England’s rising star Michelle Agyemang has added the most prestigious individual youth honor in British sport to her glittering trophy cabinet.
On Thursday night, December 18, 2025, the 19-year-old forward was crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, succeeding 2024 winner Luke Littler.
Agyemang’s victory caps off a year that redefined the "breakout season" in women’s football.
A Year of European Domination
While Agyemang has been a force on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion (helping them to a record 5th-place WSL finish), her award was truly won on the international stage.
The "41-Second" Debut: She announced herself to the world by scoring just 41 seconds after coming off the bench for her senior debut against Belgium.
The Euro 2025 Heroics: In Switzerland last summer, she became the Lionesses’ "super-sub." She scored a vital equalizer in the quarter-final against Sweden and a dramatic 96th-minute leveler against Italy in the semi-final.
The Result: England retained their European title, and Agyemang was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Emotional Acceptance on Crutches
The ceremony in Manchester was bittersweet for the young striker. Agyemang took to the stage on crutches, having suffered a devastating ACL injury in October while on international duty. Despite the setback, her speech was filled with gratitude:
"Wow. Thank you so much. I am so grateful to my teammates, my coaches, and my family who have supported me throughout this journey—even if it hasn't been that long. A big thank you to God for this opportunity."
Beating the Best
Agyemang secured the trophy after a fierce public vote and panel deliberation, finishing ahead of:
Luke Littler (Darts): The 2024 winner who continued his dominance by winning the 2025 World Darts Championship.
Davina Perrin (Cricket): The 19-year-old star who was England’s standout performer in the U19 T20 World Cup.
The 2025 SPOTY Hall of Fame
Agyemang wasn't the only winner on a night that celebrated a historic year for British sport:
Sports Personality of the Year: Rory McIlroy (following his Masters victory and Ryder Cup triumph).
Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman (England Women’s Football).
Team of the Year: The European Ryder Cup Team.
Lifetime Achievement: Thierry Henry.
The Verdict: Despite her injury, Agyemang’s 2025 will be remembered as the year she became the face of the next generation of English football.