Scott McTominay has been in sensational form since his move to Napoli, but the former Manchester United midfielder has been snubbed in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist
The BBC has revealed why former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was overlooked for the Sports Personality of the Year award, explaining that an expert panel came to a collective agreement on the final shortlist. The 29-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most impressive performers following his switch to Napoli last summer.
McTominay netted 12 goals for Antonio Conte’s team as they claimed the Serie A crown, smashing Denis Law’s 63-year-old scoring record and earning Serie A Player of the Season honours for the previous campaign. He made history as the first Scottish player to claim the prize at the Gran Galà del Calcio ceremony this month.
The 29-year-old played a crucial role in Scotland’s World Cup qualification and secured 18th place on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, becoming the first Scot to feature since Ally McCoist in 1987.
READ MORE: Scott McTominay slammed by Italian media as Jose Mourinho hits out at Antonio ConteREAD MORE: Inside Scott McTominay’s new life in Naples with ‘Queen of Italy’ girlfriend by his side
Despite his remarkable displays, the BBC has excluded McTominay from their final shortlist for this year’s Sports Personality of the Year honour.
When pressed for a comprehensive explanation regarding McTominay’s omission, a BBC representative informed the Scottish Express: “A wide range of contenders were reviewed and debated by an expert industry panel, who reached a consensus on the final shortlist.”
The United academy product was the hero as Scotland overcame Denmark to secure World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998, with his spectacular strike earning calls for a Puskas Award nomination. Luke Littler and Rory McIlroy have both secured spots on the final shortlist following extraordinary campaigns in their respective disciplines.
England Lionesses stars Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union ace Ellie Kildunne and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris complete the remaining nominees.
Sports journalist Henry Winter raised eyebrows over Scott McTominay’s absence from the lineup, posting on social media: “Scott McTominay a surprise omission from #SPOTY short-list?”.
“Won Scudetto, voted Serie A Player of the Year, nominated for Ballon d’Or, helped Scotland qualify for World Cup, scored vital/spectacular goal against Denmark that’s surely a Puskas Awards contender. Amazing year.”
The final selection hasn’t gone down well with everyone, as numerous supporters responded with ‘great point’ whilst branding his exclusion as ‘harsh’. One supporter commented: “It’s terrible but not surprising,” whilst another chimed in: “It is a farce.”
A third remarked: “I agree, what an outstanding year he’s had, he should have been included in the SPOTY shortlist,” whilst another suggested: “Unsure why they need to limit the list? I’d [say] there are others that deserve the recognition, McTominay a case in point, then expand the list. All of the nominees deserve to be there, so [there] should be more to choose from. Lando or Luke to win for me, but that’s my preference.”
Following the announcement of the shortlist, Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “This has been a breath-taking year for sport, driven by athletes whose performances belong in the history books.
“Each one has delivered moments of pure brilliance that have defined 2025. It’s been incredible to watch, and I can’t wait to honour their achievements, and to see who the nation chooses as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025.”
Teenage sensation Littler, just 18, clinched the world number one spot in darts and is now gearing up to defend his World Championship crown, whilst McIlroy etched his name into golfing folklore as only the sixth player ever to secure a grand slam across all four major tournaments.
The Northern Irishman ultimately triumphed at Augusta before playing a pivotal role in Europe’s nail-biting Ryder Cup triumph against the Americans. Meanwhile, Hampton and Kelly both shone brightly as England successfully defended their European Championship title.
Kildunne emerged as one of England’s most dazzling talents, bagging five tries as the Red Roses captured the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home turf.
Norris joined an elite group as the 11th British driver to claim a Formula 1 world championship, securing the title with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
