Top 10 Sports Moments That Broke the Internet

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the moments in sports history that blew up online.

#10: Usain Bolt's World Record in the 100-Meter Dash

Usain Bolt had already lit up the world of athletics when he surged through the 2008 Olympics with a string of earth-shattering performances. But in 2009, he somehow managed to achieve an even greater feat. His world-record of 9.69 seconds from the year before seemed like the type of milestone he would carry with him all the way to retirement. Yet in August of 2009 in Berlin, Usain shocked us all again this time with a record-setting sprint of 9.58 seconds. Somehow, Bolt had smashed his own record -- and to this day, he still owns the top three records at 100 meters.

#9: Kobe Bryant Drops 60 in Final Game

The career of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was a truly unifying experience for the people of Los Angeles and beyond. The consistency that Bryant displayed during his 20-year stint in the NBA was a joy to behold. And though age eventually caught up with him, he somehow managed to produce one of his best performances in his retirement game. With the Utah Jazz in front of him, Kobe turned up all of his dials to the max dropping 60 points to bring his career to a riveting end. It was the fifth-highest-scoring game of his entire career and to say that it set the internet on fire would be putting it lightly.

#8: Tiger Woods Triumphant Return at the 2019 Masters

The Tiger Woods story has been a tale of incredible highs and shocking lows. As one of the most successful athletes in the history of the sport, Tigers run of dominance at the highest level turned him into the most marketable golfer to ever live. But when his squeaky-clean public image was destroyed by a number of extramarital affairs coming to light, his reputation took a huge hit. Add in a bunch of injuries and the 2010s were looking like a disastrous period for Woods. But against all odds, he healed and returned to form in 2019, winning The Masters for a fifth time showing us all just how far a bulletproof mindset can take you when youre chasing redemption. A comeback for the ages.

#7: LeBron's Big-Game Block

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors were neck-and-neck in the last few minutes. And when Andre Iguodala looked certain to score an easy lay-up in the crucial final stages of this championship-deciding game, it couldve been the beginning of the end for the Cavs. But out of nowhere, in one of the most fiercely athletic displays youll ever see, LeBron bounded his way into frame and pulled off a huge block to deny Iguodala. He covered so much space in just a matter of seconds and leapt into frame with exquisite timing. It was an insane feat of speed and strength that was immediately given instant-classic status on social media.

#6: Cristiano Ronaldo Moves to Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo has had the type of career that any player would kill for, and he managed to replicate his success in many different leagues, proving that his elite athleticism and technical skills are a good fit anywhere. But with age finally starting to catch up with him, Ronaldo decided to try something entirely unexpected. He signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr leading a number of other reputable but aging names to imbue the league with some real starpower. Obviously, this revelation was a huge shock, with opinions split down the middle. But with nearly $200 million per year, Ronaldo was clearly ready to follow the money, and we cant say we blame him for it.

#5: The Fastest Man Alive

By the time 2016 rolled around, Usain Bolt was already a living legend the fastest man in recorded history, and the owner of several world records. But in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, Bolt gifted us with one final moment to remember. He, of course, took home gold in multiple races the 100-meter, 200-meter, and relay. But in the 100-meter semi-final, Bolt set the internet on fire when he was photographed smiling at his rivals as he easily outstripped them. It was the type of photo that spoke a thousand words becoming the defining image of the entire tournament. He would finally retire the following year, capping off his G.O.A.T.-level career in style.

#4: 5,000-1 Underdogs Leicester City Win the Premier League

It was the Premier League miracle that still doesnt make sense. Leicester City were considered more likely to get relegated than finish anywhere near the top 5. And yet, by the time the mid-season Christmas break had come and gone, people really needed to begin taking them seriously. Led by manager Claudio Ranieri and bolstered by star players Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and NGolo Kante, Leicester just kept winning and winning. Eventually they beat out all competition to clinch the most unlikely championship title in football history. 5,000-to-1 odds are just about as much of an outsider bet as it comes, and yet, when May of 2016 came, Leicester City had proven us all wrong.

#3: The Super Bowl Comeback

Super Bowl LI was looking like a huge night for the Atlanta Falcons, as they surged to a 28-3 lead over five-time winners the New England Patriots, seemingly sealing their first ever Super Bowl title. No team had ever overcome such a massive deficit, so why not print their name on the trophy? Well, Tom Brady and the Patriots were not done fighting just yet. And despite the 25 points standing between themselves and victory, they clawed their way back to a 28-28 even scoreline. In overtime, they marched right down the field and scored, capping off the largest comeback in the history of the Super Bowl.

#2: Messi Finally Wins World Cup Gold

Watching Lionel Messis career was a genuine pleasure sometimes even for fans who rooted against him. But one persistent criticism followed him throughout his time in the professional game. His compatriot and fellow G.O.A.T. candidate Diego Maradona had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, but Messi, prior to the 2022 Finals, had failed to do so. But in what was likely his last World Cup tournament, he somehow willed it into existence, fighting his way through each stage to overcome Kylian Mbappé and France in a thrilling final matchup. Messi had achieved the one milestone that had eluded him, proving once and for all that he was a champion.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Raygun

Bizarre Dance Moves Get the Entire World Talking About Break-Dancing

Odell Beckham Jr.'s Catch

An Inhuman Catch That Set the Internet Ablaze

Luka Doncic Gets Traded

This Trade Left the Entire World Stunned

Kick Six

Chris Davis Made an Insane Return to Win in Shocking Fashion

Tyson Fury Stands Up

The Most Inspirational Boxing Performance of the Century

#1: Chicago Breaks the Curse of the Billy Goat

Black magic and sports have a long-running history but all curses do eventually come to an end. However, the Curse of the Billy Goat took 108 years to shed, leaving the Chicago Cubs without a single World Series victory in over a century. Thats the type of championship drought that is hard to explain away. But in 2016, something exciting was brewing. First, the Cubs steamrolled the Dodgers to take home the National League Championship Series, sealing their spot against the Cleveland Indians. And of course, they managed to fight their way through the curse, beating their rivals in Game 7 to finally take home that coveted trophy. And as you might expect, the internet understandably lost their minds.

But what internet-breaking sports moments left you with your jaw on the floor? Let us know in the comments section below!