In the world of sports, fame and attention aren’t just earned by performance – they get quantified. From social media statistics to betting markets, a few athletes are visibly leading the pack in 2025. And if you’re someone who browses award odds after a big match – or looked into the Betway app download guide – you’ve already interacted with those data points in motion.
Who’s Leading the Popularity Parade?
Data don’t lie. According to YouGov ratings, Simone Biles tops the perception charts in the U.S. with a 59% favorability rate, while Stephen Curry and LeBron James maintain strong visibility too. In football, Lionel Messi enjoys 41% popularity among respondents, with Cristiano Ronaldo at 37%. That’s global recognition at its peak. Those stats help explain why previous award shows and global campaigns feature them heavily.
Whose Moment Is It This Year?
Here’s the lineup of athletes commanding attention in mid-2025:
- Chloe Kelly: Became a household name after England’s Euro 2025 final heroics – she assisted then scored the winning penalty. Her performances pushed her straight into the BBC Sports Personality of the Year betting markets.
- Rory McIlroy: Clinched the golf Masters and completed a career Grand Slam, sealing headlines worldwide – and he’s a big favorite in current award odds.
- Hannah Hampton: Stepped up as England’s goalkeeper, legendary in the penalty shootout. She earned her spot in SPOTY contention with standout saves and quiet presence under immense pressure.
These performances aren’t just news – they’re shaping betting odds, public conversation, and sport influence metrics at once.
Betting on SPOTY: How Odds Tell the Story
If you’ve ever used the Betway app download feature, you know it includes proposition markets beyond match results – like awards. As of late summer:
- Chloe Kelly leads the odds at around 5/4 or shorter. That’s on the back of her standout Euro scenes.
- Rory McIlroy follows closely at about 9/4 thanks to his historic golf milestone.
- Hannah Hampton stays in the mix at around 13/2 after stellar performance in England’s shootout win.
When odds shift quickly, it’s a sign of changing momentum. In this case, hashtagged Euro magic and golf records shifting public perception overnight.
Why Their Popularity Trends Matter
- Big moments boost reach. Kelly’s late-show heroics made her story go viral globally.
- Records translate to respect. McIlroy’s career milestones cement his legacy among fans beyond golf.
- Consistency builds trust. Even if public recognition (like YouGov scores) lags behind, media traction and award odds reflect real attention.
Popularity in sports isn’t just about stats – it’s about moments. A last-minute goal, a comeback nobody saw coming, or just showing up week after week. That’s what people remember, what fuels the conversations, drives the hype, and even nudges the odds. Some names rise because they shine under pressure, others because they’re always there, quietly consistent. Either way, those stories stick.
So if you’re browsing the odds and someone unexpected is leading the charge, there’s probably a reason. It’s not just about who scores – it’s about who sticks in our minds after the whistle.
