Besides the obvious annual events like grand slams and European football, the sporting calendar of 2024 had a lot to offer, from the Olympics to the T20 World Cup. New heroes were anointed, old guards fell, and stories of hope and redemption lit up our spirits. Here’s a look at athletes whose names were searched the most number of times on Google. 

Imane Khelif 

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was at the heart of major controversy during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where gender was questioned and many advocated for her disqualification. She didn't let the outside noise dim her resilience, giving a solid riposte to naysayers by clinching the gold medal in the women's 66 kg (welterweight) boxing event. She became the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. 

Mike Tyson 

At the age of 58, Mike Tyson announced his decision to step into the cage and compete, almost two decades after he bid adieu to the game. He fought against the YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in November. Many fans and critics were skeptical of his ability to compete at such a high level, considering his age and previous injuries sustained during his boxing career. Paul emerged victorious, but Tyson waled off with a whopping $20 million. 

Lamine Yamal 

Lamine Yamal, the 17-year old Spanish footballer, lit up the Euro 2024 with his insane dribbling, astute decision-making, and some clinical finishing. He became the youngest Spanish debutant, and his dynamism in front of the goal was the big reason Spain were so indomitable throughout the tournament. 

Simone Biles 

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, continued to inspire and amaze audiences in 2024, winning gold in the team, all-round, vault, and floor exercises at the Paris Olympics. Biles' groundbreaking gymnastics routines and her ability to push the boundaries of the sport have made her a role model for aspiring athletes. Her impact on the sport of gymnastics is undeniable, and her influence extends beyond the gymnastic world. 

Jake Paul 

Jake Paul, a controversial figure in the world of boxing and social media, continued to generate headlines in 2024. Known for his high-profile boxing matches against other celebrities and athletes, Paul's biggest achievement of the year was to beat Mike Tyson. His influence on social media and his involvement in various business ventures further contributed to his high search volume. 

Nico Williams 

Nico Williams, a Spanish professional footballer, experienced a breakout year in 2024. Playing for Athletic Bilbao, he established himself as a key player for the club and a rising star in Spanish football. He was in the news during the Euro 2024, where he formed a formidable attacking duo with Yamal. Barcelona chased him in the summer transfer, but the financial restriction stopped them from acquiring Nico Williams. 

Hardik Pandya 

It was a roller-coaster year for Hardik Pandya. On the field, he was incessantly booed by Mumbai Indians fans for not living up to the expectations. He was underwhelming with both bat and ball, and his captaincy left a lot to be desired. He had to undergo hardships in his personal life too, after being divorced from his wife Natasa Stankovic. However, when the T20 World Cup came, Pandya left everything behind him and won the title for India with his match-winning performances. 

Scottie Scheffler 

Scottie Scheffler, an American professional golfer, solidified his position among elite golfers, by winning seven Tour events in 2024, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and the FedEx Cup title. He became the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win Player of the Year honour three times in a row. 

Shashank Singh 

Shashank Singh was the leading run-getter for Punjab Kings in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, and was later retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction. He was searched more times than stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. 

Rodri 

Rodri, the Spanish professional footballer, played a crucial role in Manchester City's continued dominance in English football in 2024. He was also a vital cog in the midfield of Spain's team that won the Euro 2024. For his impressive performance at both club and international level, Rodri was adjudged as Ballon d'Or winner of the year.