The BBC said the omission of former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay from the shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year was a unanimous decision by a panel of experts. Since joining Napoli last summer, the 29-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s top performers. McTominay scored 12 goals for Antonio Conte’s side during their Serie A title-winning campaign, breaking Dennis Law’s 63-year-old scoring record. Last season, he was named Serie A Player of the Year.
He became the first Scot to receive the honor at the Gran Gala del Calcio awards ceremony earlier this month. The midfield maestro played a pivotal role in Scotland’s World Cup qualification, securing 18th place on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, becoming the first Scottish player to achieve this feat since Ally McCoist in 1987. Despite his impressive results, McTominay was not shortlisted for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award.
Asked for a comprehensive explanation of Mr McTominay’s exclusion, a BBC spokesperson told the Scottish Express: “A wide range of candidates were considered and discussed by an expert industry panel and a shortlist was agreed upon.”
The work of United’s academy was instrumental in Scotland’s victory over Denmark, helping them reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1998. His stunning goal earned him a nomination for the Puskas Award.
Manchester United supporters Luke Littler and Rory McIlroy have performed exceptionally well in their chosen areas throughout the year, securing their place on the shortlist.
England Lionesses stars Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly were joined by rugby union standout Ellie Kildon and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris to complete the shortlist.
Sports journalist Henry Winter raised eyebrows at Scott McTominay’s omission from the nominations, posting on social media: “Scott McTominay surprisingly left out of the #SPOTY nominations list?”
“Winning the Scudetto, being named Serie A Player of the Year, being nominated for the Ballon d’Or, helping Scotland qualify for the World Cup, and scoring a great and important goal against Denmark that will definitely put him in the running for the Puskas Award. It’s been a great year.”
The final selection was not good for everyone, with many replies echoing Wintour’s sentiments, with comments such as “great points” and others describing the snub as “harsh”. “Terrible but not surprising,” one supporter said, while another declared it “a travesty.”
A third commented: “I agree. He had a great year. He should have been on the SPOTY short list,” while another wondered: “I don’t see why the list needs to be limited? I think there are other players who deserve recognition. I think McTominay is a good example of that, and then I’ll expand the list. There’s more to choose from, because all the candidates deserve to be there. For me, Lando or Luke would win, but that’s my preference.”
Announcing the finalists, Alex Keijelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “This has been a breathtaking year for sport, with athletes delivering some historic performances.”
“Each of them delivered moments of pure brilliance that will define 2025, and they were incredible to watch. We can’t wait to celebrate their achievements and see who the public chooses as the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.”
Littler, 18, has become world number one in darts and will defend his world championship title, while McIlroy becomes only the sixth player in history to complete a grand slam in golf’s four majors.
He ultimately won the Masters and was instrumental in Europe’s thrilling victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup. Meanwhile, Hampton and Kelly both shone as England successfully defended their European Championship title.
Kildane emerged as one of England’s standout players, scoring five tries as they won the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Norris finished third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the 11th British driver to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship.
