From a dog saving a soccer goal to a mascot’s funny antics, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination. These micro-moments break through barriers that span language, time zones and sport to captivate fans and create communities of team loyalty.
For sports leagues, athletes and teams, these moments help them connect with fans in real time, build engagement and, most importantly, create enduring memories. But what makes a sporting moment go viral? There are many factors, including a prank gone wrong, a surprising star performance and a heartwarming tribute. The Ringer has compiled a list of the best viral sports moments from the past quarter century.
Whether it’s a bird bursting into flames or a football player’s troll-tastic handshake, these moments are guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your head spinning. We’ve included a variety of sports from around the world, ranging from the most famous to the most obscure. From a 16-year-old darts wunderkind to a 58-year-old former heavyweight champion, these athletes made the world sit up and take notice.
In an era where the NBA’s star players are often reduced to avatars and paragons, it’s a rare thing for the league to produce a truly memorable showdown. But when you add two of the greatest players of this generation—Joel Embiid and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—to the mix, you’ve got one of those moments. It’s an instant classic that shows just how much chemistry and charisma these two have on the court.