2025 Was Wild in Sports – Relive Every Moment
From Luka Doncic’s shocking trade to Game 7 of the World Series, 2025 delivered unforgettable wins, losses, and stories.
Happy New Year’s Eve (12/31/25) to all of you. As per tradition, let’s look back on the year 2025.
The sports world was rocking the entire year without stoppage. We had back-to-back champions, a new Super Bowl Winner, and one team that seems as if it’s going to dominate for years to come. Actually, make that three teams.
The Luka Doncic trade, game 7 of the World Series, NBA gambling arrests, Hulk Hogan’s death, and so much more. The moments that we had in 2025 when it comes to sports are unbelievable. You might not think this is worth it, but with how fast this year went by, it might be time to look back and reflect on some of these amazing moments.
This post was made to recap the amazing year in sports. I love doing this stuff, and I just want to thank all subscribers and even those of you who continue to read these posts without subscribing. This was at least a week’s worth of work, and I’m really proud to put this out there.
This post is also meant to be a sort of capsule and will be republished in the years to come. I want people to come back to this post and relive/imagine what 2025 would have been like.
The greatest thing you can do to support me is to share this post. If this felt like your kind of sports year, pass it along and get the conversation going. Please! This is the last promotional content for my newsletter you’re gonna see in this post.
Opinions on any picks? I want to hear all of it. Let it be absurd or fair. You can drop your thoughts in the comment section, or you can shoot an email to sportssquareauthor@gmail.com. The comments are all open for discussion. Feel free to respond to someone else’s opinion as well.
Tomorrow (1/1/26) will be the release of the New Year predictions, and the annual GM rankings series will continue into January as well.
Thank you for everything this year, fam.
-Smayan Srikanth
If you’re reading this in 2025: Continue on!
If you’re reading this from 2026-2030: Welcome! Let’s relive the big 2025 together!
If you’re reading this from 2031-2050: Welcome! 2025 was one heck of a year in sports. Your parents have probably talked about this by now.
If you’re reading this from 2051-2100: Welcome! This is how it all used to be. Glad to have you on board, reading this!
Table of Contents:
1) The State of Sports Address
2) Top Stats & Records of 2025
3) Biggest Stories/Headlines
4) Top Teams of 2025
5) The People’s Opinion
6) Athlete of the Year
7) The Villains of 2025
8) The Best Sports Moment of the Year
9) Most Disappointing Team of 2025
10) GAME: What is your Sports Moment?
11) In Memoriam of Our Lost Sports Heroes
12) Thank You
The State of Sports Address
If 2025 proved anything, it’s that sports are louder, faster, and messier than they’ve ever been.
Talent is abundant. Shohei Ohtani is doing things we were told were impossible. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just authored one of the cleanest championship seasons in NBA history. Young stars aren’t waiting for their turn anymore. They’re taking over immediately, and teams are building around them faster than ever.
On the surface, it was an awesome year. Ratings were strong. Stars delivered. Dynasties were born. The games themselves were incredible. But underneath all of that, there’s a shift happening that fans can feel, even if they don’t always say it out loud. I think you know what I’m hinting at here.
Gambling scandals aren’t just headlines anymore. They’re part of the conversation every single night. The NBA betting scandals weren’t shocking; they were uncomfortable. Not because fans didn’t expect something like this to happen, but because it confirmed a fear people have had for a while: the lines between competition, money, and integrity are thinner than ever. Leagues are generating more revenue than ever before, yet maintaining trust is becoming increasingly challenging.
Fans are questioning outcomes, referees, and integrity in a way that wasn’t normal even five years ago. The games are still great, but the noise around them has never been louder.
Dynasties are also back. The Dodgers and Thunder represent two completely different paths to dominance. One spends relentlessly and embraces the villain role. The other drafts, develops, and stockpiles assets until the league can’t keep up. Both worked. That raises an uncomfortable question for smaller-market teams and leagues trying to sell parity: what’s the right way to win anymore?
Stars have more power than leagues. One trade can flip the NBA. One contract can tilt baseball. One injury can rewrite an entire season. Front offices still matter, but players move the sport now, not the other way around.
There’s also a growing emotional fatigue. Seasons feel shorter. Storylines move faster. Outrage cycles last days, not months. A moment that would’ve defined an entire decade ten years ago can now get buried by the next headline within a week. That’s part of why looking back matters, because it’s easy to forget just how wild this year really was.
And yet, despite all of it, people keep watching. They keep arguing. They keep caring. Because when Game 7 happens, or when a superstar does something that shouldn’t be possible, none of the noise matters. Sports still deliver that feeling. The one that makes you stop scrolling and just watch. Chaotic. Brilliant. Uncomfortable. Unforgettable.
Top Stats & Records of 2025:
MLB:
Batting Average Leader: Aaron Judge (.331)
Pitching Wins Leader: Max Fried (19)
Most Home Runs: Cal Raleigh (60)
ERA Leader: Paul Skenes (1.97)
Most RBIs: Kyle Schwarber (132)
Most Saves: Carlos Estevez (42)
Most Hits: Bobby Witt Jr. (184)
Most Strikeouts: Garrett Crochet (255)
Most Stolen Bases: Jose Caballero (49)
NFL (24-25):
Offensive Leaders: Joe Burrow (4918 Yards)
Defensive Leaders: Zaire Franklin (173 TOT)
Rushing: Saquon Barkley (2005)
Sacks: Trey Hendrickson (17.5)
Receiving: Ja’Marr Chase (1708)
Interceptions: Kerby Joseph (9)
NBA (24-25):
Offensive Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.7 PPG)
Defensive Leaders: Domantas Sabonis (13.9 REB)
Assists: Trae Young (11.6)
Blocks: Walker Kessler (2.4)
3-Pointers Made: Stephen Curry (4.4)
Steals: Dyson Daniels (3)
NHL (24-25):
Skating Leaders: Connor McDavid (68 points)
Goaltending Leaders: Brandon Bussi (2.10 GAA)
Goals: Nathan McKinnon (31)
Save Percentage: Jesper Wallstedt (.931)
Plus/Minus: Nathan McKinnon (47)
Wins: Scott Wedgewood (17)
Biggest Stories/Headlines:
The Luka Doncic trade is probably ranked top 3, if not #1, when it comes to the biggest story/headline of the year.
The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić, a 25-year-old five-time All-NBA first team selection who, eight months earlier, had led the Mavs to the NBA Finals, to the Lakers for the very often injured Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. No swaps. No future considerations. None of that stuff.
Just when LeBron’s age has begun to catch up to him just a bit, the Lakers make this trade and bring this team right back to their prime. The impact of this trade is going to be felt for a very long time.
Game 7 of the World Series must also be considered one of the best sports moments. In fact, this is my #1. Miguel Rojas hitting a home run to save the season? That by itself is unbelievable. But, he hit it off of Jeff Hoffman, who was having one of the best postseasons a closer has ever had.
Can’t forget about the Hulk Hogan death, which I’ll expand on when we get to the in memorium section. That one impacted quite a lot of us. We also can’t forget about Shedeur’s slide, the Mavs somehow ending up with Cooper Flagg, Carlos Alcaraz winning the French Open, the NBA betting scandals, the Kawhi Leonard scandals, Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez, and PSG’s Champions League win.
Top 10 Teams of 2025:
10) Milwaukee Brewers
This team was awesome during the regular season, dominating the NL Central for most of the year. They had the best record in the entire league. When they got in the postseason, though, they struggled, as they barely got by the Cubs. Postseason experience becomes crucial, though, because the Brewers were crapped on by the Dodgers 4-0. This was still an awesome team in the regular season, and hopefully with the postseason experience they have now, they can figure it out next year and maybe even get to the World Series.
9) Kansas City Chiefs (24-25)
Yeah, pretty low for Chiefs standards, but even though they had a 15-2 record last year, I don’t think that was real. The only games that they won that weren’t one-score wins were against the Saints, 49ers, Browns, and Steelers. Their 2 losses were more than one score losses against the Bills (9 pt loss) and Broncos (38 pt loss). If they had won the Super Bowl, this team would probably have been ranked way higher. This was not a bad team, but they weren’t a great team either.
8) Detroit Lions (24-25)
You could probably make an argument about this team being in 9th place, and I won’t be able to refute it, but for me, it’s the regular-season performance. The Lions were in tons of on-score games as well, but they proved that they were a 15-2 team against teams like the Cowboys and Packers. This is the most disappointing team of the year, though, for obvious reasons. No one saw them getting blown out in the divisional round against the Commanders.
7) Cleveland Cavaliers (24-25)
This was only because they weren’t able to come up with a championship. The Cavaliers played like one of the best teams in the NBA. I remember thinking that the Cavs were going to win it all. Especially after the sweep. The Cavs did their best against the Pacers, but weren’t able to come up with the victory. I really like this team. While it isn’t looking too great for them this year, with the core of this team still here, I know that this team can definitely make a run at the chip this year.
6) Florida Panthers (24-25)
Sorry, Panthers fans, but this is the lowest champion out there. Not because this was a mediocre team. In fact, I think this team was one of the best champions in this decade. The Panthers really took this run with ease. 4-1 in the first series against the 2-seed Lightning. The series against the Maple Leafs was the hardest in their run, with it being 4-3. Finally, 4-1 in the third series against the 2-seed Hurricanes. Coming in as the 3 seed, they faced the Edmonton Oilers and beat them up 4-2 as well. This was an awesome series.
5) Toronto Blue Jays
This might be a little overboard for this Blue Jays team, but I so appreciate this team as a Dodgers fan myself. This World Series we just saw was completely neck and neck, with the Blue Jays even taking it to an extent to put the Dodgers' season on the line. As I mentioned above, Game 7 was probably the most defining moment of the year. It’s because of how competitive this team was. Kudos to the Blue Jays.
4) Inter Miami CF
The MLS isn’t one of those huge leagues yet, but with the arrival of Messi, it has begun building something I didn’t think we would see for a while. As you guys probably know, I’m not the biggest soccer guy, so I’m not sure what to say about this other than the fact that they went through these playoffs pretty easily (aside from a loss to Nashville in the first round). When it comes to soccer, however, don’t worry because our World Cup coverage is going to be top-notch, as I’m actively learning how to report on the sport.
3) Philadelphia Eagles (24-25)
Top 3 now, and we have the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl Champions. Everything went great for the Eagles last season. They were led by the top rusher in the NFL, Saquon Barkley, and they had the best running game and defense in the league. Things were going great for the Eagles. Kellen Moore proved to be one of the best Offensive Coordinators, and Vic Fangio continues his reign as the best defensive coordinator. There were weaknesses, however, and what’s stopping this team from being higher are two things. 1: The teams above are better. No question. 2: The early slide stops them from being the best team in 2025.
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
Smayan, why aren’t they higher? is probably the question. I understand what you’re saying. But I think some of us probably forgot about the bullpen and all the issues surrounding it. They’re one of the best offensive teams developed, but the pitching was horrible, and even the Dodgers wouldn’t decline that. However, they’re building, and with a championship next year, the back-to-back champs will be #1.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder (24-25)
Only leaves one more champion. The Oklahoma City Thunder. You wanna talk about a complete team? We’re talking about one right now. They were able to beat the Grizzlies 4-0, Nuggets 4-3, beat the Timberwolves 4-1, and then the Pacers 4-3 to take the championship. They had unbelievable talent, and watch out, NBA, because they’re only getting better. They also have a lot more picks for some unbelievable talent. This is the beginning of a dynasty.
The People’s Opinion:
What are the top 10 teams of 2025?
Athlete of the Year?
Quietly Elite:
I think it’s horrible that not many people talk about Christian McCaffery, even though he’s having an elite season. He doesn’t really have an offensive line, and his whole team is just completely injured. Many are talking about how the Niners are criminally underrated and one of the best teams in the league. The reason behind that is Christian McCaffery.
Comeback Player of the Year:
Okay, I’m not sure if this necessarily counts as comeback athlete of the year, but the first guy that pops into my head is Daniel Jones. The way he led the Colts before his injury was unbelievable. Everyone thought that his career was basically over after New York. Jones’ injury really killed a lot of hopes for the Colts, but if they somehow could do the same next year, watch out, everyone. The Colts are a real threat.
Breakout Star:
I didn’t even try looking for someone better. This is Nick Kurtz anyday. The unanimous American League Rookie of the Year had a season that established him as the premier power hitter. Kurtz led all MLB rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), extra-base hits (64), runs (90), slugging percentage (.619), and OPS (1.002). He joined superstars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge as one of only three players with at least 400 plate appearances and an OPS over 1.000, and he became just the eighth rookie since 1901 to post an OPS over 1.000 (minimum 400 plate appearances).
Season for the Ages:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put together a ridiculous 24–25 season, and he is carrying it right into 25–26. He averaged 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists for the Thunder during the 24-25 season. He led the league in scoring, finished 14th in assists per game, and ranked first in win shares. Then he capped it off by winning the title. That is the definition of a dream season. He is basically my number two pick for Athlete of the Year.
He became only the fourth player in NBA history, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, to win regular-season MVP, the scoring title, and Finals MVP all in the same year. He had 49 games with 30 or more points and four games with at least 50. He scored at least 20 in 72 straight games, which is the second-longest single-season streak ever. The Thunder went 68–14, the best record in the league, the best mark in team history, and tied for the fifth-most wins in NBA history. With him on the floor, they went 63–13. He finished first in overall win shares (16.7) and first in defensive win shares (4.8).
Athlete of the Year:
The overall award. If you’re a reader on Substack, you probably came across Jack Zucker’s “14 Sports Writers Share Their Best Athlete of 2025” edition. One of the popular picks over there is Shohei Ohtani. Unfortunately or fortunately, Shohei is the guy I’m going to go with as well. It’s too hard to deny that he had one of the greatest seasons. He won his 4th MVP this year, posting a 1.014 OPS with 55 home runs. He also returned to the mound for the first time in two years, delivering a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings across 14 starts.
He also had the best two-way performance in MLB history in Game 4 against the Brewers. He threw 6 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts, and while batting, went 3 for 3 with 3 home runs, 3 runs batted in, and a walk. Just an unbelievable performance. If you think of the year 2025 and try to correlate it with sports, you’re not going to not talk about Shohei Ohtani.
The Villains of 2025:
NFL:
This is quite obviously the Chiefs. I mean, no question about it. There’s probably never been a Super Bowl where 31 NFL franchises and their fans have rooted for a single team to win. No one wanted the “refs” to win. The beatdown in the Super Bowl was celebrated for quite a while. In fact, the Chiefs’ missing the playoffs this year is also being celebrated quite a bit.
So is the Chiefs’ dynasty over?
Definitely not.
MLB:
This one’s pretty obvious, too. No one wanted the Los Angeles Dodgers to repeat, but it happened. They’re “buying” championships. They’re not stopping, though, and this team is just getting better and better as we speak. Andrew Friedman is always making calls, he’s always making deals, and a lockout in 2027 is going to be just because of this Dodgers team. However, in the Dodgers' defence, other teams can also “buy” championships.
NBA:
If I’m going to be real here, the NBA doesn’t really even have a villain anymore (now I’m not really counting the 25-26 season), but OKC just got their first chip, Golden State hasn’t been to the finals in a while, and Phoenix isn’t really an unlikeable team. OKC is definitely going to be it in 2026 with how this year’s season is going, but for now, it’s not looking like anyone. Definitely want to hear everyone’s opinion on this.
NHL:
Florida Panthers. The current back-to-back champions are the most hated. Is there really any more explanation needed?
Best Sports Moment of the Year
The best sports moment of the year award is extremely debateable, especially this year, but after tons of rewatching, I narrowed it down to two. Shohei Ohtani’s unbelievable performance and Carlos Alcaraz’s crazy French Open win. It eventually was:
Most Disappointing Team:
This is interesting because there were a lot of disappointing teams this year. Let’s go league by league before really determining one across all of sports.
MLB: Atlanta Braves or the New York Mets
NBA: Phoenix Suns (24-25)
NFL: Washington Commanders (25-26)
NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning (25-26)
Forgive me, but as hard as I tried not to, I had to reach into the 25-26 seasons in the NFL and the NHL for this segment.
In all honesty, I didn’t expect the Mets to do great this year, even though I did say that they were going to finish with an amazing record. Rule them out. The Lightning have been disappointing, but they’re 17-15-6, and I think they still very much have a chance. The Commanders have been very disappointing, but they’ve faced an unbelievable amount of injuries, so I have to let them go.
It really comes down to the Braves and the Suns. The problem is, the Suns are in a horrible situation. They can’t tank because they don’t own their picks, they don’t have money, and the young talent is kind of gone. This isn’t an acceptable reason. They walked into that, but this is going to make me go with the Braves for the most disappointing team of the year.
Yes, there were injuries, but at the end of the day, this was a team that was projected to win the NL East, and they didn’t do it. They still had a lot of key pieces and an amazing rookie season from Drake Baldwin. Even when Sale, Schwellenbach, Holmes, and Strider were in the rotation at the end of June, the Braves were just 38-45. Other teams battle against injuries, too. It’s a long season.
The team battled lots of bullpen issues, and most of the key hitters experienced a decline in their stats. Nothing was going right for this team.
Most disappointing, though, means that this team had expectations. Even after this season, I still have hope in the Braves for next year. Winning the World Series? I’m not sure. But, making the playoffs? Definitely.
What is Your 2025 Sports Moment?
I was able to build the tiny but nifty program that will determine the 2025 sports moment that determines you best.
In Memoriam:
January:
Jan 2 Ágnes Keleti, Hungarian-Israeli gymnast (Olympic gold Floor 1952; Uneven bars, balance beam, floor, team 1956) and Holocaust survivor, dies of pneumonia at 103
Jan 2 Aldo Agroppi, Italian soccer coach (Fiorentina, Perugia, Como, Pisa) and midfielder (5 caps; Torino 212 games), dies from pneumonia at 80
Jan 2 Cristóbal Ortega, Mexican soccer midfielder (24 caps; Club América 608 games), dies from cancer at 68
Jan 2 Ján Zachara, Slovak boxer (Olympic gold Czechoslovakia featherweight 1952), dies at 96
Jan 3 Gilbert Van Binst, Belgian soccer defender (15 caps; SC Anderlecht 262 games), dies at 73
Jan 5 Al MacNeil, Canadian ice hockey coach (Stanley Cup 1971 Montreal Canadiens; Atlanta/Calgary Flames), dies at 89
Jan 6 Dušan Maravić, Serbian soccer midfielder (7 caps; Red Star Belgrade, Racing Paris; Olympic gold Yugoslavia 1960), dies at 85
Jan 6 John Douglas, Scottish rugby union No. 8 (12 Tests; Blackheath FC, Stewart’s Melville RFC; Barbarians RFC), dies at 90
Jan 10 Bill McCartney, American College Football HOF coach (Colorado Buffaloes 1982–94; NCAA C’ship 1990), dies at 84
Jan 10 Thelma Hopkins, Irish athlete (High jump WR 1.74m 1956; Olympic silver 1956), dies at 88
Jan 12 Peter Brown, Scottish rugby union back-rower and captain (27 Tests; Glasgow District RFC), dies at 83
Jan 13 Bernd Cullmann, German athlete (Olympic gold FRG 4×100m relay 1960 WR 39.5s), dies at 85
Jan 13 Tony Book, English soccer right-back (Manchester City 244 games) and manager (Manchester City 1974-79, 89, 93), dies at 90
Jan 13 Vicente Vega, Venezuelan soccer goalkeeper (15 caps; Deportivo Táchira, Portuguesa, Deportivo Italia), dies from diabetes complications at 69
Jan 15 Gus Williams, American basketball guard (NBA C’ship 1979 Seattle SuperSonics; NBA All Star 1982, 83; All-NBA First Team 1982), dies from stroke complications at 71
Jan 16 Bob Uecker, American Baseball HOF broadcaster (Milwaukee Brewers, 1971-2024), catcher (World Series 1964 St. Louis Cardinals) and actor (”Mr. Belvedere”), dies of lung cancer at 90
Jan 16 Harry Bild, Swedish soccer striker (28 caps; IFK Norrköping, Feyenoord, Östers IF), dies from cancer at 88
Jan 17 Denis Law, Scottish soccer striker (55 caps; Manchester United 309 games; Ballon d’Or 1964; World Soccer World XI 1964), dies from Alzheimer’s disease & vascular dementia at 84
Jan 19 Jeff Torborg, American baseball catcher (World Series 1965 LA Dodgers) and manager (AL Manager of the Year - 1990 Chicago White Sox), dies from Parkinson’s disease at 83
Jan 19 Marcel Bonin, Canadian ice hockey forward (5 x NHL All Star; Stanley Cup 1955 Detroit Red Wings; 1958, 59, 60 Montreal Canadiens), dies at 92
Jan 19 Tom McVie, Canadian ice hockey coach (Washington Capitals 1975-79, Winnipeg Jets 1979-81, NJ Devils 1983-84, 1990-92), dies at 89
Jan 20 Fred Newhouse, American athlete (Olympic gold 4×400m relay, silver 400m 1976), dies at 76
Jan 23 Andreas Stamatiadis, Greek soccer forward (8 caps; AEK Athens 316 games), dies at 89
Jan 24 Ellert Schram, Icelandic soccer forward (23 caps; KR) and executive (chairman Icelandic FA 1973-89), dies at 85
Jan 24 Mimis Domazos, Greek soccer midfielder (50 caps; Panathinaikos FC 502 games), dies at 83
Jan 25 Dražen Dalipagić, Serbian Basketball HOF small forward (Olympic gold 1980; World Cup gold & MVP 1978; Partizan, Real Madrid), dies at 73
Jan 25 Greg Bell, American athlete (Olympic gold long jump 1956), dies at 94
Jan 25 Harold Katz, American businessman and sports executive (owner Philadelphia 76ers 1981-96), dies at 87
Jan 28 Arnaldo Gruarin, French rugby union prop (26 Tests; RC Toulon), dies at 86
Jan 29 Evgenia Shishkova, Russian pairs skater (World C’ship gold 1994), dies in American Eagle Flight 5342 collision with a Black Hawk helicopter at 52
Jan 29 John Huard, American College Football HOF linebacker (University of Maine; Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Toronto Argonauts), dies at 80
Jan 29 Vadim Naumov, Russian pairs skater (World C’ship gold 1994), dies in American Eagle Flight 5342 collision with Black Hawk helicopter at 55
Jan 30 American figure skater (Olympic gold 1948, 1952; World C'ship gold 1948–52) and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, dies at 95
Jan 30 Tom Jackson, American college football coach (Connecticut Huskies 1983-93), dies at 76
Jan 31 Buster Farrer, South African cricket batsman (6 Tests, HS 40; Border), dies at 88
February:
Feb 1 American lawyer and sports executive (MLB Commissioner, 1989-92), dies at 86
Feb 2 Ogün Altıparmak, Turkish soccer striker (32 caps; Fenerbahçe 173 games), dies at 86
Feb 5 Vito Di Tano, Italian cyclist (Amateur UCI Cyclo-cross World C’ship 1979, 86), dies at 70
Feb 6 Virginia Halas McCaskey, American football executive (principal owner Chicago Bears 1983-2025), dies at 102
Feb 8 Dick Jauron, American football coach (Chicago Bears 1999-2003, AP Coach of the Year 2001; Buffalo Bills 2006-09) and College Football HOF safety (Yale), dies from cancer at 74
Feb 10 Peter Tuiasosopo, American actor (Street Fighter, Necessary Roughness, Kickin’ It) and NFL center (LA Rams), dies from a heart condition at 61
Feb 10 Takis Ikonomopoulos, Greek soccer goalkeeper (25 caps; Panathinaikos FC 303 games), dies from stroke complications at 81
Feb 14 Fulke Johnson Houghton, English thoroughbred racehorse trainer (St Leger 1967, 68), dies at 84
Feb 16 Luis Estaba, Venezuelan boxer (WBC light flyweight champion 1975-78), dies at 86
Feb 16 Óscar Valdez Argentine soccer striker (9 caps; Valencia CF 163 games) and manager (Valencia CF, Paraguay), dies of Alzheimer’s disease at 78
Feb 19 Mike Lange, American sportscaster (Pittsburgh Penguins play-by-play announcer 1974, 1976-2021), dies at 76
Feb 20 Hans Kjeld Rasmussen, Danish sport shooter (Olympic gold Skeet 1980), dies at 70
Feb 22 Joe Fusco, American College Football HOF coach (Westminster College 1972-90), dies at 87
Feb 23 Enos Semore, American college baseball coach (JUCO World Series 1967 Bacone College; 7 x Big 8 C’ships Oklahoma), dies at 93
Feb 23 Greg Haugen, American boxer (IBF lightweight title 1986-87, 88-89; WBO light welterweight title 1991), dies from cancer at 64
Feb 23 Larry Dolan, American baseball executive (principal owner Cleveland Guardians 2000-25) and media entrepreneur (founder FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes), dies at 94
Feb 26 Hans Pirkner, Austrian soccer forward (20 caps; Austria Wien 128 games), dies at 78
Feb 27 Boris Spassky, Russian chess player (world champion 1969-72), dies at 88
March:
Mar 2 Buvaisar Saitiev, Russian freestyle wrestler (Olympic gold 74kg 1996, 2004, 08; World C’ship gold x 6), dies at 49
Mar 5 Australian tennis player (French C'ship 1965, US Nat C'ship 1966; 17 x Grand Slam doubles titles) and broadcaster (ESPN, 9 Network), dies at 86
Mar 9 Dick McTaggart, Scottish boxer (Olympic gold lightweight 1956, bronze 1960; International Boxing HOF), dies at 89
Mar 9 Yola Ramírez, Mexican tennis player (French Open doubles & mixed doubles 1958), dies at 90
Mar 11 Junior Bridgeman, American basketball guard (Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers) and businessman (net worth $1.4b+), dies of a cardiac event at 71
Mar 11 Norair Nurikian, Bulgarian weightlifter (Olympic gold men’s 60kg 1972, 56kg 1976), dies at 76
Mar 15 Doris Fitschen, German soccer midfielder (144 caps; VfR Eintracht Wolfsburg, TSV Siegen, 1.FFC Frankfurt), dies at 56
Mar 15 Slick Watts, American basketball point guard (NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA steals & assists leader 1976 Seattle SuperSonics), dies from sarcoidosis at 73
Mar 16 Doug Laughton, English rugby league lock (15 Tests GB; St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes) and coach (Widnes 504 games), dies at 80
Mar 17 Colin McFadyean, English rugby union centre & captain (11 Tests England, 4 British & Irish Lions; Loughborough College, Moseley RFC), dies at 82
Mar 19 Andrija Delibašić, Montenegrin soccer forward (21 caps; Partizan Belgrade, Rayo Vallecano), dies from cancer at 43
Mar 21 American boxer (world heavyweight champion 1973-74, 1994-95; Olympic gold Heavyweight 1968) and entrepreneur (George Foreman Grill), dies at 76
Mar 22 Alex Wyllie, New Zealand rugby union flanker (11 Tests; Canterbury) and coach (Canterbury 1982-86; NZ 1988-91; Argentina 1995-99), dies at 80
Mar 22 Djamel Menad, Algerian soccer forward (81 caps; Nîmes Olympique, FC Famalicão), dies at 64
Mar 22 Livingston Bramble, West Indian boxer (WBA lightweight title 1984-86), dies at 64
Mar 27 Peter Lever, English cricket fast bowler (17 Tests, 41 wickets, 2 x 50; Lancashire CCC, Tasmania), dies at 84
Mar 28 Johann Eigenstiller, Austrian soccer defender (37 caps; FC Wacker, Rapid Wien, SSW Innsbruck), dies at 81
Mar 31 Frank Laidlaw, Scottish rugby union hooker (32 Tests Scotland, 2 British & Irish Lions; South of Scotland District), dies at 84
April:
Apr 5 Heikki Hasu, Finnish Nordic skier (Olympic gold individual 1948, 4×10k relay 1952; silver individual 1952), dies at 99
Apr 6 Jorge Bolaño, Colombian soccer midfielder (36 caps; Atlético Junior, Parma, Modena), dies at 47
Apr 7 Kenny Adams, American International Boxing HOF trainer (26 x pro World champions), dies at 84
Apr 8 Manga [Haílton Corrêa de Arruda], Brazilian soccer goalkeeper (12 caps; Botafogo 442 games, Nacional 340 games), dies at 87
Apr 8 Octavio Dotel, Dominican MLB baseball pitcher (Houston Astros and 12 other teams), dies from injuries sustained in a nightclub roof collapse at 51
Apr 9 Ray Shero, American ice hockey executive (GM Pittsburgh Penguins 2006–14; GM New Jersey Devils 2015–20), dies of cancer at 62
Apr 10 Leo Beenhakker, Dutch soccer manager (Ajax, Feyenoord, Real Madrid, Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago, Poland), dies at 82
Apr 13 Tommy Helms, American baseball second baseman (MLB All-Star 1967, 68; NL Rookie of the Year 1966; Gold Glove 1970, 71) and manager (Cincinnati Reds 1988-89), dies at 83
Apr 14 Larry Donovan, American football coach (University of Montana 1980-85; CFL: BC Lions 1987-89), dies at 84
Apr 18 Gys Pitzer, South African rugby union hooker (12 Tests; Northern Transvaal), dies at 85
Apr 18 Nikola Pokrivač, Croatian soccer midfielder (15 caps; Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco, Red Bull Salzburg), dies in a traffic collision at 39
Apr 19 Jay Sigel, American golfer (US Amateur C’ship 1982-83), dies from pancreatic cancer at 81
Apr 20 Hugo Gatti, Argentine soccer goalkeeper (18 caps; Gimnasia La Plata 224 games, Boca Juniors 381 games), dies from sepsis at 80
Apr 20 Mariya Shubina, Russian canoeist (Olympic gold USSR K-2 500m 1960; World C’ship gold x 4), dies at 94
Apr 20 Mick McGrath, Irish soccer midfielder (22 caps Republic of Ireland; Blackburn Rovers 269 games), dies at 89
Apr 22 Keith Stackpole, Australian cricket batsman (43 Tests, 7 x 100, 14 x 50, HS 207; Victoria), dies at 84
Apr 23 Steve McMichael, American College-Pro Football HOF defensive tackle (University of Texas; Super Bowl XX; First-team All-Pro 1985, 87; Pro Bowl 1986, 87; Chicago Bears), dies of ALS at 67
Apr 23 Tom Brown, American football player (Green Bay Packers) known for his game-winning interception in the 1966 NFL title game, dies at 84
Apr 24 Steve Kiner, American College Football HOF linebacker (SEC Defensive Player of the Year 1969; First-team All-SEC 1968, 69 Uni of Tennessee; Houston Oilers), dies at 77
Apr 26 Dick Barnett, American basketball guard (NBA All-Star 1968; NBA C’ship 1970, 73 NY Knicks), dies at 88
Apr 26 J. C. Snead, American golfer (8 PGA Tour titles; Masters 1973 runner-up), dies at 84
Apr 26 José Carlos, Portuguese soccer central defender (36 caps; Sporting CP 248 games), dies at 83
Apr 26 Walt Jocketty, American baseball executive (GM St. Louis Cardinals 1994-2007; GM Cincinnati Reds 2008–15), dies at 74
Apr 29 Ed Van Impe, Canadian ice hockey defenseman (Stanley Cup 1974, 75 Philadelphia Flyers; NHL All Star 1969, 74, 75) and broadcaster (Flyers, 1980-85), dies at 84
May:
May 2 Jim Dent, American golfer on PGA and Seniors tours, dies of complications following a stroke at 85
May 4 Jochen Mass, German auto racer (24 Hours of Le Mans 1989; Spanish F1 GP 1975; European Touring Car C’ship 1972) and broadcaster (RTL), dies from stroke complications at 78
May 4 Peter McParland, Irish soccer forward (34 caps Northern Ireland; Aston Villa 293 games), dies at 91
May 5 Luis Galván, Argentine soccer centre back (37 caps; Talleres de Córdoba 267 games), dies from pneumonia at 77
May 6 Lord Etherton [Terence Etherton], British Olympic fencer and the first openly gay senior judge, dies of a hereditary blood disorder at 73
May 8 Chet Lemon, American baseball outfielder (MLB All-Star 1978, 79, 84; World Series 1984 Detroit Tigers), dies of Polycythemia vera at 70
May 10 Bob Cowper, Australian cricket batsman (27 Tests, 5 x 100, HS 307 v England 1966; Victoria, WA), dies from cancer at 84
May 12 Vlastimil Hort, Czechoslovak-born German chess grandmaster, dies of diabetes complications at 81
May 16 Brian Glanville, British journalist and football writer (The Sunday Times, 1958–92; World Soccer magazine), dies at 93
May 20 Jen Bartlett, Australian tennis player, wildlife photographer and documentarian (The Flight of the Snow Geese), dies at 93
May 20 Italian boxer (undisputed world middleweight title 1967, 68-70; undisputed super-welterweight title 1965-66; Olympic gold welterweight 1960), dies at 87
May 21 Jim Irsay, American businessman and NFL executive (owner Indianapolis Colts 1997-2025), dies from a respiratory illness at 65
May 22 Mark Jones, Welsh rugby union back-rower (15 Tests; Pontypool RFC, Aberavon RFC) and rugby league utility (9 Tests Wales, 1 GB; Hull FC, Warrington), dies from a heart attack at 59
May 23 Pavel Chaloupka, Czech soccer midfielder (20 caps; Bohemians Praha 317 games, Fortuna Düsseldorf, FC Berlin), dies at 66
May 24 Kiril Ivkov, Bulgarian soccer defender (44 caps; Levski Sofia 293 games), dies at 78
May 25 Christophe Clement, American thoroughbred horse trainer (Belmont Stakes 2014; Jockey Club Gold Cup 2014, 15; Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf 2021), dies of uveal melanoma at 59
May 25 Don Combs, American thoroughbred racehorse trainer (Kentucky Derby 1970 with Dust Commander), dies from a stroke at 86
May 28 Salman Hashimikov, Russian freestyle wrestler (World C’ship gold +100kg 1979, 81, 82, 83), dies from heart failure at 73
May 31 Betsy Jochum, American baseball player and original member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, dies at 104
May 31 Mike McCallum, Jamaican boxer (WBA super welterweight title 1984-88, WBA middleweight 1989-91, WBC light heavyweight 1994-95), dies at 68
June:
Jun 1 Robert Anderson, New Zealand cricket batsman (9 Tests; 3 x 50, HS 92; Otago, Central Districts), dies at 76
Jun 3 Jim Marshall, American football defensive end (NFL C’ship 1969; Pro Bowl 1968, 1969; 9 x active NFL records; Minnesota Vikings), dies at 87
Jun 3 Shigeo Nagashima, Japanese baseball player who played for the Yomiuri Giants (9x Japan Series champions, 1965-73), dies of pneumonia at 89
Jun 5 John Shulock, American baseball umpire (World Series 1985, 92, MLB All-Star Games 1983, 94; American League 1979-99), dies at 76
Jun 8 Stu Wilson, New Zealand rugby union winger (34 Tests; Wellington RFU), dies at 70
Jun 8 Uriah Rennie, Jamaican-British football referee and the first Black referee in the Premier League, dies at 65
Jun 10 Travis Carter, auto race crew chief (NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1973, Daytona 500 1975 Benny Parsons) and team owner (TC Motorsports 1970-2003), dies at 75
Jun 13 Dick Poole, Australian rugby league centre (13 Tests; Newtown, Western Suburbs) and coach (Newtown; Australia 1957), dies at 94
Jun 17 Bernard Lacombe, French soccer striker (38 caps; Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne) and manager (Lyon 1996-2000), dies at 72
Jun 18 Braulio Musso, Chilean soccer left winger (14 caps; Universidad de Chile 382 games), dies at 95
Jun 18 Clovis Salmon, Jamaican-British bicycle engineer and filmmaker who is considered Britain’s first Black documentarian, dies at 98
Jun 20 Ian McLauchlan, Scottish rugby union prop (43 Tests Scotland, 8 British & Irish Lions; Glasgow District) and executive (President Scottish RU 2010-12), dies at 83
Jun 20 Kevin Prendergast, Irish thoroughbred race horse trainer (British Champion Trainer 1963; 8 x Irish Classics; 2,000 Guineas Stakes 1977), dies at 92
Jun 20 Pauli Nevala, Finnish athlete (Olympic gold men’s javelin 1964), dies at 84
Jun 22 David Lawrence, English cricket fast bowler (5 Tests, 18 wickets; Gloucestershire CCC), dies from motor neurone disease at 61
Jun 22 Franco Testa, Italian track cyclist (Olympic gold team pursuit 1960, silver 1964), dies at 87
Jun 23 Adolfo Olivares, Chilean soccer striker (15 caps; Ferrobádminton, Universidad de Chile, Huachipato, Santiago Morning), dies at 84
Jun 23 Dilip Doshi, Indian cricket spin bowler (33 Tests, 114 wickets, BB 6/102; Bengal, East Zone, Nottinghamshire CCC, Warwickshire CCC), dies at 77
Jun 24 Diego Seguí, Cuban MLB baseball pitcher (Kansas City Athletics; Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and 4 other teams), dies at 87
Jun 25 Gerry Philbin, American football defensive end (All-time All-AFL Team; NY Jets), dies at 83
Jun 27 Barry Hills, English thoroughbred race horse trainer (Ascot Gold Cup 1984, 85; Irish Derby 1987; QE II Stakes 1986; Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 1973), dies at 88
Jun 28 D. Wayne Lukas, American thoroughbred race horse trainer (Kentucky Derby 1988, 95, 96, 99; 20 x Breeders’ Cup race wins), dies at 89
Jun 28 Dave Parker, American Baseball HOF outfielder (7 x MLB All-Star; NL MVP 1978; World Series 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979, 1989 Oakland A’s), dies of complications from Parkinson’s disease at 74
Pentti Matikainen, Finnish ice hockey coach (Finland men’s national team 1987–1993; Olympic silver 1988, World C’ship silver 1992), dies from cancer at 74
Jun 30 Lajos Sătmăreanu, Romanian soccer right-back (42 caps; FC Steaua București 271 games), dies at 81
July:
Jul 1 Alex Delvecchio, Canadian Hockey HOF forward (Stanley Cup 1952, 1954, 195 Detroit Red Wings; 13 x NHL All Star) and coach (Detroit RWs 1973-77), dies at 93
Jul 1 Rinus Israël, Dutch soccer defender (47 caps; Feyenoord, PEC Zwolle) and manager (FC Den Bosch, Feyenoord, PAOK, Ghana), dies at 83
Jul 3 Portuguese soccer forward (49 caps; Paços de Ferreira, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool), dies along with his brother in a car crash at 28
Jul 3 Peter Rufai, Nigerian soccer goalkeeper (65 caps; Stationery Stores FC, SC Farense, Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña), dies at 61
Jul 4 Bobby Jenks, American baseball pitcher (World Series 2005; MLB All Star 2006, 2007 Chicago White Sox), dies of stomach cancer at 44
Jul 6 Ed Fiori, American golfer (4 PGA Tour titles), dies of cancer at 72
Jul 9 Lee Elia, American baseball infielder (Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs) and manager (Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies), dies at 87
Jul 14 Fauja Singh, Indian farmer often credited with being the world’s oldest marathon runner, dies at 114 after being hit by a car
Jul 16 Ahmed Faras, Moroccan soccer striker (94 caps; SC Chabab Mohammedia), dies at 78
Jul 16 Audun Groenvold, Norwegian skier (Olympic bronze, 2010), dies after being struck by lightning at 49
Jul 16 Barrie Robran, Australian Football HOF forward (AFL Legend Status; North Adelaide FC 201 games; Magarey Medal 1968, 70, 73), dies at 77
Jul 16 Bruce McTavish, New Zealand boxing referee (World Boxing Council Referee of the Year 2013, 15, 17), dies at 84
Jul 17 Claude Teisseire, French rugby league centre (17 Tests; AS Carcassonne, FC Lézignan), dies at 94
Jul 17 Felix Baumgartner, Austrian daredevil and the first skydiver to break the sound barrier, dies in a paragliding accident at 56
Jul 17 Ramiro, Brazilian soccer midfielder (11 caps; Atlético Madrid 117 games) and manager (Santos 1991), dies at 92
Jul 17 Wyn Davies, Welsh soccer forward (34 caps; Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Manchester City), dies at 83
Jul 18 Hitomi Obara, Japanese freestyle wrestler (Olympic gold female 48kg 2012; World C’ship gold x 8), dies at 44
Jul 18 Rex White, American auto racer (NASCAR Grand National Series C’ship 1960), dies at 95
Jul 22 Joey Jones, Welsh soccer full-back (72 caps; Liverpool, Wrexham, Chelsea), dies at 70
Jul 24 Julio César Cortés, Uruguayan soccer midfielder (30 caps; CA Peñarol) and manager (Guatemala, CSD Cobán Imperial, Aurora FC), dies at 84
Jul 25 Dwight Muhammad Qawi, American boxer (WBC light-heavyweight title 1981–1983; WBA cruiserweight title 1985–1986; International Boxing HOF), dies of dementia at 72
Jul 26 Ray French, British sports broadcaster (BBC, 1981-2019), rugby union lock (4 Tests England; St Helens RUFC) and rugby league 2nd rower (4 Tests GB; St Helens RLFC), dies of dementia at 85
Jul 26 Willie Irvine, Irish soccer striker (23 caps Northern Ireland; Burnley, Preston North End, Brighton & Hove Albion), dies at 82
Jul 27 Dick Schneider, Dutch soccer defender (11 caps; Go Ahead, Feyenoord, Vitesse, Wageningen), dies at 77
Jul 27 Don Elbaum, American boxing promoter (matchmaker for over 10,000 fights, promoted over 1,000 cards), dies at 94
Jul 28 Laura Dahlmeier, German biathlete (Olympic gold 7.5km sprint, 10km pursuit 2018; World C’ship gold x 7), dies in a climbing accident at 31
Jul 28 American Baseball HOF infielder (10 × MLB All-Star; NL MVP 1984; 9 × Gold Glove Award; Chicago Cubs) and manager (Philadelphia Phillies, 2013-15), dies of prostate cancer at 65
Jul 29 Bill Krisher, American football guard (All-AFL 1960; AFL All-Star 1960, 61; Dallas Cowboys), dies at 89
Jul 29 Tommy Brooks, American boxing trainer (Evander Holyfield), dies from cancer at 71
August:
Aug 1 José Paes, Ecuadorian soccer defender (12 caps; Portuguesa, Barcelona SC), dies at 79
Aug 3 Sam Backo, Australian rugby league prop (6 Tests; World Cup 1985, 88, 89, 92; Queensland 7 games; Canberra Raiders RLFC), dies from melioidosis at 64
Aug 4 Billy Howton, American football end (First-team All-Pro 1956, 57; Pro Bowl 1952, 1955–57 Green Bay Packers), dies at 95
Aug 4 Mike Hill, American golfer (3 PGA; PGA 18 Senior titles), dies at 86
Aug 5 Frank Mill, German soccer striker (17 caps; Rot-Weiss Essen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, Fortuna Düsseldorf), dies after a heart attack at 67
Aug 5 Jorge Costa, Portuguese soccer defender (50 caps; FC Porto) and manager (Braga, Gabon, Tours, Farense), dies from a heart attack at 53
Aug 5 Ove Kindvall, Swedish soccer striker (43 caps; Feyenoord, IFK Norrköping, IFK Göteborg), dies at 82
Aug 8 Leo Windtner, Austrian soccer executive (President Austrian Football Association 2008-21), dies at 74
Aug 8 Terrence Hennessey, Welsh soccer defender (39 caps; Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Derby County), dies at 82
Aug 9 Theodoros Pallas, Greek soccer left-back (31 caps; Aris Thessaloniki 368 games), dies at 75
Aug 10 Kunishige Kamamoto, Japanese soccer forward (76 caps; Yanmar Diesel 251 games) and manager (Yanmar Diesel, Gamba Osaka, Fujieda MYFC), dies at 81
Aug 11 Benő Káposzta, Hungarian soccer defender (19 caps; Újpesti Dózsa 272 games), dies at 83
Aug 14 Bernardo Ruiz, Spanish road cyclist (Vuelta a España 1948), dies at 100
Aug 14 Dawie Snyman, South African rugby union utility back (10 Tests; Western Province RFU), dies at 76
Aug 16 Australian cricket batsman, captain and coach (62 Tests, 10 x 100s, HS 311, 71 wickets; Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1965; NSWCA), dies at 89
Aug 16 Fernando Cruz, Portuguese soccer left-back (11 caps; Benfica 227 games; PSG), dies at 85
Aug 19 Ken Shuttleworth, English cricket fast bowler (5 Tests, 12 wickets, BB 5/37; Lancashire CCC, Leicestershire CCC), dies at 80
Aug 20 Humpy Wheeler [Howard Wheeler Jr.], American NASCAR promoter known as the “P.T. Barnum of Motorsports”, dies at 86
Aug 22 Ron Turcotte, Canadian jockey (United States Triple Crown 1973 Secretariat; 6 x American Classic Race wins), and spinal injury research advocate, dies at 84
Aug 24 Emam-Ali Habibi, Iranian freestyle wrestler (Olympic gold 67kg 1956; World C’ship gold 1959, 61, 62), dies at 94
Aug 24 Theo Vonk, Dutch soccer manager (Sparta Rotterdam, FC Twente, FC Groningen, AZ, Roda JC, Heracles), dies at 77
Aug 24 Yury Prisekin, Russian swimmer (Olympic gold 4x200m freestyle relay 1980), dies at 63
Aug 25 British tennis player (French C'ships 1955, Australian C'ships 1958, Wimbledon 1961), dies at 93
Aug 25 Gerry Harrison, English soccer commentator (ITV, BBC Radio Merseyside, TWI), dies at 89
Aug 25 Jim Murray, American football executive (GM Philadelphia Eagles 1973-82) and co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House, dies at 87
Aug 27 Park Sung-soo, South Korean archer (Olympic gold Team, silver Individual 1988) and coach (South Korea 2024 Olympics), dies at 55
Aug 30 Lee Roy Jordan, American College Football HOF linebacker (Uni of Alabama; Super Bowl 1971; First-team All-Pro 1969; 5 × Pro Bowl; Dallas Cowboys), dies at 84
September:
Sep 1 George Raveling, American Basketball HOF coach (Washington State Uni 1972–83, Uni of Iowa 1983–86, USC 1986–94) and marketing executive (Nike 1994-2025), dies at 88
Sep 1 Joe Bugner, Hungarian-British-Australian boxer (WBF heavyweight title 1998; 3 x European heavyweight C’ship), dies at 75
Sep 5 Davey Johnson, American baseball second baseman (World Series 1966, 1970 Baltimore Orioles; 4 × MLB All-Star; Atlanta Braves) and manager (World Series 1986 NY Mets; Manager of the Year 1997 Baltimore Orioles, 2012 Washington Nationals 2012), dies at 82
Sep 5 Canadian Hockey HOF goaltender (6 x Stanley Cup; 5 x Vezina Trophy; Conn Smythe Trophy 1971; Montreal Canadiens), team executive (Toronto Maple Leafs president), and politician (Member of Parliament, 2004-11), dies of cancer at 78
Sep 5 Mayumi Narita, Japanese swimmer (15 x Paralympic gold 1996, 2000, 2004), dies from bile duct cancer at 55
Sep 6 Bill Davis, American NASCAR team owner (Bill Davis Racing: Daytona 500 2002; Southern 500 2001), dies at 74
Sep 7 Antonio Bailetti, Italian road bicycle racer (Olympic gold Team time trial 1960), dies at 87
Sep 7 John Penton, American motorcycle racer and designer considered “the godfather of off-road motorcycling”, dies at 100
Sep 12 Andrei Chemerkin, Russian weightlifter (Olympic gold +108kg 1996; World C’ship gold x 4), dies at 53
Sep 13 Bob Goodenow, American ice hockey executive (executive director NHL Players Association 1992-2005), dies from a heart attack at 72
Sep 14 Eddie Giacomin, Canadian Hockey HOF goaltender (5 x NHL All Star; Vezina Trophy 1971; NY Rangers, Detroit Red Wings) and broadcaster, dies at 86
Sep 14 Ricky Hatton, English boxer (IBF super lightweight champion 2005–06, 07; WBA welterweight champion 2006), dies at 46
Sep 16 D. D. Lewis, American College Football HOF linebacker (Mississippi State University; Super Bowl VI, XII Dallas Cowboys), dies at 79
Sep 20 Matt Beard, English women’s soccer coach (FA WSL Manager of the Season: 2012-13, 23–24 Liverpool FC), dies by suicide at 47
Sep 21 Bernie Parent, Canadian Hockey HOF goaltender (Vezina Award, Conn Smyth Award, Stanley Cup, First NHL All-Star Team 1974, 1975 Philadelphia Flyers), dies at 80
Sep 22 Gene Iba, American college basketball coach (Houston Baptist 1977-85, Baylor 1985-92, Pittsburg State 1995-2010), dies at 84
Sep 22 Harold “Dickie” Bird, English cricket umpire (66 Tests, 69 ODI), dies at 92
Sep 22 Niki Pilić, Croatian tennis player (World #6 1968; US Open doubles 1970; French Open singles 1973 runner-up), dies at 86
Sep 23 Cecilio Lastra, Spanish boxer (WBA featherweight champion 1977–78), dies at 74
Sep 23 Jean-Louis Bérot, French rugby union fly-half (21 Tests; Toulouse RFC), dies at 78
Sep 29 Javier Sánchez, Mexican soccer defender (52 caps; Cruz Azul, América, Deportivo Neza), dies at 77
October:
Oct 1 Don Monson, American college basketball coach (NABC Coach of the Year 1982; Idaho 1978–83, Oregon 1983–92), dies at 92
Oct 2 Roland Bertranne, French rugby union centre (69 Tests; Stade Bagnérais RFC, RC Toulon, Barbarians Rugby; World XV 1980), dies at 75
Oct 3 Edu Manga, Brazilian soccer midfielder (10 caps; Palmeiras, América, Real Valladolid), dies from kidney disease at 58
Oct 4 Bernard Julien, West Indian cricket all-rounder (24 Tests, 50 wickets, 2 x 100s; Trinidad and Tobago, Kent CCC), dies at 75
Oct 4 Iam McFaul, Irish soccer coach (Newcastle Utd 1985-88, Guam) and goalkeeper (6 caps Northern Ireland; Newcastle Utd 290 games), dies at 82
Oct 7 Munyoro Nyamau, Kenyan athlete (Olympic gold 4 × 400m relay 1972; silver 1968), dies of gallbladder cancer at 88
Oct 8 Miguel Ángel Russo, Argentine soccer midfielder (17 caps; Estudiantes LP 435 games) and manager (Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, Al-Nassr FC), dies of complications from prostate cancer at 69
Oct 9 Aslam Kader, Indian jockey (75 wins in Classic Races), dies from lung cancer at 62
Oct 9 Mike Greenwell, American baseball left fielder (MLB All Star 1988, 89; Silver Slugger Award 1988; Boston Red Sox), dies of medullary thyroid cancer at 62
Oct 9 Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, American chaplain for the Loyola University Chicago basketball team and noted superfan, dies at 106
Oct 11 Flavius Domide, Romanian soccer striker (19 caps; UTA Arad 342 games) and coach (UTA Arad, Strungul Arad, Békéscsaba), dies at 79
Oct 12 Dobromir Zhechev, Bulgarian soccer defender (67 caps; Spartak Sofia 216 games, Levski Sofia 153 games), dies at 82
Oct 12 John Graham, Canadian auto racer (24 Hours of Le Mans 2000), dies of lung cancer at 58
Oct 13 Wazir Mohammad, Pakistan cricket batsman (20 Tests, 2 x 100; eldest of Pakistan’s 4 Mohammad brothers), dies at 95
Oct 14 Alexander Dityatin, Russian gymnast (Olympic gold USSR Team, All-around, Rings 1980; World C’ship gold x 7), dies at 68
Oct 15 Ivan Zafirov, Bulgarian soccer defender (50 caps; CSKA Sofia 340 games), dies at 77
Oct 16 Jayananda Warnaweera, Sri Lankan cricket spin bowler (10 Tests, 32 wickets; Galle CC, Singha SC), dies at 64
Oct 18 Doug Martin, American NFL football running back (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders), dies while being detained by police at 36
Oct 19 Daniel Naroditsky, American chess grandmaster, author, and commentator, dies at 29
Oct 22 Joeli Veitayaki, Fijian rugby union prop (49 Tests; Ulster Rugby; King Country RFU, Northland RU), dies at 58
Oct 23 Mick McNeil, English soccer left-back (9 caps; Middlesbrough 178 games, Ipswich Town 146 games), dies at 85
Oct 24 André Herrero, French rugby union flanker (22 Tests; RC Toulon, RRC Nice), dies at 87
Oct 24 Max Lorenz, German soccer midfielder (19 caps West Germany; Werder Bremen 250 games; Eintracht Braunschweig), dies at 86
Oct 25 Manuel Lapuente, Mexican soccer forward (13 caps; Necaxa, Puebla) and manager (Mexico 1997–2000; CONCACAF Champions’ Cup 1991; Puebla, 2006 América), dies at 81
Oct 25 Nick Mangold, American football center (First-team All-Pro 2009, 10; 7 × Pro Bowl; New York Jets), dies from kidney disease at 41
Oct 26 Olga Karasyova (née Kharlova), Kyrgyz gymnast (Olympic gold USSR Team 1968; World C’ship gold Team 1970), dies at 76
Oct 27 Odd Martinsen, Norwegian cross country skier (Olympic gold 4 × 10k relay 1968, silver 1976; silver 30k 1968), dies at 82
Oct 27 Shraga Bar, Israeli soccer defender (34 caps; Maccabi Netanya 375 games), dies at 77
Oct 29 Günter Haritz, German road and track cyclist (Olympic gold FRG Men’s Team Pursuit 1972), dies of cancer at 77
Oct 30 Charles Coste, French track cyclist (Olympic gold Team pursuit 1948; UCI Track World C’ship bronze Individual pursuit 1948), dies at 101
November:
Nov 2 Bob Trumpy, American football tight end (First-team All-AFL 1969; Pro Bowl 1970, 73; AFL All-Star 1968, 69; Cincinnati Bengals) and sports broadcaster (NBC), dies at 80
Nov 3 Charles Bidwill Jr., American football executive (co-owner Chicago / St. Louis Cardinals 1962–72), dies at 97
Nov 3 Richard Sharp, English rugby union flyhalf (14 Tests England, 2 British & Irish Lions; Cornwall RFC, Wasps RFC, Bristol RFC), dies at 87
Nov 3 Rudolf Belin, Croatian soccer defender (29 caps Yugoslavia; Dinamo Zagreb, Beerschot VAV) and manager (Dinamo Zagreb, Toronto Croatia, Iraq), dies at 82
Nov 6 Marshawn Kneeland, American NFL football defensive end (Dallas Cowboys), takes his own life at 24
Nov 6 Richie Adubato, American basketball coach (NBA: Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic; WNBA: NY Liberty, Washington Mystics), dies at 87
Nov 6 Woodrow Lowe, American College Football HOF linebacker (NCAA C’ship 1973 University of Alabama; San Diego Chargers), dies at 71
Nov 7 Johanna “Ans” Schut, Dutch speed skater (Olympic gold 3,000m 1968; 3 x WR 3,000m 1969), dies at 80
Nov 9 American Basketball HOF guard (9 x NBA All-Star; NBA All-Star Game MVP 1971; St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics) and coach (NBA C'ship 1979 Seattle SuperSonics; NBA Coach of the Year 1994 Atlanta Hawks), dies at 88
Nov 9 Mick Lane, Irish rugby union winger (17 Tests Ireland, 2 British & Irish Lions; University College Cork, Munster Rugby), dies at 99
Nov 9 Paul Tagliabue, American lawyer and Pro Football HOF executive (NFL commissioner, 1989-2006), dies from complications of Parkinson’s disease at 84
Nov 10 Barry Knight, English cricket all-rounder (29 Tests, 2 x 100, HS 127, 70 wickets, BB 4/38; Essex CCC, Leicestershire CCC), dies at 87
Nov 11 Francis Jordane, French basketball coach (France, Tunisia, Morocco, SI Graffenstaden), dies at 79
Nov 11 Michael Ray Richardson, American basketball guard (4 x NBA All Star; 3 × NBA steals leader; NY Knicks, GS Warriors, NJ Nets), dies of prostate cancer at 70
Nov 11 Yury Sisikin, Russian fencer (Olympic gold USSR Foil, team 1960, 64; silver Foil, individual 1960), dies at 88
Nov 13 Larry Brooks, American Hockey HOF journalist (New York Post), dies of cancer at 75
Nov 14 Kenny Easley, American College-Pro Football HOF safety (UCLA; NFL Defensive Player of the Year 1984; 4 × First-team All-Pro; 5 x Pro Bowl; Seattle Seahawks), dies at 66
Nov 14 Stoyan Yordanov, Bulgarian soccer goalkeeper (14 caps; CSKA Sofia 241 games), dies at 81
Nov 14 Xabier Azkargorta, Spanish soccer manager (Bolivia, Chile, RCD Español, Real Valladolid, Sevilla FC, CD Tenerife), dies at 72
Nov 15 Kjell Kaspersen, Norwegian soccer goalkeeper (33 caps; Skeid Oslo 1959-72), dies at 86
Nov 17 Gérard Hausser, French soccer striker (14 caps; RC Strasbourg, Karlsruher SC, FC Metz), dies at 84
Nov 17 Rod Thomas, Welsh soccer defender (49 caps; Gloucester City, Swindon Town, Derby County, Cardiff City), dies at 78
Nov 17 Sven Lindman, Swedish soccer midfielder (21 caps; Djurgårdens IF 312 games; Rapid Wien), dies at 83
Nov 18 Alevtina Olyunina, Russian cross-country skier (Olympic gold 3×5k relay, silver 10k 1972; World C’ship gold 10k, 3×5k relay 1970), dies at 83
Nov 18 Randy Jones, American baseball pitcher (NL Cy Young Award & MLB wins leader 1976; MLB All-Star 1975, 76 San Diego Padres), dies at 75
Nov 18 Yevgeny Petrov, Russian sports shooter (Olympic gold Skeet 1968; silver 1972), dies at 87
Nov 19 Magne Myrmo, Norwegian cross-country skier (World C’ship gold 15k 1974; Olympic silver 50k 1972), dies at 82
Nov 19 Prakash Bhandari, Indian cricketer (3 Tests for India in mid-50’s, 77 runs), dies at 90
Nov 22 Allan Moffat, Australian auto racer (12 Hours of Sebring 1975; Bathurst 500/1000 x 4; Australian Touring Car C’ship x 4), dies from Alzheimer’s disease at 86
Nov 23 Dave Morehead, American baseball pitcher (no-hitter 1965 Boston Red Sox; Kansas City Royals), dies at 83
Nov 23 Khizer Hayat, Pakistani cricket umpire (34 Tests, 55 ODIs), dies at 86
Nov 23 Nikita Simonyan, Russian soccer forward (20 caps USSR; Spartak Moscow 233 games) and manager (USSR, Spartak Moscow), dies at 99
Nov 24 George Altman, American MLB and NPB baseball outfielder (Chicago Cubs, Tokyo/Lotte Orions, and four other teams), dies at 92
Nov 25 Lorenzo Buffon, Italian soccer goalkeeper (15 caps; AC Milan 277 games; Inter Milan), dies from cardiac arrest at 95
Nov 26 American golfer (US Masters, 1981; US Open, 1984), dies at 74
December:
Dec 1 Nicola Pietrangeli, Italian tennis player (French singles C’ships 1959, 60; World #3 1959; French doubles 1959; French mixed doubles 1958), dies at 92
Dec 1 Robin Smith, English cricket batsman (62 Tests, 9 x 100, HS 175; Natal, Hampshire CCC), dies at 62
Dec 1 Volodymyr Muntyan, Ukrainian soccer midfielder (49 caps USSR; Dynamo Kyiv 302 games), dies at 79
Dec 6 Tom Hicks, American sports team owner (Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Liverpool FC, Mesquite C’ship Rodeo, Cruzeiro EC, SC Corinthians Paulista), dies at 79
Dec 8 Glen De Boeck, Belgian soccer defender (36 caps; Anderlecht 206 games) and manager (Cercle Brugge, VVV-Venlo, KV Kortrijk), dies from a brain hemorrhage at 54
Dec 12 Paul Wiggin, American College Football HOF defensive end (Stanford University; NFL C’ship 1964 and Pro Bowl 1965, 67 Cleveland Browns), dies at 91
Dec 13 Bobby Rousseau, Canadian ice hockey right wing (Stanley Cup 1965, 66, 68, 69 Montreal Canadiens; NHL All-Star 1965, 67, 69; Calder Memorial Trophy 1962), dies at 85
Dec 13 Garry Smith, New Zealand rugby league forward (16 Tests; Wellington RL), dies at 84
Dec 13 Kerry O’Brien, Australian athlete (WR Men’s 3000m steeplechase 1970-72), dies at 79
Dec 14 Mike White, American football coach (HC: University of California, Berkeley 1972–77, University of Illinois 1980–87; Oakland Raiders 1995-96), dies at 89
Dec 18 Åge Hareide, Norwegian soccer defender (50 caps; Hødd, Molde FK, Manchester City, Norwich City) and manager (Norway, Denmark, Iceland), dies from brain cancer at 72
Dec 18 Boyan Radev, Bulgarian Greco-Roman wrestler (Olympic gold Light Heavyweight 1964, 68; World C’ship gold 1966), dies at 83
Dec 18 Greg Biffle, American auto racer (NASCAR Cup Series 2005 runner-up; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2000; NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series 2002), dies in a private plane crash, along with his wife and two children, at 55
Thank You:
If there’s one thing 2025 made clear, it’s that sports aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Not the games. Not the drama. Not the arguments. If anything, everything is accelerating. Bigger moments, louder reactions, shorter memories. That’s exactly why it felt important to stop for a second and actually look back before flipping the page.
Years like this don’t come around often. Not because every result was perfect, but because so many moments forced you to pay attention. The kind that makes you argue with friends, double-check box scores, rewatch clips at 2 a.m., and remember exactly where you were when something unbelievable happened. I know where and what situation I was in when I saw the Eagles win the Super Bowl. That’s what sticks.
This project wasn’t about getting every ranking right or predicting the future. It was about capturing what 2025 felt like while we’re still close enough to remember it honestly. Messy. Loud. Incredible. Frustrating. Unforgettable.
If you’ve made it this far, I genuinely appreciate you. Sports Square exists for this exact reason. There’s a lot of stuff I want to do with this publication next year, and these are going to be things that you’ve never seen at any other sports publication. If you want more of that in 2026, deeper dives, year-long storylines, smarter arguments, and coverage that you won’t find anywhere else, consider subscribing.
We’ll be right back here soon enough, arguing about new dynasties, new villains, and new moments we swear we’ll never forget. The Winter Olympics are right around the corner, as well as the Super Bowl and the World Cup.
Happy New Year. Let’s do it all again.