'Hasn’t got a chance': City fans react as 72-cap ace is up for major award

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Raheem Sterling of England reacts after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by GES-Sportfoto/Getty Images) — Photo by GES-Sportfoto/Getty Images

Award season is upon us in sport, and the BBC have revealed the shortlist for the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year award (SPOTY), and Raheem Sterling is up for the prize.

The Manchester City attacker made the six-athlete shortlist, with Sterling facing off against some huge names in the world of sport. Tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is the early favourite for the award, with boxer Tyson Fury and Olympic champions Adam Peaty and Tom Daly also in the mix.

Sterling makes the SPOTY shortlist after a sensational year for both club and country. The 72-cap England star was key for the Three Lions in their run to the EURO 2020 final, with the winger also playing a starring role for City in their Premier League title win and journey to the UEFA Champions League final.

Indeed, the 26-year-old is the only footballer on the shortlist, with Sterling beating out the likes of England captain Harry Kane and Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford for a place in the SPOTY run-in.

Footballers have historically not been huge names at the SPOTY award, with Ryan Giggs the last recipient of the trophy in 2009. Jordan Henderson last year came runner-up to Lewis Hamilton after winning the Premier League title with Liverpool and for his incredible charity work with the NHS.

Indeed, Sterling has been a huge presence in English culture for the past 12 months both on and off the pitch, yet City fans on social media are not sure why the attacker was nominated for the SPOTY.

City fans are bemused as Sterling is nominated for SPOTY

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Raheem Sterling of Manchester city in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on December 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus) — Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus

There’s not denying Sterling’s achievements this year. However, City fans are not sure Sterling has a chance in winning the SPOTY award over the likes of Raducanu and Peaty.

Here’s what some City supporters had to say on Twitter about Sterling’s nomination for the SPOTY award…

Soccer News

‘Hasn’t got a chance’: City fans react as 72-cap ace is up for major award

City fans are bemused as Sterling is nominated for SPOTY

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Soccer News

‘Hasn’t got a chance’: City fans react as 72-cap ace is up for major award

City fans are bemused as Sterling is nominated for SPOTY