When it comes to sports, sometimes athletes do things so awe-inspiring or entertaining that they transcend their respective leagues and capture the world’s imagination. These micro-moments captivate fans and ignite social conversations, ranging from pranks gone wrong to heartwarming tributes. They are more than just awe-inspiring plays or entertaining antics; they help athletes and sports teams bridge the gap to new fans, build communities of team loyalty and create lasting memories.
While many of these moments occur on the field, others happen off the field as well. For instance, Freddie Andrews went viral in 2017 after sliding down the metal divider between two escalators on the London Underground after consuming 10 pints. Needless to say, the move did not go well and racked up over 10 million views on YouTube in just a few days.
The Olympics dominated viral sports moments this summer, from “pommel horse guy” earning a bronze medal (and a spot on Dancing With the Stars) to Ilona Maher rumbling over Aussies and Steph Curry knocking out France. Outside the Games, Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing had spectators scratching their heads and late-night hosts laughing, while Yusuf Dikec’s incredibly casual stance earned him a silver medal and spawned countless memes.
While these athletes may be famous for their on-field achievements, it is their off-field antics that make them truly legendary. From a dog saving a soccer goal to a mascot’s funny antics, we have rounded up some of the most viral sports moments ever.