The year 2024 was packed with unforgettable moments in sports, with a range of unexpected surprises, triumphs, and controversies. From the Olympics to football and boxing, here are six key events that defined the year.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was held in Ivory Coast in early 2024, and it turned out to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent history. Despite nearly being eliminated in the group stages, Ivory Coast pulled off a stunning comeback. After losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, the team fired their coach and appointed Emerse Faé. Under Faé, Ivory Coast rallied to knock out heavyweights like Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo. The team’s incredible journey culminated in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final, giving them an unforgettable AFCON win.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11, saw incredible performances and historic moments. The United States and China tied with 40 gold medals each, marking the first-ever gold medal tie in the Olympics’ history. Familiar stars like Simone Biles continued to shine, while newcomers such as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo made their mark, breaking records on the global stage.
Shortly after, the Paralympics, which ran from August 28 to September 8, showcased more amazing achievements. Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games, adding to the excitement of the year’s athletic events.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best footballer in the world, sparked major controversy when Manchester City’s Rodri won the prize over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Vinicius, upset by the result, boycotted the ceremony, and his absence led to a wave of reactions from the football community. Several figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Gary Neville, expressed their belief that Vinicius deserved the award. The debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or showed how passionate fans and players are about the prestigious trophy.
Tyson Fury’s 2024 boxing year ended in disappointment as he lost for the second time to Oleksandr Usyk. The two heavyweights faced off in a rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk won by unanimous decision after a grueling 12 rounds of action. This loss, following their first meeting earlier in 2024, meant that Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion, a title not seen in 25 years. Fury’s defeats were a big shock to the boxing world, as many had expected him to bounce back.
England’s football team faced another tough defeat in the Euro 2024 final. After losing to Italy in 2020, many believed this was their chance to claim their first European Championship title. However, Spain had other plans, defeating England 2-1 in the final. Despite a goal from Cole Palmer, England couldn’t overcome Spain’s strong performance, leaving the Three Lions and their fans heartbroken after another Euro final loss.
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team made history in the 2024 Copa America, securing their 16th title with a 1-0 win over Colombia in the final. The victory marked a back-to-back win for Argentina, as they had also triumphed in the 2021 Copa America. Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the final helped Argentina defend their crown, solidifying Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time and making this Copa America win one to remember.
