As another year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months filled with thrilling sports moments and victories.
However, it’s also time to cast our eyes forward to 2025, a year that promises plenty of sporting excitement. The Darts World Championship concludes in early January, with 17 year old Luke Littler tipped as the favourite to clinch the title.
Liverpool will press on with their Premier League title campaign, while the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Morocco in December. In women’s football, England will aim to retain their European title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
The World Athletics Championships are set to take place in Tokyo in September. Here, Mirror Sport highlights 10 athletes who could make a significant impact in the coming 12 months, as reports the Mirror, including Somerset’s Archie Vaughan.
Ellie Kildunne
Kildunne, the England back, was crowned Women’s 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in November. At 25, she played a crucial role in England’s 2024 Six Nations Grand Slam victory, finishing as the top try scorer.
She’ll be aiming for World Cup glory on home turf next year.
Luke Littler.
Darts sensation Littler made a splash at the World Championship last December, reaching the final at just 16 years old. Since turning 17, Littler has claimed 10 senior Professional Darts Corporation titles including Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series victories and is now a leading figure in the sport.
Keely Hodgkinson.
The reigning Olympic 800m champion was hailed as the British Queen of the track in Paris, having won all nine of her races in the event in 2024. The 22 year old athlete is set to return in 2025, aiming to shatter the 800m world record that has been unbroken since 1983 and secure World Championship glory in Tokyo.
Lauren Hemp.
Manchester City’s gifted forward, Lauren Hemp, is currently recuperating from knee surgery. England manager Sarina Wiegman will be eager for her swift recovery ahead of Euro 2025.
Hemp’s direct running style, speed, and goal-scoring ability arguably make her the only forward assured a spot in Wiegman’s starting line-up when fit.
Hamzah Sheeraz.
Undefeated middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz, hailing from Ilford, has demonstrated immense potential as he ascends through the ranks, boasting 17 knockout victories in 21 fights. The 25 year old boxer has an opportunity to elevate his career by vying for his first world title against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in February.
Tyler Dibling.
Eighteen year old winger Tyler Dibling is a product of the same Southampton Academy that nurtured talents like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. Endowed with smooth ball-handling skills, Dibling has already earned caps for England at the Under-21 level and caught the eye of the country’s top clubs, including Manchester United.
Archie Vaughan.
The son of Michael Vaughan, England’s Ashes-winning captain in 2005, spinner Vaughan has represented England’s Under-19s and made his debut for Somerset. He showcased his potential last September with match figures of 11 for 140, helping Somerset defeat county champions Surrey at Taunton.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Despite being born in Cardiff, Feyi-Waboso chose to represent England over Wales. The Exeter winger has made a strong start to his Test career, scoring five tries in eight appearances.
With his blistering speed and raw power, the 21 year old is tipped to secure a spot in the British and Irish Lions squad for their summer tour of Australia.
Caroline Dubois.
Caroline Dubois, younger sister of IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel, has been making waves in the boxing world. The 23 year old remains undefeated in 10 fights and has held the interim WBC women’s lightweight world title since August.
She is expected to unify the division in the coming years.
Ben Doak.
At just 19, Scotland winger Ben Doak has already made his mark on the international stage, giving Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol a tough time at Hampden Park last month. The Liverpool starlet, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, has impressed this season, providing six assists for the Sky Bet Championship club in November.