McIlroy favourite as BBC Sports Personality shortlist is revealed

Three world champions, two European champions and the holder of a grand slam will face off this month for the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, in a shortlist that provides a high-powered boost to the venerable prize show.

- Paul MacInnes

Following a triumphant summer for England’s women in football and rugby, Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton of the Lionesses are nominated, as is the Red Roses’ Ellie Kildunne. They are joined in the six-person shortlist by F1 champion Lando Norris, World Darts sensation Luke Littler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, the bookies’ favourite.

Kelly and Hampton were at the centre of England’s penalty shootout win over Spain in the Euro 2025 final, with Kelly scoring the winning spot-kick after Hampton had made two critical saves. For their club sides, Kelly was part of Arsenal’s Champions League winning team, while Hampton won a domestic treble with her club Chelsea.

Kildunne was the key player as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries across the tournament, including one in the final against Canada.