Trio Shortlisted for Young Sports Personality Prize

The three finalists smiling for a photo.
Photo description: The shortlisted athletes are finalists for this year's award.

Published 17 minutes ago

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

The three finalists have been recognised for their exceptional achievements over the last year.

Agyemang helped the Lionesses win Euro 2025, Littler secured the world title for the first time, and Perrin burst onto the scene with a record-breaking innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.

The three contenders were unveiled on a widely-listened-to radio show.

The 2025 recipient will be unveiled on the prestigious sports ceremony show on the 18th of December.

The event will be broadcast from 19:00 GMT.

The Football Star

Age: 19 Sport: Football

A mere three months after her first cap for her country, Agyemang played a dramatic and decisive role in England's run to Euro 2025 glory.

She entered the fray to score key tying goals in both the last eight and last four matches.

These match-saving moments led to her being named Young Player of the Tournament.

Subsequently, she was awarded the Golden Girl trophy for the top young European talent.

She was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the world's best under-21 female player.

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

"Being on the shortlist for this award is a privilege," said Agyemang. "Thank you to God and I'm thankful for the support I've received from my loved ones, mentors, colleagues and supporters."

The Darts Prodigy

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

The year started for Littler in incredible form as - while still 17 - he became the youngest darts world champion in history.

He secured a dominant victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His subsequent victory at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the prestigious PDC Triple Crown.

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

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

"Earning a spot on the shortlist for the honour once more is a big honour," stated Littler. "Last year's win was a proud moment for me and I've had another incredible 12 months. I want to continue elevating darts."

The Cricket Sensation

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's most exciting young talents and rose to fame with an remarkable and historic innings in August.

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

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

Perrin came in second place in the batting rankings and was named the Professional Cricketers' Association's top young women's player.

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

Video description: Memorable speeches from across the ceremony's legacy.
Ryan Kelley
Ryan Kelley

Environmental journalist with a decade of experience covering climate science and policy, based in Berlin.