As 2025 draws to a close, Sky Sports looks back at the sporting stories that defined the year, including Rory McIlroy finding the missing piece to the puzzle, Luke Littler's unrelenting ascent, Lions and Lionesses roaring, and so much more.

The Thunder are an NBA-best 26-4 this season — 26-2 against every team but the Spurs, 0-2 against the Spurs

Alcaraz ended almost eight years working with Juan Carlos Ferrero earlier this month, despite combining for two grand slams in 2025, with the former French Open champion emphasising that he ‘needs time to fully process this breakup’

Former professional poker player James Bord is chosen as the preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday, BBC Sport can confirm.

The administrators of Sheffield Wednesday have announced they intend to grant preferred bidder status to a consortium ahead of a takeover of the club.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says it is "impossible" to replace captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set for up to a month out with injury, but other players "must step up".

The inquiry follows England’s humiliating Ashes performance in Australia

Rydz had earned a stunning victory over world No.22 Daryl Gurney at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday, booking his place in the third round of the PDC World Darts Championships.

Arne Slot could dip into the transfer market after losing Alexander Isak to injury for the foreseeable future

Manchester United's Ruben Amorim says they will only look to bring in signings during the January transfer window if they're convinced they'll improve the squad.

Barcelona cool their interest in Marc Guehi after meeting his agents, but Marcus Rashford wants to remain at the Spanish club, and Crystal Palace rival West Ham for Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen, plus more.

This year marks the 60th anniversary since the final Football League match was played on Christmas Day in England.

Reigning champions begin their Africa Cup of Nations title defence in Morocco

Algeria win 3-0 after Salah Adel sent offTapsoba seals dramatic turnaround for Burkina FasoRiyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria launched their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 3-0 Group E win over 10-man Sudan in Rabat.The Desert Warriors were ahead within two minutes when the former Leicester and Manchester City winger ran on to Hicham …

‘It’s impossible to replace Bruno … we need more leaders’United host Newcastle in Premier League on Boxing DayRuben Amorim has described Bruno Fernandes as “impossible to replace” but has told Manchester United’s players the captain’s injury is a chance for them to step up.Fernandes was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s loss at Aston …

Are we heading for a Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries final at the World Darts Championship and why are so many seeds tumbling out at Ally Pally?

The Elephants begin their title defence and pursuit of a fourth continental crown

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen says Peter Wright should retire after his defeat in the PDC World Championship second round.

Jonathan Doidge takes a look at the best Ashes betting odds and brings up his cricket betting tips for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Find the latest odds and tips ahead of Boxing Day racing at Kempton, featuring the the Christmas Hurdle and King George VI Chase

Off-spinner not guaranteed spot in XI but may have key role against a side that will try to clear the boundaryIt would really be something. A Victorian spin bowler – one from St Kilda Cricket Club, no less – walking out on Boxing Day to play an Ashes Test in the shadow of the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG. Todd Murphy is not much like Warne in most …