29 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The year 2025 proved to be a defining one in the sporting world, marked by historic achievements, high-profile comebacks, generational shifts, and moments that transcended competition. From record-breaking performances to leadership changes and cultural impact, athletes and teams across disciplines captured global attention for different reasons.
In football, Lionel Messi once again dominated headlines, not just for his performances on the pitch but for his influence beyond it. Playing in the latter stages of his career, Messi continued to draw record crowds and television audiences, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential figures in sports history. His performances in international and club competitions sparked renewed debates about longevity and greatness, making him one of 2025’s most talked-about athletes.
Kylian Mbappé was another major football newsmaker, as his performances and career decisions shaped discussions throughout the year. Whether through decisive goals in major tournaments or leadership roles at club level, Mbappé symbolized the present and future of global football. His consistency and marketability ensured he remained at the center of sporting conversations.
In cricket, 2025 was a year of transition and dominance. Virat Kohli remained a headline figure, not only due to his performances but also because of his evolving role as a senior statesman of the game. Kohli’s milestones in international cricket and his influence on younger players highlighted his continued relevance in a rapidly changing sport.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya also made waves, both for his on-field contributions and for discussions around workload management and leadership. His role in limited-overs cricket sparked conversations about modern athlete care, making him a focal point of debate among fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, women’s cricket reached new heights in 2025, with players like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry becoming global ambassadors for the sport. Record attendances, broadcast deals, and competitive tournaments ensured women’s cricket was no longer a side story but a central part of the global sporting narrative.
In tennis, 2025 marked the clear rise of a new generation. Young stars consistently challenged established champions, signaling a shift in dominance. Their athleticism, mental resilience, and bold playing styles captivated audiences and reinvigorated interest in the sport. Veterans still commanded respect, but the headlines increasingly belonged to the future.
Basketball saw its own set of defining figures. In the NBA, superstars continued to influence not only games but also culture, social discussions, and business. Record-breaking performances, playoff heroics, and leadership roles made leading players central to the league’s global growth. The expansion of the NBA’s international reach further amplified their impact.
In Formula One, 2025 was shaped by intense rivalries and technological evolution. Top drivers became newsmakers not just for victories but for how they adapted to changing regulations and competitive landscapes. Strategic brilliance, dramatic races, and team dynamics ensured Formula One maintained its position as one of the most closely followed sports worldwide.
Olympic sports also produced standout newsmakers as athletes prepared for upcoming global events. Record-breaking feats in athletics and swimming captured public imagination, while stories of resilience and comeback resonated beyond medal counts. These athletes reminded fans that sports are as much about human stories as they are about results.
Off the field, sports governance and policy decisions also made headlines. Changes in leadership within major sporting bodies, debates around athlete welfare, and evolving regulations around technology and fairness shaped conversations throughout the year. These developments highlighted how modern sport is influenced by decisions far beyond the playing arena.
Social media continued to redefine who becomes a newsmaker. Athletes who connected authentically with fans, spoke openly about challenges, or used their platforms for positive influence gained massive followings. In 2025, being a sporting icon increasingly meant being a communicator and role model as much as a competitor.
Another major theme of the year was longevity. Several athletes in their mid-to-late thirties defied expectations, competing at elite levels and rewriting assumptions about peak performance. Their success sparked renewed interest in sports science, training methods, and recovery strategies.
As 2025 came to a close, one thing became clear: the biggest newsmakers were not defined solely by trophies or statistics. They were shaped by impact — on fans, on their sports, and on broader cultural conversations. Whether through brilliance, resilience, leadership, or transformation, these figures ensured that 2025 would be remembered as a year when sport continued to inspire, evolve, and unite.
Summary
From Messi and Mbappé to Kohli and rising global stars, 2025’s biggest sports newsmakers shaped headlines through record performances, leadership, generational change, and growing cultural influence across disciplines.