When a sports moment goes viral, it captures the world’s imagination. From a dog saving a soccer goal to an NFL star’s heartwarming tribute for Memorial Day, these micro-moments transcend their respective leagues and spark global conversation. They’re more than awe-inspiring plays or entertaining antics; they help athletes and teams connect with fans, build communities of team loyalty and create lasting memories.
In the era of instant feedback and Twitter, the shorthand that follows an athlete can define their legacy. For some, it’s MJ’s infamous crying face, for others, it’s Dell Curry’s genetics or an NBA superstar trolling a rival on the sidelines. Regardless of the context, some shorthand is so defining, it becomes part of an athlete’s identity forever.
For sports fans, nothing beats the feeling of being a part of a game-changing moment. It’s an experience that feels like a collective hallucination, one in which everyone around you joins in disbelief, amazement and utter joy.
While many sports moments encapsulate these emotions, the best ones truly touch your soul. They leave you with a tingle that stays with you for days, even years after the fact.
That’s why we’ve created a series of articles highlighting the best viral sports moments from the past 25 years. We’ve taken into account each of the following criteria to determine which ones deserve the title: