Three Athletes Shortlisted for Young Athlete of the Year Award

The shortlisted trio smiling for a photo.
Photo description: The shortlisted athletes are in the running for this year's award.

Revealed recently

English soccer star Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and cricket star Davina Perrin have been shortlisted for the this year's Young Sports Star of the Year award.

The trio have been celebrated for their exceptional achievements over the last year.

Agyemang played a key role in helping the Lionesses claim victory in Euro 2025, Littler claimed the world title for the very first time, and Perrin surged to prominence with a record-breaking innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.

The shortlisted athletes were announced live on a widely-listened-to radio show.

This year's winner will be unveiled on the Sports Personality of the Year show on the 18th of December.

The show will be televised from 19:00 GMT.

The Football Star

Age: 19 Sport: Football

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

She came off the bench to score crucial late equalisers in both the knockout stage games.

Her incredible contributions led to her being named the tournament's top young talent.

Afterwards, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Girl honour for the top young European talent.

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

Agyemang, who has been on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, suffered an ACL injury in October.

"To be named a finalist for this award is a privilege," said Agyemang. "I'm grateful to God and I'm thankful for the support I've received from my inner circle and supporters."

The Darts Prodigy

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

Littler's 2025 began in incredible form 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 later win at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth competitor to complete the prestigious PDC Triple Crown.

His success continued - his win in November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he reached world number one for the very first time.

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

"Being nominated for this award again is a massive accolade," stated Littler. "Last year's win was a highlight for me and I've had another incredible 12 months. I want to continue elevating darts."

Davina Perrin

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's top prospects and surged to prominence with an remarkable and historic innings in August.

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

It also stands as the equal third-quickest women's T20 century in a premier tournament.

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 Sports Personality of the Year award," expressed Perrin. "This is phenomenal. I hope it encourages more young females to get into cricket."

Media caption: Iconic acceptance talks from across SPOTY history.
Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong

A theoretical physicist and science writer with a passion for making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.