Michelle Agyemang crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year after Euro 2025 heroics

Michelle Agyemang has been named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2025, capping a whirlwind 12 months for the England forward after her breakout role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph.

The 19-year-old burst onto the senior international scene just three months before the tournament in Switzerland and ended it as one of England’s unlikely match-winners. Used mainly from the bench, Agyemang made a habit of changing games when it mattered most, helping fire Sarina Wiegman’s side to another European title.

Her biggest moments came in the knockout rounds. Agyemang struck a late equaliser in the quarter-final win over Sweden, before doing the same in the semi-final against Italy, dragging England back from the brink on both occasions. Those goals turned the momentum of the tournament and quickly made her a fan favourite.

The impact did not go unnoticed. She was named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2025 and later picked up the Golden Girl award for the best young player in Europe. Not bad for someone who was still waiting for her senior debut earlier in the year.

“Wow. Thank you so much. I am so grateful,” Agyemang said after receiving the award on Thursday night. “To all my team-mates and coaches, I am so grateful. To my family, who have supported me all this year and throughout my career – even if it hasn’t been that long – I love you. A big thank you to God for this opportunity. I am so thankful.”

At club level, Agyemang has spent the season on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, having first joined the Seagulls in September 2024 before re-signing on loan in August following her England exploits. Last season she scored five goals in 22 appearances as Brighton finished fifth in the Women’s Super League, their highest-ever league finish.

However, the celebrations has been tempered by injury. Agyemang is set to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England in October, a cruel blow just as her star was rising.

She was presented with her award by England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze alongside Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Agyemang was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best under-21 female player, underlining just how highly she is rated across the game.

Last year’s Young Sports Personality winner was darts sensation Luke Littler, who was again shortlisted in 2025 along with England cricketer Davina Perrin. The judging panel featured a host of sporting names including Maggie Alphonsi, Anita Asante, Libby Clegg, Carl Frampton and Ebony Rainford-Brent, as well as leading figures from the media and BBC Sport.

For Agyemang, the award is recognition of a remarkable rise, even if the road ahead now includes a long spell on the sidelines. England, Arsenal and Brighton will all be hoping she comes back just as fearless, because if Euro 2025 showed anything, it’s that she has a knack for turning big moments England’s way.