Iman Khelif Tops the List of Most Googled Athletes in 2024 Amid Gender Controversy

The year 2024 was a monumental one for sports enthusiasts, with major events like the ICC T20 World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Paris Olympics, and Paralympics taking center stage. Fans worldwide tuned in to witness thrilling performances from top athletes. Apart from these high-profile tournaments, boxing and other sporting events also captured the attention of millions.

As always, sports fans showed a keen interest in learning more about their favorite athletes. Google, the go-to search engine, revealed its list of the most searched athletes of 2024, offering a glimpse into the sports personalities who captured global attention.

1. Iman Khelif (Algerian Boxer)

Topping the list is Algerian boxer Iman Khelif, who became the most searched athlete of 2024. Her rise to fame was fueled by her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics, where she won a gold medal in the women’s boxing category. However, her victory was marred by controversy related to her gender identity, which sparked widespread online discussions and criticism, significantly boosting her search volume.

2. Mike Tyson (Boxer)

Boxing legend Mike Tyson made headlines once again by returning to the ring after 19 years. This unexpected comeback generated massive global interest, with fans eager to see the former heavyweight champion in action. Tyson’s return to boxing was one of the most talked-about moments of 2024, earning him the second spot on the list.

3. Lamine Yamal (Footballer)

At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal, a football prodigy from Spain, captured the world’s attention. The young forward’s talent and performances for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team made him a sensation on and off the pitch. His rapid rise to fame resulted in millions of Google searches, earning him the third position on this list.

4. Simone Biles (Gymnast)

American gymnast Simone Biles made a triumphant return to the sport at the Paris Olympics. After stepping away from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to prioritize her mental health, Biles returned stronger than ever, capturing multiple medals and inspiring millions. Her story of resilience and excellence made her one of the most searched athletes of the year.

5. Jake Paul (Boxer/Influencer)

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul continued to dominate headlines in 2024 with his high-profile fights against some of the biggest names in combat sports. His controversial personality and showmanship kept him in the limelight, earning him the fifth spot on the list of most Googled athletes.

6. Nico Williams (Footballer)

Nico Williams, a rising football star from Spain, saw his popularity surge thanks to his performances for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. His incredible speed, agility, and dribbling skills caught the attention of football fans worldwide, making him one of the most searched athletes in 2024.

7. Hardik Pandya (Indian Cricketer)

One of India’s most prominent all-rounders, Hardik Pandya, emerged as the most searched Indian cricketer of 2024. Surprisingly, he surpassed renowned cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in search interest. As the captain of the Indian T20 team and a key player in the IPL, Pandya’s name was consistently in the spotlight.

8. Scottie Scheffler (Golfer)

American golfer Scottie Scheffler’s consistent performances in major golf tournaments kept him in the public eye throughout 2024. As a top-ranked golfer, his victories and close finishes in major competitions made him a trending topic among sports enthusiasts and golf fans.

9. Shashank Singh (Indian Cricketer)

Another surprising entry on the list is Shashank Singh, a player for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite not being as high-profile as Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, Singh’s impressive performances and social media buzz earned him a spot in the top 10 most searched athletes globally.

10. Rodri (Footballer)

Rounding off the list is Spanish footballer Rodri, who had a fantastic year with Manchester City, helping them win multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League. His commanding presence as a defensive midfielder made him a key player for both club and country, leading to a surge in his online search popularity.