It’s been quite the year for sports around the world, and Twitter, of course, has been around to witness all of it.
From Leicester City’s stunning title to Muhammad Ali’s passing, from retirements to fake retirements to downright oddities, here’s a list of what resonated the most with users of the platform, both around the globe and in the U.S.
Most Retweeted U.S. Sports Tweets
Data courtesy of Twitter.
1. Muhammad Ali dies at age 74
2. Marshawn Lynch cryptically retires from football
3. Kobe Bryant reflects on his final NBA game
Last night was the final chapter to an incredible story. I walk away at peace knowing my love for the game & this city will never be broken.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2016
4. Conor McGregor says he’s retiring (he didn’t)
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya’s later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
5. A thoughtful thought from Shaq…in 2009?
If u feel alone and by yourself, look in the mirror, and wow, there’s two of you. Be who you are. Who are you. I am me. Ugly, lol. Shaq
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) December 16, 2009
6. Stephen A. Smith hates on Kevin Durant
Don’t give a damn what anyone says: weak move by KD. You go to GSW, the team who beat you, when you’re already on a title contender? Please!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 4, 2016
7. LeBron asks for your respect
Love me or Hate me but at the end of the day u will RESPECT me!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 14, 2016
8. Dee Gordon’s emotional leadoff home run after Jose Fernandez’s death
9. Mike Tyson pays tribute to Muhammad Ali
10. Conor McGregor unretires
Most Retweeted Global Sports Tweets
1. Leicester City takes the Premier League
2. Muhammad Ali dies at age 74
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic joins Manchester United
4. Leicester City players celebrate as their title becomes official
5. Marshawn Lynch cryptically retires from football
6. Kobe Bryant reflects on his final NBA game
Last night was the final chapter to an incredible story. I walk away at peace knowing my love for the game & this city will never be broken.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2016
7. Conor McGregor says he’s retiring (he didn’t)
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya’s later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
8. Ibrahimovic prepares for his final match with PSG
9. A thoughtful thought from Shaq…in 2009?
If u feel alone and by yourself, look in the mirror, and wow, there’s two of you. Be who you are. Who are you. I am me. Ugly, lol. Shaq
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) December 16, 2009
10. Cristiano Ronaldo commemorates Portugal’s Euro win
And here are the top sports trends in the U.S. and around the world, according to Twitter.
Top U.S. Sports Trends
1. #SB50
2. #Rio2016
3. #NBAFinals
4. #WorldSeries
5. #MambaDay (Kobe Bryant tribute day)
6. #MarchMadness (NCAA basketball tournament)
7. #KeepPounding (Carolina Panthers team motto)
8. #DubNation (Golden State Warriors phrase)
9. #FlyTheW (Chicago Cubs team motto)
10. #NFL (National Football League)
Top Global Sports Trends
1. #Rio2016 (2016 Rio Olympic Games)
2. #Euro2016 (UEFA European Championship)
3. #SB50 (Super Bowl 50)
4. #NBAFinals (NBA Finals)
5. #CopaAmerica (Copa América Centenario Tournament)
6. #UCL (UEFA Champions League)
7. #WorldSeries (World Series)
8. #NationalChampionship (NCAA CFB/BB National Championship)
9. #Ballondor (FIFA Ballon d’Or)
10. #Wimbledon (Wimbledon Tournament)
