want to say thank you to everyone that believed in me and also the ones that didn't believe me. Trust me, the list is long!
Message to his children presenting the award: “I'll speak to my kids personally. Thank you. My biggest fear now is not being a good dad. For a long time, I was a guest in our own house. I forgot to be present along the way and didn't spend not only time but quality time.
“You are educating me, you're saving me from my traumas. And you are showing me what it is. Thank you for being you.”
Lifetime Achievement Award winner - Thierry Henry
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:55 , Luke BakerAs we already knew, Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has won the Lifetime Achievement Award. A lovely moment as his children are on stage to present the award.
Henry is typically self-effacing in his acceptance speech. A class act all round.
Why Lando Norris and Luke Littler missed Sports Personality of the Year awards
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:52 , Jamie BraidwoodLando Norris apologised after missing the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards less than two weeks after he won the F1 Drivers’ Championship.
The McLaren driver revealed he was away from home on a skiing trip as the Briton enjoyed his off-season and continued to celebrate his maiden world title won at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Norris and world darts champion Luke Littler were the only two of the six-athlete shortlist to be absent from the awards ceremony in Salford, with Rory McIlroy, Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Kildunne all attending.
Why Lando Norris and Luke Littler missed Sports Personality of the Year awards
Rory McIlroy discusses his incredible year
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:51 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy talks to Clare Balding about his remarkable year that has culminate din him being favourite to win Spoty 2025.
On finally winning at Augusta: “I didn't make it easy on myself. I think when you want something so much, the obstacle becomes yourself and I’ve had my chances at Augusta.
“I've been trying for 14 or 15 years to get that done. And I think when you go through the heartbreaks and when you go through everything that I went through... Even the way it all finished to in April [winning in a play-off] it just made it even sweeter.
On being a father: “Being a dad, it makes the losses a lot easier. It also makes the good moment's even more special, you know, so to share that with Erica and Poppy, my whole family and they've watched me go through all of this just like I'm sure a lot of the public has and I feel like everyone's been on this journey with me.”
Rory McIlroy welcomed to the stage
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:43 , Luke BakerOur second nominee, Rory McIlroy, is in Manchester and gets welcomed to the stage after a rip-roaring VT detailing his achievements this year - becoming a grand slam winner but finally winning the Masters and helping Europe win away in the Ryder Cup.
He gets a HUGE ovation as he comes to the stage. If it was based on popularity in the room, I think McIlroy would win this at a canter...
Lando Norris reflects on amazing F1 title
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:39 , Luke BakerWe hear from our first nominee for the main award this evening, F1 champion Lando Norris.
He’s not in Manchester this evening, as he’s taking a break skiing after winning the title but he videos in to chat to Alex Scott.
“Hello everyone. I'm very sorry that I cannot be with you all on this beautiful evening,” Norris apologises. “There’s a lot of incredible people there that I would have loved to have joined but I’m enjoying a little break.
On his title win: “For all of you, everyone watching all the fans around the world, had a great time. We had a great time too it's just a lot more stressful inside the car! It takes a lot to win anything in the world. It takes a lot of effort from you as an individual but also from everyone inside the team. I just have to keep fighting. That was the one of the biggest things we learnt this year.
Was he fuelled by people questioning his bottle?: “I honestly tried to not read into too many things. I had a pretty important year for myself in terms of learning how to get the maximum out of myself as an athlete, how to deal with these things, because I got a bit of a taste last year of what it's like to always fight for a championship.
“This year was again, that one level harder, but I'm fighting the best in the world. I'm fighting some incredible people, some incredible drivers. It was learning to understand what I needed to do to fight to try and achieve what we achieved in the end.
Does he get nervous?: “I would love to say I wasn't but I get nervous all the time. I get nervous into every qualifying, into every race, every session because there's a lot riding on it. You know this is this is my life. This is something I've been working on since I was a kid. And yeah, I get nervous but it's also a siren. I learnt how to make nerves a positive thing, which is not an easy thing to do. It takes time and experience and takes understanding of yourself on how to get the most out of yourself. I learnt how to to deal with the pressure, how to to re-form under it, how to get the maximum out of myself. And that made my life easier to be honest.”
BBC reveal twist to Sports Personality of the Year voting
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:32 , Jamie BraidwoodVoting for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year will look a lot different in 2025.
Lionesses duo Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly are joined by Red Roses superstar Ellie Kildunne on the shortlist, with Masters champion Rory McIlroy, darts sensation Luke Littler and newly-crowned Formula One world champion Lando Norris also nominated.
But, in a first for the Sports Personality of the Year award, there will be two stages to deciding the winner.
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes:
'It gave me a massive focus during the hardest times I've ever lived through'
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:29 , Luke BakerHelen Rollason Award winners Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe speak on stage after collecting their awards.
David Stancombe, father of Elsie, said: “I’m very grateful to accept the award tonight, but I'm just a dad keeping his promise to his little girl.
“Elsie wanted me to run London Marathon and I did. It gave me a massive focus during the hardest times I've ever lived through.
"It also gave me an opportunity to demonstrate a fraction of the bravery and determination Elsie showed. I'd just like to thank everyone who made it possible.”
Sergio Aguiar, father of Alice, added: “Thank you everyone for the award it means a lot to me, my wife, and my princess Alice.
“I want to dedicate this award to our three girls: Alice, Elsie and Bibi. Keep dancing. I want to spread Alice's magic across the world. I am going to keep running and raising money for her foundation."
Helen Rollason Award winners named
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:23 , Luke BakerThe first award of the night is presented and it’s the Helen Rollason Award, which is a special BBC award recognising outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.
It goes to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, the fathers of two of the young girls killed in the Southport murders last year – Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar.
Sergio and David ran the 2025 London Marathon this year as part of their fundraising efforts to establish lasting legacies in their daughters' names.
It’s an emotional moment as the two men accept the award
Marcus Smith discusses England and Lions success
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:20 , Luke BakerThere’s focus on the year’s rugby union, with Harlequins, England and Lions star Marcus Smith chatting to Gabby Logan.
“I would say first and foremost, it's a massive privilege every time you get to play for the Lions,” says Smith who helped the Lions beat Australia 2-1 in a series Down Under.
“It's something you dream of, as a kid. And I think that feeling resonated across the group. So when we met in Richmond for the first camp, the buy-in and the commitment that we had to the badge and to wear the kit was pretty special.”
Smith also spoke about the upcoming Six Nations for England after their perfect autumn extended a winning streak to 11 matches.
“The Six Nations is a very special tournament,” adds Smith. “There’s a lot of history in it.
“I remember growing up watching it with my dad and my granddad. To be a part of it is amazing and hopefully we can carry on the run that we've got so far and kick on going into the World Cup.”
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood repping golf
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:12 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy is seated next to fellow European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood - both good eggs. They’re repping golf this evening and McIlroy is the bookies’ favourite for the main award.
There’s about 20 minutes before voting closes on the Team of the Year, by the way. Red Roses vs European Ryder Cup team vs Lionesses
Spoty 2025 underway and voting open
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:08 , Luke BakerWe begin with a typically rousing montage, soundtracked by Oasis and narrated by professional Mancunian, Max Beesley.
The all-female presenting team of Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding head out to the stage for introductions.
We’re then run through the six nominees for tonight’s main award. As a reminder, it’s Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Ellie Kildunne, Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris.
The new voting is explained. There’s the initial vote, which is now open on the BBC website, and that will freeze at some point this evening, when a top three will be decided. Voting will then be re-opened to decide a winner. Clear as mud? Good.
Sports Personality of the Year 2025 ready to begin
Thursday 18 December 2025 19:00 , Luke BakerOk, we’re only a couple of minutes away from show-time in Manchester. Here’s a reminder of the awards up for grabs this evening:
- Sports Personality of the Year
- Young Sports Personality of the Year
- Team of the Year
- World Sport Star of the Year
- Helen Rollason award
- Coach of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement award
SPOTY 2025: Chloe Kelly and other nominees arrive
Thursday 18 December 2025 18:46 , Luke BakerWe showed you Rory McIlroy and Ellie Kildunne arriving earlier and another nominee for the main prize, Lionesses star Chloe Kelly, has now also hit the red carpet.
Two of the three nominees for Young Sports Personality of the Year – footballer Michelle Agyemang and cricket tyro Davina Perrin are also now in the building.
The third young SPOTY contender, and surely heavy favourite to win given he’s also up for the main prize, Luke Littler has confirmed he won’t be in attendance tonight as he continues to compete at the ongoing World Darts Championship
Why tonight’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year could ignite the culture war
Thursday 18 December 2025 18:34 , Jamie BraidwoodComment: After the year of his life, the award should go to Rory McIlroy – though it does not make it a scandal if the public decides to crown someone else.
Some pre-ceremony reading, by Jamie Braidwood:
Why tonight’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year could ignite the culture war
'Spoty is a chance to celebrate sporting year'
Thursday 18 December 2025 18:20 , Lawrence Ostlere"I'm so grateful to be there on the night," said Kelly, who overcame serious mental health issues at the start of the year before helping Arsenal win the Champions League.
"Let's have an amazing evening together to celebrate. What an amazing year.
"We've had success in women's sport, and there's been success in other sports. So I think it's celebrating sport.
"And it's a night to do so no matter who the winners. I think it's a night to celebrate sport across the board.
"There will be so much talent there on the night, which is so special. I'm honoured to be nominated."
SPOTY 2025: Rory McIlroy is in the building
Thursday 18 December 2025 18:06 , Jamie BraidwoodHere he is, folks! Rory McIlroy is in the building as the Masters champion bids to win SPOTY for the first time.
McIlroy, who said he forgot he had been nominated when he was last shortlisted for the award in 2023, decided to attend this year’s award and admitted it will boost his chances.
“The plan is to go,” McIlroy told the Telegraph last month. “I have more chance of winning if I’m actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts it could only be a good thing for the game.”
“I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will,” he added.
Sports Personality of the Year: Arrivals begin
Thursday 18 December 2025 17:51 , Jamie BraidwoodThe red carpet is now the stage for the Red Roses, as Ellie Kilddune arrives at MediaCity ahead of tonight’s ceremony, the first of the six on the shortlist for the main award to do so. Lucy Bronze, who put her body on the line throughout the Euros and played through a fractured tibia as England triumphed at Euro 2025, has also arrived with her Lionesses up for team of the year.
