Meet the Contenders for World Sport Star of the Year 2025

Voting Now Open

It's that time of year again! The BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year 2025 award is upon us, and the voting is officially open! This prestigious accolade not only recognizes athletic excellence but also shines a spotlight on the individual stories that inspire us all.

Who are the Contenders?

This year's shortlist showcases a thrilling mix of sports personalities who have made headlines globally. As we delve into their performances and achievements, let's take a closer look at the six extraordinary contenders grabbing our attention this year.

1. Mariona Caldentey

Sport: Football Country: Spain

Mariona Caldentey's remarkable first season in English football has solidified her status among the elite. With an impressive tally of 19 goals in 41 appearances for Arsenal, she played a pivotal role in their triumph in the UEFA Women's Champions League, where they defeated her former club, Barcelona. Caldentey's standout performance resulted in her receiving the Women's Super League Player of the Year title and recognition as the Professional Footballers' Association's Women's Player of the Year.

Her journey didn't stop there, as Caldentey was instrumental in Spain's run to the finals of the Women's Euro 2025, where she unfortunately lost to England on penalties. She also finished as the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or, narrowly missing out to compatriot Aitana Bonmati.

2. Terence Crawford

Sport: Boxing Country: United States

Terence Crawford is celebrating a monumental year as he became the first male fighter to secure undisputed champion status across three weight divisions. His most notable victory came against the legendary Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez at super-middleweight, where he emerged victorious in a unanimous decision—a true testament to his skill and determination.

Crawford's career is highlighted by his 42 straight victories, alongside his recent WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts. However, his championship legacy faced a hiccup as he was stripped of the WBC title over sanctioning fees, a situation that has drawn mixed responses from fans and analysts alike.

3. Armand Duplantis

Sport: Athletics Country: Sweden

In the realm of athletics, Armand Duplantis continues to defy limitations. This year, he achieved yet another incredible feat by capturing his third World Championship gold in pole vaulting, establishing a new world record of 6.30 meters—the 14th world record of his career. His dominance is evident, having won all 16 of his competitions and holding an eight-gold streak in major global contests.

Duplantis's accolades are complemented by his recent title as the men's world athlete of the year, showcasing not only his physical talents but his dedication to the sport.

4. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sport: Athletics Country: United States

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, often hailed as the greatest female 400m hurdler, made an impressive transition to the 400m flat. She demonstrated her prowess at the World Athletics Championships by setting the second-fastest time in history at 47.78 seconds, just shy of the long-standing world record.

Her victories don't stop there; McLaughlin-Levrone added a gold medal in the 4x400m relay and was crowned women's world athlete of the year, an accolade that underscores her remarkable consistency and talent.

5. Shohei Ohtani

Sport: Baseball Country: Japan

Shohei Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a two-way player in Major League Baseball. His exceptional performances led the LA Dodgers to a World Series title as he made history by hitting three home runs and achieving ten strikeouts in a single game—something no pitcher has done since 1942.

Ohtani's continued excellence earned him the MVP award for the fourth time, further cementing his legacy as one of the greats in baseball.

6. Mohamed Salah

Sport: Football Country: Egypt

Finally, the 'Egyptian King', Mohamed Salah, has made waves this season, scoring 29 goals in the Premier League, leading Liverpool to an impressive 20th top-flight title. Salah has broken numerous records, including becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker award, and Premier League player of the season in the same campaign.

This record-breaking season saw him surpass Sergio Aguero's mark to become the highest-scoring overseas player in Premier League history.

Looking Ahead

The excitement around the World Sport Star of the Year award reflects not just the individual achievements of these athletes but also the spirit of competition and resilience they represent. As each contender has demonstrated incredible skill and determination in their respective fields, it's a reminder to us all of the inspiring power of sport.

Voting is now open! Make sure to cast your votes and celebrate these remarkable athletes who continue to elevate the world of sports!