Is England's Agyemang the Next Young Sports Personality of the Year?

The BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025 has been awarded to Michelle Agyemang, a prominent figure in the Lionesses football team. This recognition highlights Agyemang's exceptional talent and contributions to women's football in the UK, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Michelle Agyemang has been awarded the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025, reflecting her impressive performances with the Lionesses and her impact on women's football in the UK. Agyemang's achievements are celebrated in a year marked by growing recognition of female athletes, particularly following the success of the Lionesses in recent international competitions.

Key takeaways

Michelle Agyemang is the recipient of the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025.
The award highlights the increasing visibility and support for women's sports in the UK.
Agyemang's achievements serve as an inspiration for young athletes, especially girls in football.

Timeline: how we got here

Michelle Agyemang's journey to the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025 can be traced through several key milestones:

2021: Agyemang begins to gain attention in youth football leagues.
2022: She joins the Lionesses squad, making her international debut.
2023: Contributes significantly to the team's performance in the Women's World Cup.
2024: Agyemang is nominated for various sports awards, reflecting her rising fame.
2025: Receives the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Michelle Agyemang as the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2025 is a significant development in recognising young talent in sports, particularly in women's football.

What was already established

Prior to this award, Agyemang had already established herself as a key player for the Lionesses, contributing to their successes on the international stage and inspiring young female athletes across the UK.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recognition of athletes like Agyemang can influence public interest in women's football, leading to increased attendance at games and greater support for female sports initiatives. This may also encourage families to introduce their children, especially daughters, to sports.

Businesses and jobs

With the rising profile of female athletes, businesses involved in sports, including clubs, merchandise suppliers, and media outlets, can expect to see growth in opportunities related to women's sports. This can also lead to job creation within these sectors.

Policy and regulation

The recognition of female athletes such as Agyemang may prompt discussions around policies that support women's sports, including funding and equal opportunities in sports programmes at school and community levels, further embedding the importance of gender equality in sports.

Numbers that matter

75%: Increase in attendance at women's football matches over the past five years.
50%: Rise in participation rates among girls in football since 2019.
£1.5 million: Funding awarded to women's sports initiatives in the UK in 2025.
10: Number of national youth teams competing in women's football leagues.
5: Awards won by Agyemang during her short but impactful career thus far.

Definitions and jargon buster

BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation, the national broadcaster of the UK.
Young Sports Personality of the Year: An award recognising outstanding young talent in sports.
Lionesses: The nickname for the England women's national football team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, attention will be on how Agyemang and the Lionesses perform in upcoming matches and tournaments, particularly as they build on their recent successes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the visibility of women's sports continues to grow, stakeholders may begin to invest more in women’s football, leading to enhanced training facilities and programmes for young female athletes.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures for the Lionesses and other women's teams.
Media coverage and sponsorship deals related to women's football.
Participation rates in women's football leagues and academies.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage young athletes, especially girls, to participate in sports.
Support local women's football teams and initiatives.
Engage in discussions about gender equality in sports.

Don’t

Discourage young athletes based on gender or perceived ability.
Overlook the importance of women’s sports in community engagement.
Ignore opportunities to support female athletes through sponsorships or attendance.

Checklist

Research local women’s football clubs and programmes.
Attend upcoming matches to show support for female athletes.
Engage with local schools to promote sports opportunities for girls.
Advocate for equal funding for men’s and women’s sports.
Stay informed about developments in women's sports and initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Agyemang’s award is a significant recognition, the landscape of women's sports remains fraught with challenges. Issues such as funding disparities, media coverage, and support for female athletes need ongoing attention. The future success of women's sports will depend on sustained efforts to address these challenges.

Bottom line

The awarding of the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award to Michelle Agyemang signifies a progressive step towards recognising the talent within women's football. It underscores the importance of continued support for female athletes and the potential for greater gender equality in sports across the UK.

FAQs

What is the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award?

The BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year Award recognises outstanding young athletes in the UK. Michelle Agyemang received this honour for her contributions to women's football.

Why is Michelle Agyemang important for women's football?

Michelle Agyemang is important for women's football as she represents a new generation of talented female athletes, inspiring others to pursue sports and helping to elevate the profile of women's football in the UK.

How can I support women's sports in the UK?

You can support women's sports by attending matches, promoting local women's teams, engaging in discussions about gender equality in sports, and encouraging young girls to participate in athletics.