Top Sports Moments to Note in 2024

This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and memorable moments in the world of sports. From the bittersweet farewells of some of the greatest athletes to the thrilling highs of new records being broken and the shocking controversies that emerged, the sports landscape has been nothing short of dramatic. 

Many legends ended their iconic careers, leaving fans with lasting memories of their extraordinary journeys. While several young stars have their names in history with incredible feats. However, the year was not without its controversies, with doping allegations, off-field scandals, and legal battles casting a shadow on the glory of some of the sports’ brightest stars.

Let’s take a look back at these important moments, to see the highs, the lows, and the moments that will define 2024 in the world of sports.

Sinner and Swiatek: Peaks and Pitfalls

Jannik Sinner’s meteoric rise in 2024 saw him claim two major Grand Slam titles, the Australian Open and the US Open, while also reaching world number one and leading Italy to defend their Davis Cup title. 

However, his promising career was thrown into turmoil with a doping scandal. After traces of the steroid clostebol were found in his system earlier in the year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called for a one- to two-year suspension. 

Despite being cleared of intentional wrongdoing, this cloud of controversy threatens to overshadow his remarkable achievements. Similarly, Iga Swiatek, who had a stellar year with her French Open win, found herself embroiled in a doping issue when she tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ). 

Swiatek, however, accepted a one-month suspension after it was revealed the contamination occurred through non-prescription melatonin purchased in Poland. These cases raised questions about athletes’ responsibility and the fine line between competitive excellence and ethical integrity.

Nadal and Murray Bid Farewell

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2024, closing the chapter on a career that spanned nearly two decades. With 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a wealth of unforgettable moments, Nadal’s decision to step away from the game marked the end of an era. 

Known for his humility and fierce competitive spirit, Nadal’s battles with long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic became a defining feature of the sport. Similarly, Andy Murray, who had fought through a series of debilitating injuries, also called time on his career. 

The British tennis star, who had famously ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s Wimbledon champion in 2013, confirmed his retirement after a year of struggles. In a twist, Murray accepted a coaching role with Novak Djokovic, proving that his influence on the sport would continue from the sidelines.

Klopp’s shocking Liverpool exit

In an unexpected move, Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2024 season, citing exhaustion after nearly nine years at the helm. Klopp’s tenure at Anfield was nothing short of legendary, with his team winning seven major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. 

His leadership transformed Liverpool into a dominant force in world football, and his passionate approach to the game left an indelible mark on the club. Klopp’s final address to the fans was emotional, as he expressed his gratitude to the supporters who had been instrumental in Liverpool’s resurgence.

Scheffler’s Golfing Rollercoaster

Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season was one of triumph and controversy. The American golfer made history by winning seven PGA Tour titles, including his second Masters victory, and securing Olympic gold in Paris. Scheffler’s remarkable consistency and dominance on the golf course earned him the top spot in the world rankings. 

However, his year was marred by an off-course incident when he was arrested outside a PGA Championship event in May, facing charges of assaulting a police officer. 

The charges were later dropped, but the episode raised questions about his personal life. Despite the controversy, Scheffler quickly regained his focus and continued to deliver stellar performances, solidifying his place among golf’s elite.

Pogacar’s Historic Cycling Season

Tadej Pogacar’s 2024 cycling season will go down in history as one of the greatest ever. The Slovenian cyclist dominated the sport by winning the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and the World Championships, completing a rare and coveted Triple Crown. 

With 25 race victories over the course of the year, Pogacar’s success echoed the feats of cycling greats like Stephen Roche and Fausto Coppi. His Tour de France victory was particularly special as it marked the fourth consecutive Tour of Lombardy win, matching a record that had stood for decades.

Spain’s Youthful Euro Triumph

Spain shocked the football world by claiming their fourth European Championship title in 2024. Despite being written off as underdogs, Luis de la Fuente’s young squad defied expectations with thrilling victories over powerhouse teams like Italy, Germany, France, and England. 

The tournament saw the emergence of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest-ever scorer in Euro history with a stunning goal in the semi-finals. Rodri, the tournament’s standout performer and Ballon d’Or winner, spearheaded the team’s success, and Spain’s triumph was a testament to their bright future. 

Mahuchikh and Chepngetich’s Record-Breaking Feats

Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh made history in 2024 when she broke the women’s high jump world record with a leap of 2.10 meters at the Paris World Championships. This feat ended a 37-year-old record and helped her clinch Olympic gold. 

Despite the pressures of the ongoing war in her homeland, Mahuchikh dedicated her victory to helping others, donating her prize money to her country’s army and animal shelters. 

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shocked the world by obliterating the women’s marathon record in October, running 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon. Her victory was not just a personal achievement but a poignant tribute to her late training partner, Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died earlier in the year.

New Zealand’s Historic Cricket Sweep

In a monumental cricket achievement, New Zealand stunned India with a historic 3-0 Test series sweep on Indian soil. This marked New Zealand’s first-ever Test series victory in India, and the results were nothing short of sensational. 

India, who had gone 12 years without losing a home series, were outplayed by the Kiwis, who dominated with spin bowlers Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel leading the charge. 

India’s embarrassing 46 all-out collapse in the opening Test set the tone for the series, and the whitewash was described by Indian captain Rohit Sharma as one of his career’s lowest points.

USA Stuns Pakistan in T20 World Cup

In a shocking upset at the T20 World Cup, the United States defeated cricket giant’s Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over. The match was tied at 159-7, but the USA’s India-born paceman Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerve in the final over to lead his team to a historic victory. 

This unexpected result sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and showed that even the underdogs could rise to the occasion. The USA’s win also sparked hope for the growth of cricket in non-traditional nations.

Verstappen Joins F1’s Elite

Max Verstappen added another feather to his cap by securing his fourth Formula One world championship in 2024, joining the ranks of racing legends. However, his season was marred by off-track controversies surrounding his Red Bull team. 

A scandal involving team principal Christian Horner and allegations of inappropriate conduct threatened to overshadow Verstappen’s on-track success. Despite this, Verstappen’s dominance in the sport remains undisputed, and he is poised to continue his reign as one of F1’s finest.

Korda’s LPGA Domination

Nelly Korda enjoyed a stunning season in 2024, winning seven LPGA titles, including her second major, the Chevron Championship. With her victory at the Annika Tournament in November, Korda proved herself as the dominant force in women’s golf. Her success marked her as one of the greatest players in the sport, and she now stands as a role model for aspiring young golfers worldwide.

Ohtani’s MLB Record-Breaking Season

Shohei Ohtani made history in 2024, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. His stellar performances helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series, and Ohtani earned his second consecutive MVP award. 

His remarkable achievements have cemented his place as one of baseball’s all-time greats, and his $700 million contract with the Dodgers signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his already legendary career.

Kylian Mbappe’s Move to Real Madrid

Mbappe’s long awaited move to Real Madrid in 2024 was initially celebrated as a dream come true for the French superstar. Unveiled to 80,000 adoring fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe expressed his excitement at joining the Spanish giants. However, his tenure started on a rocky note. 

Struggling to adapt to a team already brimming with talent, including Brazilian star Vinicius Junior in his favored left-wing position, Mbappe’s performances fell short of expectations. His Euro 2024 campaign with France further compounded his woes, as he played through the tournament with a broken nose, limiting his impact.

Off the pitch, Mbappe faced mounting distractions. He was embroiled in a bitter legal battle with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over €55 million in unpaid wages, a case he eventually won. 

Additionally, a reported investigation into an alleged rape in Sweden cast a shadow over his public image. These controversies, coupled with his inconsistent form, led to his exclusion from France’s recent squads, despite being the national team captain.

As Real Madrid’s demanding fans grew restless and questions about his state of mind surfaced, Mbappe’s first season in Spain proved to be one of the most challenging phases of his career. Despite the setbacks, many believe the 25-year-old still has the potential to turn things around and cement his legacy as one of football’s greats.