Rory McIlroy, Chloe Kelly and the Lionesses were named Sportsman, Sportswoman and Team of the Year respectively as the SJA British Sports Awards 2025 were once again announced live on Sky Sports; other winners included Hannah Hampton, Luke Donald, Moses Itauma and the Red Roses…
The Sportsman, Sportswoman and Team of the Year awards are voted for by the SJA membership.
For 2025, SJA members chose Rory McIlroy, Chloe Kelly and the Lionesses for top honours.
11 years on from his first SJA Sportsman success, McIlroy took the prize again, following his huge contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory and his U.S. Masters win.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and England star Kelly was a major player in her club’s Champions League triumph and her country’s Euros victory.
Taking the Team honours for the second time were the Lionesses, after Sarina Wiegman’s side retained their Women’s Euros title in Switzerland.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald won the Services to Sport off the Field of Play Award, having demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding Europe to back-to-back victories.
Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton picked up the SJA President’s Award following her impressive displays at the Euros.
The Outstanding Sporting Performance Award went to the Red Roses after they lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy on home soil.
Lionesses striker Michelle Agyemang and heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma are the SJA’s breakthrough athletes of the year.
Back in 1963, the SJA (then known as the Sports Writers’ Association) inaugurated the Bill McGowran Trophy for achievements in para sports.
Para-cyclist Fin Graham and shot putter Sabrina Fortune are the 2025 recipients, with both having followed up Paralympic gold medal wins at Paris 2024 with World Championship titles this year.
The SJA Chair’s Award was made to cycling legend and Geraint Thomas, upon his retirement from the sport after a career that brought Tour de France and Olympic titles.
SJA President Darren Lewis said: “His final season was defined by leadership and dedication, inspiring future generations.”
The Sky and Kick It Out Equality and Inclusion Award was making its fifth appearance at the British Sports Awards. Now named after the late Lord Ouseley, the recipient this year is Jack Grealish.
The Everton star is a Special Olympics ambassador who is helping to raise awareness on disabilities.
Pole vault king and serial record breaker Mondo Duplantis was the inaugural winner of the International Sports Person Award.
The SJA Sport for Change Award went to the Nottingham-based charity Support Through Sport.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Sportsman of the Year: Rory McIlroy (golf)
Sportswoman of the Year: Chloe Kelly (football)
Team of the Year: Lionesses (England national women’s football)
Outstanding Sporting Performance: Red Roses (England national women’s rugby team)
SJA President’s Award: Hannah Hampton (football)
International Sports Person Award: Armand Duplantis (athletics)
Services to Sport off the field of play: Luke Donald (golf)
SJA Bill McGowran Trophy for male and female para athlete of the year: Fin Graham (para cycling), and Sabrina Fortune (para athletics)
SJA Chairman’s Award: Geraint Thomas
Breakthrough Athletes of the year: Michelle Agyemang (football) and Moses Itauma (boxing)
Sky | Kick It Out Award for Equality and Inclusion: Jack Grealish
SJA Sport for Change Award: Support Through Sport
For more content, visit our SJA British Sports Awards content hub