The BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony is live right now from MediaCity in Salford, and for once, the voting public might actually get this one right.
Six nominees, one obvious favorite
Rory McIlroy walks into tonight's ceremony as the overwhelming bookmakers' favorite, and here's the thing—he deserves it. The Northern Irishman finally completed his career Grand Slam at Augusta in April, sliding on that Green Jacket after years of near-misses that would have broken lesser competitors. He then anchored Europe's Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage with three-and-a-half points. That's not just talent. That's mental resilience forged over a decade of pressure.
But McIlroy faces genuine competition. Lando Norris became the first British F1 world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020, winning seven Grand Prix races and delivering McLaren their first constructors' championship in years. The Bristol native has earned his place at the table.
The Lionesses factor: can women make it five in a row?
Here's where it gets interesting. Women have won SPOTY for four consecutive years—the first time in the award's 71-year history. Emma Raducanu started the run in 2021, followed by Beth Mead, Mary Earps, and last year's winner Keely Hodgkinson.
Two Lionesses are nominated tonight. Hannah Hampton stepped into the impossible situation of replacing the beloved Mary Earps as England's number one—and delivered. Two penalty saves in the Euro 2025 final. A domestic treble with Chelsea. The inaugural Women's Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or. That's not luck. That's a goalkeeper who performs when it matters most.
Chloe Kelly, the super-sub who changed the final's trajectory, provided the cross for England's equalizer before burying the decisive penalty. Arsenal's forward knows how to deliver in tournament football.
The other contenders
Ellie Kildunne was electric for England's Rugby World Cup-winning Red Roses, scoring a memorable solo try in the final at a packed Twickenham. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation, won't be attending—he's currently competing in the PDC World Championship and has publicly backed Norris to win.
Thierry Henry gets his due
The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Thierry Henry tonight, and there's no argument here. The Frenchman scored 228 goals in 377 appearances across two spells at Arsenal, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. The 2003-04 Invincibles. Two Premier League titles. Three FA Cups. Henry didn't just play in England—he elevated the entire league's profile.
He joins Pelé, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Sir David Beckham on the list of football legends who've received this honor.
Recent SPOTY winners
- 2024 – Keely Hodgkinson (Athletics)
- 2023 – Mary Earps (Football)
- 2022 – Beth Mead (Football)
- 2021 – Emma Raducanu (Tennis)
- 2020 – Sir Lewis Hamilton (F1)
- 2019 – Ben Stokes (Cricket)
- 2018 – Geraint Thomas (Cycling)
- 2017 – Sir Mo Farah (Athletics)
- 2016 – Sir Andy Murray (Tennis)
- 2015 – Sir Andy Murray (Tennis)
The verdict
McIlroy should win. Completing the Grand Slam after years of major championship heartbreak is the kind of narrative arc that resonates with voters. But don't sleep on the Lionesses momentum—British football fans showed up for Mead and Earps, and Hampton's clutch performances might be enough to keep the streak alive.
The ceremony, hosted by Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Clare Balding, runs until 9pm GMT on BBC One. Voting is open now.