Top 10 most searched athletes on Google in 2024

Google has recently released a list of the top 10 athletes, determined by their search popularity. Several unexpected entries were included in the list, alongside some significant omissions. Notably, the overall chart reflects a preference for the younger generation, as prominent figures from sports like cricket and football are notably missing.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who secured the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has faced challenges related to allegations concerning her gender, occupies the top of the list. Several Spanish football players have also entered the rankings. Additionally, two Indian cricketers, Hardik Pandya and Shashank Singh, were among the most frequently searched individuals on Google worldwide.

On that note, let’s look at the top 10 most searched athletes on Google in the year 2024.

10. Rodri

Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri ranks 10th on the list. He was instrumental in Spain's successful title defense during the UEFA European Championships 2024. The player from Madrid was indeed recognized as the Player of the Tournament. His season came to an abrupt end in September due to a rupture of the ACL in his right knee, sustained while competing for Manchester City against Arsenal, necessitating surgical intervention.

9. Shashank Singh

At the IPL 2024 auctions, it has been reported that Punjab Kings acquired Shashank Singh due to a case of mistaken identity. The situation proved to be an extraordinary blessing in disguise, as he achieved a remarkable total of 354 runs with an impressive strike rate of 164.65.

The 33-year-old played a crucial role in a batting lineup that was unstable at the beginning, highlighting the necessity for an individual capable of steering the team during the middle overs. The team acknowledged the potential of the uncapped player from Chhattisgarh and decided to retain him ahead of the auctions for the forthcoming season.

8. Scottie Scheffler

American golfer Scottie Scheffler, who has maintained the World Number #1 ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking for more than a week, achieved a remarkable season with nine victories, surpassing the accomplishments of Tiger Woods. He also secured the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in a remarkable fashion. 

After trailing by six strokes at the halfway point, the 28-year-old achieved six birdies on the back nine, ultimately winning by a single stroke over Tommy Fleetwood. Scheffler has been named the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year, earning the Jack Nicklaus Award for the third consecutive year.

7. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya encountered significant backlash from devoted supporters of Rohit Sharma on social media following his appointment as the captain of the Mumbai Indians. The frustration intensified as the five-time IPL champions concluded the season at the bottom of the standings, with the player from Baroda failing to deliver satisfactory performances with both bat and ball.

However, he made a remarkable comeback within a month, providing valuable contributions to both departments during the tournament, ultimately aiding India in securing the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after a 17-year hiatus. Importantly, he defended 16 runs in the last over in the final against South Africa, despite the presence of a well-set David Miller.

6. Nico Williams

Another Spanish footballer, Nico Williams, has made his way into the list published by Google. The 22-year-old winger had an outstanding performance during Euro 2024. He showcased his remarkable potential on several occasions, netting the first goal in the final match against England and achieving a passing accuracy of 100% during the round of 16 against Georgia. In what could be a pivotal moment in his career, he was awarded the title of Man of the Match in the final.

Nico has extended his contract with Athletic Bilbao, even though there were speculations regarding his potential transfer to several other clubs. In the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca, he delivered an assist and was subsequently awarded the title of Player of the Match. His team triumphed in the match through a penalty shootout, claiming their first major trophy in four decades.

5. Jake Paul

American professional boxer Jake Paul ranks fifth on the list. Paul was in the news after his victory over former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in November. The match became the biggest boxing gate in American history outside of Las Vegas and was broadcasted on Netflix.

Earlier this year, the 27-year-old achieved victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry, known as the "King of Violence," by technical knockout in the sixth round.

4. Simone Biles

Simone Biles, recognized as the most decorated gymnast in history, finds her name in the list by virtue of her brilliant performances at the Paris Olympics 2024. The American athlete won gold medals in the team, all-around, and vault competitions, in addition to earning a silver medal in the floor exercise. Consequently, she raised her total number of Olympic medals to eleven, which includes seven gold medals.

The 27-year-old also had the honour of being part of the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag, which marked the conclusion of the Paris Games and the transition to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Biles has also introduced a new skill to the code of points for the uneven bars, specifically a Weiler kip with a 1.5 pirouette, thereby becoming the sole female gymnast to have a skill recognized on each apparatus.

3. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is the third Spanish footballer to be included on the list. Given the significance of his accomplishments at the young age of 17, many analysts and supporters believe that he has the potential to become one of the greatest footballers in history. The winger achieved the distinction of being the joint record holder for the highest number of assists in a single edition of the Euro, totaling four assists. This includes one assist each in the Round of 16, the semi-final, and the final match.

His curling shot from outside the penalty area during the semi-final match against France was recognized as the 'Goal of the Tournament.' Additionally, he was honored as the 'Young Player of the Tournament,' making him the youngest player in history to secure a victory in the Euros.

For a club with a legacy as big as that of Barcelona, Yamal, the youngest player to ever start for the first team, has achieved a series of remarkable milestones, including becoming the youngest goal scorer in the history of El Clásico.

2. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson, the American former professional boxer celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history, has once again captured public attention by participating in a post-retirement match this year. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations authorized the bout as a professional boxing match, which was scheduled to occur in May against Jake Paul.

However, the 58-year-old suffered an ulcer flare-up aboard an airplane, which meant that the fight was postponed to November 15. Paul eventually won the bout via a unanimous decision.

1. Imane Khelif

Algerian welterweight boxer Imane Khelif emerged as the most frequently searched athlete on Google. Appointed as a UNICEF ambassador in January, Khelif made history by becoming her nation's first female boxer to secure an Olympic gold medal.

In the second round of her match against Italian competitor Angela Carini, she won within 46 seconds after the match began, as Carini withdrew due to severe pain in her nose following two strikes. It was reported that the Italian had exclaimed, “It’s not fair!” in response to a punch delivered by Khelif.

As a result, the Algerian faced a lot of scrutiny and harassment on social media, with notable figures such as JK Rowling publicly criticizing the boxer and making assertions regarding her gender. However, the International Olympic Committee, led by President Thomas Bach, continued to back the athlete and declared her to be a female. Consequently, she was permitted to proceed in the tournament, ultimately triumphing over China’s Yang Liu in the final match.

Cover Credits - Olympics.com