Trio Shortlisted for Young Sports Personality Award

Three young athletes smiling for a photo.
Image caption: Agyemang, Littler and Perrin are in the running for this year's award.

Announced 17 minutes ago

England footballer Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and cricketer Davina Perrin have been named as finalists for the 2025 Young Sports Star of the Year award.

The three finalists have been recognised for their remarkable achievements over the previous year.

Agyemang helped the Lionesses win Euro 2025, Littler won the world title for the maiden time, and Perrin rose to fame with a historic innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.

The shortlisted athletes were announced live on a national radio breakfast show.

The 2025 recipient will be revealed live on the Sports Personality of the Year show on December 18th.

The ceremony will be broadcast from 19:00 GMT.

Agyemang's Profile

Age: 19 Sport: Football

A mere three months after her senior team debut, Agyemang played a crucial and game-changing role in England's run to Euro 2025 glory.

She came off the bench to score key tying goals in both the last eight and last four matches.

Her incredible contributions led to her being named the best young player at the Euros.

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

She was also in contention for the Kopa Trophy for the global standout among U21 women.

Agyemang, who has been at Brighton in a temporary move from Arsenal, sustained a serious knee injury in October.

"Being on the shortlist for this award is incredible," said Agyemang. "I'm grateful to God and I'm appreciative of the support I've received from my inner circle and supporters."

Littler's Profile

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

The year started for Littler in spectacular fashion as - while still 17 - he became the earliest-ever winner in history.

He secured a comprehensive triumph over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His subsequent victory at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the prestigious three major tournament wins.

And he wasn't finished there - his win in November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he ascended to world number one for the maiden occasion.

At 18, he is the most youthful player to do so, smashing the previous record.

"Earning a spot on the shortlist for this award again is a massive accolade," stated Littler. "Last year's win was a proud moment for me and I've had another unbelievable 12 months. I want to continue elevating 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 remarkable and historic innings in August.

Her brilliant 42-ball century in The Hundred is the fastest by an English woman in T20s.

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

Perrin came in second place in the run-scoring charts and was named the Professional Cricketers' Association's top young women's player.

"I'm truly honoured to be named a finalist for the young athlete award," expressed Perrin. "It means a great deal. I hope it motivates more girls to get into cricket."

Video description: Historic winner's addresses from across the ceremony's legacy.
Stacy Nelson
Stacy Nelson

Maya Chen is a tech journalist and business analyst with over a decade of experience covering global innovation trends and startup ecosystems.