Three Athletes Shortlisted for Young Sports Star Award

The three finalists smiling for a photo.
Image caption: The three contenders are in the running for this year's award.

Revealed 17 minutes ago

England footballer Michelle Agyemang, darts prodigy Luke Littler and cricket star Davina Perrin have been shortlisted for the upcoming Young Sports Star of the Year award.

These three athletes have been celebrated for their exceptional achievements over the past 12 months.

Agyemang played a key role in helping the Lionesses claim victory in Euro 2025, Littler secured the world title for the maiden time, and Perrin rose to fame with a record-breaking innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his sensational debut year.

The finalists were unveiled on a national radio breakfast show.

The 2025 recipient will be announced during a live broadcast on the Sports Personality of the Year show on Thursday, 18 December.

The show will be televised from seven in the evening GMT.

Michelle Agyemang

Age: 19 Sport: Football

Only 90 days after her first cap for her country, Agyemang played a dramatic and decisive role in England's run to winning the Euros.

She was introduced as a substitute to score vital last-gasp goals in both the quarter-final and semi-final.

Agyemang's stunning interventions led to her being named the tournament's top young talent.

Afterwards, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Girl honour for the finest emerging star on the continent.

She was also shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy for the planet's top young female footballer.

Agyemang, who has been playing for Brighton on loan from Arsenal, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in October.

"Being nominated for Young Sports Personality of the Year is a privilege," said Agyemang. "I thank God and I'm grateful for the support I've received from my inner circle and supporters."

Luke Littler

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

Littler kicked off the year in spectacular fashion as - while still 17 - he became the youngest darts world champion in history.

He secured a commanding win over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His follow-up triumph at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the prestigious PDC Triple Crown.

He didn't stop there - his victory at November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he ascended to world number one for the first time.

At 18, he is the earliest achiever to do so, smashing the previous record.

"Earning a spot on the shortlist for Young Sports Personality of the Year is a big honour," stated Littler. "My victory in 2024 was a special memory for me and I've had another incredible 12 months. I want to continue raising the profile of darts."

Perrin's Profile

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's most exciting young talents and burst into the spotlight with an extraordinary and record-breaking innings in August.

Her sublime 42-ball century in The Hundred is the quickest ever by an English female in T20s.

It also stands as the shared third-fastest women's T20 century in a top-tier competition.

Perrin finished second in the season's run tally and was named PCA Women's Young Player of the Year.

"I'm truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year award," expressed Perrin. "It's a very special feeling. I hope it inspires more young females to get into cricket."

Video description: Memorable speeches from across SPOTY history.
Barbara Escobar
Barbara Escobar

A seasoned mountaineer and outdoor writer with over a decade of experience exploring peaks across Europe and documenting sustainable hiking practices.