Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Google has released its list of the 10 most-searched athletes of 2024, reflecting global fascination with sports stars who made headlines both on and off the field. The list, based on search trends, includes figures from boxing, soccer, cricket, and golf, with some names sparking intense public debates.
According to data released by Google, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif claimed the top spot, surpassing global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and Lionel Messi in search popularity.
Spanish football prodigy Lamine Yamal and legendary boxer Mike Tyson also made headlines, with Tyson drawing massive attention for his high-profile bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in 2024.
Here are the most-searched athletes on Google in 2024, as cited from CNN Indonesia:
1. Imane Khelif
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif topped Google’s search list after clinching a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Known for her knockout victory in just 46 seconds against Italy’s Angela Carini, Khelif’s triumph was accompanied by controversy.
Questions surrounding her identity and background fueled widespread debates on social media, prompting legal threats from her team against detractors.
2. Mike Tyson
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson ranked second following his return to the ring in November 2024. At 58, Tyson faced off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a widely publicized bout streamed live on Netflix, reigniting global interest in his storied career.
3. Lamine Yamal
Spanish soccer prodigy Lamine Yamal, claimed the third spot after playing a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024. Yamal also won the prestigious Kopa Trophy during the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the award.
4. Simone Biles
American gymnastics legend Simone Biles ranked fourth after securing another Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games. With a total of 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, Biles further solidified her place as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
5. Jake Paul
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul continued to dominate headlines in 2024, ranking fifth on Google’s list. His unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson in their Texas showdown solidified his place in mainstream boxing.
6. Nico Williams
Spanish winger Nico Williams garnered widespread attention in 2024. His stellar performances with Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team, making him one of the year’s breakout stars.
7. Hardik Pandya
Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya made headlines after reclaiming his captaincy for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 and later leading India to victory at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States.
8. Scottie Scheffler
American golfer Scottie Scheffler became one of the most talked-about athletes of 2024 after recording nine wins in a single season, surpassing Tiger Woods’ record. His dramatic Olympic gold medal comeback, featuring six birdies in the final nine holes, captivated fans worldwide.
9. Shashank Singh
Initially seen as an overlooked recruit for Punjab Kings in the IPL, Indian cricketer Shashank Singh silenced critics with standout performances, amassing 354 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.65.
10. Rodri
Spanish midfielder Rodri capped off an extraordinary year by helping Spain win Euro 2024 and Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title. He rounded out the year by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Google Release its annual ‘Year in Search’, Reveals Top Global Query Trends
Google’s most-searched athletes list shows these athletes’ accomplishments, controversies, and public personas have kept global audiences captivated throughout 2024, solidifying their status as cultural icons in the world of sports.
(Raidi/Agung)
