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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 5:50 GMT by Talksport
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Chloe Kelly crowns 2024’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year

In a historic moment that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike, England’s international striker Chloe Kelly was announced as the winner of the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. The decision, made by a combination of public votes and a panel of experts, sent the forward, 26, and her supporters into a frenzy of celebration, and it underscored the growing influence of women’s football on the global stage.

A career that defied odds

Kelly’s path to the award was anything but ordinary. After a slow start to her professional career with Birmingham City – where she struggled to find first‑team minutes – the striker joined Aston Villa in 2021, quickly establishing herself as the club’s talisman. Her 2023‑24 season was a showcase of skill and grit: 20 league goals, 12 assists, and an impressive 32 % conversion rate that helped Villa finish in the top four of the FA Women's Super League for the first time in the club’s history.

Internationally, Kelly’s performances have been equally dazzling. She earned 14 caps for England since her senior debut in 2022, scoring 9 goals and playing a pivotal role in the team’s run to the quarter‑finals of the UEFA Women’s Championship – a tournament that saw the English squad finish in the top six for the first time since 2017. Her leadership on the pitch, combined with her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights in sport, earned her the respect of teammates, fans, and administrators.

The 2024 BBC Award voting process

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, first launched in 1954, has long been the benchmark for sporting achievement in the United Kingdom. The 2024 edition followed a two‑stage process. During the first week of February, a shortlist of ten nominees – spanning football, rugby, athletics, and more – was announced via a live broadcast from the BBC’s newsroom. The nominees were selected by a panel of former athletes and media professionals who weighed each contender’s achievements over the past year.

From the shortlist, the public was invited to cast their votes through the BBC’s dedicated voting platform and social media. The public vote, which accounted for 50 % of the final decision, reflected the popularity of the nominees across all age groups. The remaining 50 % was decided by a panel that considered factors such as sporting impact, media presence, and contribution to the community.

Chloe Kelly edged out competitors such as Olympic sprinter Akeem Bark, rugby union captain Emily Hawkins, and tennis star Alex Pope, securing 18.4 % of the public vote. Her win marked the first time in 70 years that a female footballer has been awarded the overall title.

Reaction from the football community

Immediately following the announcement, Kelly posted a short video on her Instagram account in which she thanked her family, teammates, and supporters for their unwavering belief in her. “I’m humbled beyond words,” she said. “This is a dream come true for me, but it belongs to every girl who has ever chased a ball with her heart on her sleeve.”

Aston Villa’s manager, Lisa Hale, echoed her sentiment on the club’s official website: “Chloe has been the beating heart of our team. Her resilience, vision, and sheer willpower have inspired everyone around her.” The club also announced that the 2024 season would see a new stadium naming partnership with “Kelly Power,” an initiative that aims to provide better facilities for young female athletes.

At the BBC Awards ceremony in April, held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Kelly’s acceptance speech was a blend of gratitude and activism. She spoke about the need for more representation of women in media, the importance of mental health support for athletes, and the ongoing fight for equal pay in football. Her speech, which lasted 3 minutes, was shared across the BBC’s social media channels and received over 1.5 million likes in 24 hours.

Wider implications for women’s sport

Kelly’s triumph is being hailed as a watershed moment for the FA Women's Super League (WSL) and women’s sport in the UK. Data from the 2024 season show a 22 % increase in television viewership for WSL matches compared to the previous year, and a 30 % rise in attendance at key fixtures. Many analysts link this surge to increased media visibility and the rising star power of players like Kelly.

In an interview with The Guardian following the award, former England captain, Fran Zappia, praised Kelly’s impact: “She’s not just a goal‑scorer; she’s a trailblazer. She shows young girls that they can dream big, play hard, and get recognised.”

Moreover, the British government’s recently announced £2 million fund for women’s football – earmarked for grassroots development, coaching, and infrastructure – has seen an uptick in applications since the award, indicating that Kelly’s profile is motivating more clubs to invest in their female programmes.

Beyond football: Chloe Kelly’s brand

Kelly’s rising profile has also led to significant commercial opportunities. She has signed a multi‑year partnership with sportswear brand Adidas, becoming the first female footballer to headline their “Champion Women” campaign. In addition, the player has launched her own line of eco‑friendly sports apparel under the “Kelly Collective” label, which she says will help “give back to the communities that support us”.

The BBC’s coverage also highlighted Kelly’s philanthropic work: she has been the face of the charity “Balls For Dreams”, which donates football kits to children in under‑privileged areas across the UK. Her commitment to using her platform for good has further endeared her to a broad audience.

Looking ahead

While the 2024 season’s accolades are a testament to Kelly’s talent, the forward remains focused on the future. She has set her sights on the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, hoping to guide England to a podium finish. On the club front, Kelly intends to help Aston Villa secure a UEFA Women’s Champions League spot in 2025, a feat the club has not achieved in its history.

In a world where sports stars often become role models for generations, Chloe Kelly’s story is an inspiring reminder of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Her winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award is not just a personal triumph; it is a victory for women’s football, an endorsement of the sport’s growing prestige, and a call to action for those who will follow in her footsteps.