2024 Sports Wrap: The Most Epic Sports Moments of 2024

First of all, I haven’t seen an actual sports wrap before, so I was very happy to do an actual 2024 sports wrap which with the help of AI I did and it made my day. 🌯 😅

So, now that we have this out of the way, let’s talk about 2024, which was an amazing year, with Paris Olympics, Euro 2024 and other major events. From sports icons and GOATs stepping off the court, to prospects with sports icons potentials entering the stage. From memes, to records… We had it all. So, lemme try break it down for you, what (in my opinion) were the most epic sports moments of 2024. Note, that there’s no particular order here.

And, of course, if you think that I’ve missed something – write it in the comments, and I’ll be more than happy to include it in this 2024 sports wrap. 🙌🏻

2024 Sports Wrap: The Most Epic Sports Moments of 2024

What were the Greatest Sports Events of 2024?

• LeBron James scores 40,000 career points
• Mondo Duplantis smashes Olympic pole vault records
• Spain’s historic Euro 2024 victory, featuring Lamine Yamal’s stunning debut
• Rafael Nadal bids farewell to tennis with an emotional retirement
• Novak Djokovic finally captures Olympic gold in Paris
• Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese redefine women’s basketball and its impact
• Record-breaking Super Bowl LVIII captivates millions
• The AFC Asian Cup and AFCON showcase football’s global influence
• Simone Biles makes a triumphant Olympic comeback with record-breaking performances
• Steph Curry delivers an unforgettable Olympic final performance

Let’s dive into these iconic moments, and if you think something’s missing—hit the comments! 🌯

LeBron James scores 40,000 career points 🐐

The Kareem’s record for most NBA points always seemed untouchable, like Stockton’s record for assists, but LeBron did it in 2023, and then it was just a matter of time for another milestone that seemed unreachable – 40,000 career points. And on March 2, 2024 LeBron James did just that.

He cemented his place in NBA history by becoming the first player to score 40,000 points. The milestone came in a packed Crypto.com Arena as he passed Michael Porter Jr. for an iconic layup. The energy in the arena was palpable, and for a basketball fan like me, this moment felt like the epitome of LeBron’s long-running dominance in the NBA. This record isn’t just a number; it symbolizes LeBron’s unparalleled consistency and longevity in the league and one of the GOATs of team sports.

Mondo Duplantis Breaks Every Pole Vault Record

Mondo Duplantis has solidified himself as one of the greatest athletes in the world, having obliterated record after record in pole vaulting. His performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of extraordinary, pushing the limits of human performance. At the vibe with tens of thousands of fans cheering for his record – that is one of the most iconic and epic sports moments in history, and in this 2024 sports wrap list.

Mondo’s dominance now places him in the same legendary category as Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, making every future appearance a must-watch event.

Spain’s Historic Euro 2024 Victory

Spain’s Euro 2024 victory wasn’t just a championship win; it was a masterclass in teamwork, resilience, and a statement of their enduring dominance in European and world football.

With ten different players finding the back of the net, Spain shattered France’s 24-year-old record for the most individual goal scorers in a single Euro tournament. Among them was the prodigious Lamine Yamal, who delivered the Goal of the Tournament just four days shy of his 17th birthday, becoming the youngest goal scorer in Euro history.

Capping their journey with a thrilling 2-1 win over England in the final, Spain made history as the first team to claim four European Championships. This triumph not only celebrates their legacy but also signals a fresh era for La Roja, who have redefined themselves under pressure to remain at the pinnacle of the sport.

Lamine Yamal’s Debut as the Future Superstar of Football

I had the privilege of witnessing Messi and Ronaldo step onto the stage at a very young age. I vividly remember the hype surrounding Ronaldo when he debuted for Portugal’s national team at just 18 or 19 years old. It took him some time to become one of the key players on his teams, but his rise was inevitable.

Now let’s look at Lamine Yamal’s debut for Spain. At only 16 years old, his performance against Croatia made him the youngest player ever to feature in the tournament, aged 16 years and 338 days, breaking the previous record held by Poland’s Kacper Kozłowski. In that same match, he also became the youngest player to provide an assist, setting up Dani Carvajal’s goal in a 3–0 victory.

Yamal’s incredible journey didn’t stop there. On July 9, during the semi-final against France, he scored Spain’s opening goal in a 2–1 win with a spectacular curling strike from outside the penalty area. That goal was voted Goal of the Tournament, and he became the youngest scorer in Euros history, just four days shy of his 17th birthday.

Finally, Spain’s 2–1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final crowned Yamal as the youngest player ever to win the Euros.

It’s hard to imagine anyone breaking these records. As Messi’s and Ronaldo’s legendary careers come to a close, it feels like we are witnessing the birth of a new global superstar—and perhaps a future contender for the 🐐. As UEFA, doesn’t allow to embed videos – check the highlights here.

And this… It’s hard to make these things up, this is Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal for an ad… Just… You all get it.

Rafael Nadal’s Retirement with Davis Cup Defeat

Rafael Nadal’s retirement in 2024 marked the end of an unforgettable era in tennis. For nearly two decades, Nadal, alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, formed the iconic “Big Three” that dominated the sport, capturing nearly every major title and raising the level of competition to new heights.

Nadal’s incredible career, characterized by his relentless work ethic, fierce determination, and unparalleled dominance on clay courts, resulted in a record-breaking 22 Grand Slam titles. His victory at the French Open, where he won a staggering 14 titles, cemented his legacy as the greatest clay-court player in history. Beyond his major achievements, Nadal’s sportsmanship, humility, and tenacity earned him admiration worldwide, making him a true ambassador of the sport. His departure signifies more than the end of a legendary career; it signals the passing of the torch to the next generation of players who now have the opportunity to create their own legacies.

As one of the sport’s greatest champions, Nadal’s exit is a poignant moment for tennis fans who witnessed his historic battles with Federer and Djokovic. But with his retirement, the future of tennis is wide open, and while no one may fully replace the magic of Nadal, his influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire future stars of the game. That’s an actual 2024 sports wrap.

Novak Djokovic’s Emotional Olympic Gold Victor

With one legend stepping away, another finally achieved what he had been chasing for 16 years. Novak Djokovic, in his fifth Olympics, won his first gold medal, defeating future tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz. At 37, Djokovic became the oldest gold medalist in men’s tennis singles Olympic history.

Winning in front of a passionate French crowd, Djokovic’s triumph wasn’t just a testament to his resilience and unmatched excellence; it highlighted the significance of the Olympic Games in shaping the legacies of the world’s best athletes.

This victory sealed Djokovic’s place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and is one of the most epic sports moments in our 2024 sports wrap. It wasn’t just about the gold—it was about conquering years of near misses, handling immense pressure, and proving that even in the later stages of his career, he could achieve the impossible. By securing his first Olympic gold, Djokovic cemented his legacy in the tennis history.

Caitlin Clark’s and Angel Reese’s Influence on Women’s Basketball

I have already discussed the significance of the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, but it cannot be overstated, as it has transformed the landscape of women’s basketball and catapulted the WNBA into the spotlight. The 2024 WNBA Draft, featuring the highly anticipated entry of these two stars, drew an unprecedented 2.4 million viewers—a staggering 328% increase from the previous year. This marked a watershed moment for the league, reflecting the magnetic pull of their rivalry.

Their first professional matchup was a ratings juggernaut, becoming the most-watched WNBA game of the season with 2.3 million viewers. Meanwhile, the WNBA Finals viewership surged to an average of 1.6 million, a remarkable 115% increase from 2023. The influence of Clark and Reese extends far beyond the court, reshaping the league’s business dynamics and driving exponential growth.

The WNBA’s financial trajectory has taken a monumental leap, with a projected $2.2 billion media deal on the horizon and expansion teams poised to debut in the near future. This growth has accelerated structural changes within the league, bolstering its visibility and influence.

As Rachel Bachman of The Wall Street Journal aptly noted, the WNBA has “seized the public’s attention like never before” after years of struggling to find a foothold in the crowded American sports landscape. The ripple effects are evident everywhere: average game attendance has soared nearly 50% year-over-year, and viewership on ESPN networks has skyrocketed 170%. Fans aren’t just tuning in—they’re fully immersed, with social media ablaze and debates dominating watercooler talk.

This new era of the WNBA, powered by the rivalry between Clark and Reese, has not only redefined women’s basketball but also elevated the league to unprecedented heights in both popularity and cultural relevance.

The Super Bowl LVIII – Record-Breaking Viewership

We’ve already talked about Super Bowl LVIII, but from a different angle—how Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce helped elevate the NFL’s popularity to unprecedented levels. It’s worth noting that Super Bowls have historically dominated the list of the most-watched broadcasts in the U.S., with nine of the top ten spots, leaving only the Apollo 11 moon landing as the sole non-Super Bowl event in that ranking.

While the Apollo 11 moon landing remains the most-watched television event in American history, it’s classified as a news event. This distinction means the CBS and Nickelodeon telecast of Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 officially holds the record for the largest average viewership of any live U.S. television broadcast, pulling in an astonishing 123.7 million viewers.

So, did Taylor Swift’s involvement have something to do with it? Probably—but it wasn’t the only factor. The game’s accessibility across multiple streaming platforms also played a key role, making it the most-streamed Super Bowl in history. This milestone underscores the growing influence of digital media on sports viewership.

With its massive audience and cultural significance, this year’s Super Bowl clash between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers cemented itself as a truly unforgettable event in American sports history and one of the most epic moments in our 2024 sports wrap.

The AFC Asian Cup and AFCON’s Global Impact

2024 was sports year in all over the world. It was a year where regional football tournaments reached unprecedented heights, further solidifying the global power of the sport. The AFC Asian Cup captured a record-breaking 707.3 million viewers across the Middle East and North Africa, a remarkable testament to the growing popularity of football in these regions. Meanwhile, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) captivated a staggering 1.4 billion people worldwide, showcasing the deep passion and cultural significance of the sport on the African continent.

These tournaments not only demonstrated the immense appeal of football but also proved that its influence now extends far beyond the traditional European powerhouses. With such impressive viewership numbers, it’s clear that the sport’s global footprint is expanding rapidly, and as these regions continue to rise in prominence, the global landscape of football will continue to shift in the coming years. The rise of football in Asia and Africa is reshaping the sport’s future, creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of football talent and making the game more inclusive and globally competitive.

Simone Biles’ Olympic Return and Record-Breaking Medals

Simone Biles had to be included in the 2024 sports wrap. She made a triumphant return to the Olympics in 2024, showcasing not only her unparalleled skill but also her resilience and renewed passion for the sport. After taking a health break following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she courageously prioritized her mental health, Biles demonstrated to the world that stepping back can often lead to an even stronger comeback.

In Paris, she dazzled audiences with her exceptional routines, earning four medals—three gold and one silver. Her golds came in the team event, the individual all-around, and on the balance beam, while her silver was achieved in the floor exercise. Each routine was a display of technical brilliance and artistic mastery, leaving both fans and judges in awe.

Beyond her medals, Biles etched her name deeper into history by surpassing Shannon Miller’s record for the most Olympic medals won by an American gymnast. With 11 Olympic medals now to her name, she not only reaffirmed her dominance but also solidified her status as the greatest gymnast of all time.

Biles’ journey back to the podium was more than just a sports story; it was an inspiration for anyone facing challenges. Her comeback proved that taking time for self-care isn’t a setback but a necessary step in achieving greatness. Paris 2024 was a fitting chapter in her legendary career, a celebration of her perseverance, and a reminder of why she’s not just a gymnastics icon but a global sports legend.

Steph Curry’s the Most Clutch Olympic Finals Performance

We’ve known for years that Steph Curry is a human highlight reel and the undisputed GOAT of three-pointers. But that clutch shit he pulled off in the Olympics? That was on another level entirely. It didn’t just cement his legacy—it widened the gap so much that it’s hard to imagine anyone ever catching up. I honestly couldn’t believe what I was watching.

The French team did everything they could to challenge Team USA for the gold, but what can you do when Steph starts hitting one insane shot after another? He scored 12 of Team USA’s last 16 points, capped off by a ridiculous rainbow three over a double team—while LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two of the greatest players of this millennium, stood wide open. It felt like something straight out of a movie, not real life.

But that’s Steph Curry for you. That’s not only one of the most epic sports moments of 2024, that’s one of the most iconic basketball moments EVER.

Honorable Mentions of Not The Most Epic Sports Moments of 2024

I couldn’t leave these out of the 2024 sports wrap—they undeniably became some of the most epic sports moments of 2024. However, I felt they deserved their own separate list, as they were less about athletic achievement and more about the incredible hype and buzz they managed to generate.

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

I don’t want to dive too deep into this, and honestly, I almost didn’t include it in the 2024 sports wrap. I wasn’t a fan of it, though I do understand the sports marketing side of things. That said, it felt like taking advantage of something that shouldn’t be exploited, and I’ve never been a fan of these kinds of highly orchestrated spectacles.

Because of stuff like this, fighting is becoming less about the actual event and more about building anticipation and generating content before the fight, which is pretty disappointing. And this fight, was the pinnacle of all this.

But, with 108 million viewers globally and Tyson pocketing $20 million, you can’t deny that this is just good business. 💰

LeBron and Bronny Sharing the NBA Floor

Another testament to LeBron’s incredible longevity and influence. On October 23, 2024, LeBron James and Bronny James made history as the first father and son duo to ever play in the NBA together during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-opening win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Like most, I have mixed feelings about this moment. It’s a powerful symbol of LeBron’s unmatched career and the legacy he’s building, not just for himself but for his family. As a father of two myself, I can’t help but admit—if I were in LeBron’s shoes, I’d do whatever I could to support my kids and give them the best opportunity possible.

Watching Bronny step onto that court alongside his father was a proud moment for them both, and honestly, it’s something you can’t help but respect.

Raygun: Australia’s Breakdancing Performance

As the Women’s Breakdancing silver medalist Nicka is Lithuanian, I had the chance to watch the entire competition live. When I saw Rachael Gunn’s performance, I jokingly turned to my wife and said, “Sheesh, if that’s what breakdancing is, I could make it to the Olympics!” Little did I know that her performance would later go viral and break the internet in the way it did.

The performances that followed quickly reminded me I have no place in Olympic sports, but Raygun gave us a moment to remember. That said, I can’t help but feel bad for anyone who ends up being ridiculed so intensely. Nobody deserves the level of scrutiny she faced, which eventually led her to retire from competitive breaking after the Paris Olympics. Still, part of me wonders if this moment could’ve layed the groundwork for an inspiring comeback story if she were to decide to prove the doubters wrong.

Either way, it was an unforgettable moment in our 2024 sports wrap. 🦘

2024 Sports Wrap: The Most Epic Sports Moments of 2024

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed reading the 2024 Sports Wrap as much as I did while picking these moments.

If you think I missed any moments that deserve a spot, feel free to share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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