Hardik Pandya, Shashank Singh make it to list of Top 10 athletes on Google in 2024
2024 has been an unforgettable year for sports, with major events like the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the Olympics. While the Google's list of top trending athletes is out, it interestingly does not include the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Top 10.
What a year 2024 has been, especially for sports lovers! From the numerous cricket matches to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to even the Olympics, a lot of events took place. As the year wraps up, it's time to reflect on the moments and personalities that defined the world of sports. Google has now released the list of the top trending athletes globally which offers a glimpse into the figures who dominated the headlines, captivated fans, and left an indelible mark.
Here are the Top 10 athletes who stood out in 2024, leading search trends and capturing hearts across the globe. Interestingly, sporting giants Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo were absent from the Top 10.
1. Imane Khelif
She became the most searched athlete of the year after winning the welterweight gold medal at the Paris Olympics. However, her victory was overshadowed due to the widespread debate, as discussions about her gender was the topic of discussion.
2. Mike Tyson
Next on the list is the 58-year-old legendary boxer who made a sensational return to professional boxing in November, facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a high-profile, Netflix-backed match.
3. Lamine Yamal
Barcelona's 17-year-old football prodigy, who played a pivotal role in leading Spain to the Euro 2024 title, ranks third on the list. He also played a crucial role in Spain's victory at Euro 2024 in Germany.
4. Simone Biles
Claiming the 4th spot is the four-time Olympic gold medalist, who added three more gold medals to their tally at the Paris Olympics, cementing their legacy.
5. Jake Paul
The YouTuber-turned-boxer rounded out the top five most searched athletes after his high-profile, Netflix-backed match against legendary boxer Mike Tyson.
6. Nico Williams
The 22-year-old winger, a key player in La Roja's Euro triumph, ranks sixth. Known for his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao, his much-discussed potential move to Barcelona ultimately didn't materialize.
7. Hardik Pandya
The Indian all-rounder, who took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, faced heavy criticism for replacing Rohit Sharma. However, he silenced the critics with a stunning last-over performance that secured India's T20 World Cup victory.
8. Scottie Scheffler
He was the only golfer to make the list, securing the 8th spot. The World No. 1 golfer earned the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour Player of the Year for the 2024 season.
9. Shashank Singh
The batter, although yet to make his debut for the Indian team, generated a lot of buzz with his memorable IPL performance for Punjab Kings (PBKS). He scored 354 runs in 14 matches and was retained by the franchise for the IPL 2025 season.
10. Rodri
Last on the Top 10 list is the Spanish star, who played a crucial role in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign during EURO 2024 and the 2022-23 season. The defensive midfielder also won the Ballon d'Or this year.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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