Several sports organizations across the globe received a healthy dose of attention from the general public in 2024 on the Google platform, and there are a few surprises among them.
10 - Canada in full force behind the Oilers
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at the helm, the Edmonton Oilers came close to creating the impossible in the NHL in the spring of 2024. The Alberta team overcame a 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final, only to lose to the Florida Panthers in the final game. It wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary support of Canada.
9 - An entertaining group in Minnesota
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a very entertaining team to watch in the NBA, with young sensation Anthony Edwards as their headliner. That said, the deal that moved Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks didn’t go down too well…
8 - Argentina leads FIFA
As one of the world’s soccer powers, Argentina finished 2024 in first place in the World Cup qualifiers. This is a position it has held since April 2023, thanks in part to its win over Qatar in 2022.
7 - Promising times in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks have had an eventful 2024, notably with their NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. With Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson in their line-up, they’ll definitely be one to watch in 2025 as an aspiring team.
6 - A big expense to close the year
The New York Mets hit a real home run, just before closing 2024, i.e. during the free agent market. We’re talking about the titanic signing of Juan Soto, from their neighbors in the Yankees. The Dominican will pocket $765 million over the next 15 years.
5 - 2008, a long time ago
The Boston Celtics were crowned NBA champions for the 2023-2024 campaign. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown got the better of Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in 5 games.
4 - It took 120 years
Bayer 04 Leverkusen won their first German championship in 120 years. The German pack remained unbeaten last season in both the Bundesliga and the German Cup.
3 - The Lionel Messi effect never fades
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are still going strong in terms of popularity, thanks in no small part to their dominance of the MLS regular season.
2 - The Dodgers add to their already impressive record
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the MLB World Series in five games against the New York Yankees last fall, adding an eighth championship to their record, their first since 2020.
1 - Game over for the Yankees
The New York Yankees reached their first Finals since 2009, but unfortunately for them, they’ll have to wait and see, as they suffered defeat in a historic MLB duel. Another 15-year wait? To be continued…