Bale: Real Madrid star among BBC Sports Personality nominees
Gareth Bale is on the 16-strong shortlist for the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, to be presented on 18 December. Juventus-Real Madrid live
Gareth Bale has been included among the 16 contenders for the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, which is to be presented on 18 December.
Bale bidding to emulate countryman Giggs
The Real Madrid and Wales attacker is one of two footballers to make the shortlist for the prize, alongside Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy.
The most recent football player to be named Sports Personality of the Year is Bale's compatriot Ryan Giggs, who secured the gong in 2009.
Tennis ace Murray the favourite
The huge favourite is tennis star Andy Murray, after a 2016 that has seen him win Wimbledon, clinch gold at the Rio Olympics and end the year as world number one after victory in the AFP World Tour Finals.
29-year-old Murray would become the first three-time recipient of the accolade, whose winner is chosen by a public vote, since its inception in 1954.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist:
Nicola Adams (boxing), Gareth Bale (football), Alistair Brownlee (triathlon), Sophie Christiansen (equestrian), Kadeena Cox (athletics/cycling), Mo Farah (athletics), Jason Kenny (cycling), Laura Kenny (cycling), Andy Murray (tennis), Adam Peaty (swimming), Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey), Nick Skelton (equestrian), Dame Sarah Storey (cycling), Jamie Vardy (football), Max Whitlock (gymnastics), Danny Willett (golf).