From a dog saving a soccer goal to Luke Littler’s eloquent darts tribute to fallen service members, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination and build bridges that span language, time zones and sport. They turn athletes into legends and create global communities of team loyalty. And they’re also the perfect way for brands to reach new fans, generate conversation and build awareness.
The past 2024 Olympics have had their fair share of head-scratching antics, but one moment has stood out among the rest: a casual swimmer’s epic win. In a game that is dominated by elite athletes, the smallest actions can make a big difference, and it’s no wonder that the swim went viral.
In the same year, the PGA Tour unlocked the #TOURvault and repurposed old content—a walk-off hole-in-one from Jonathan Byrd—to build hype for its Shriners Children’s Hospital tournament. This strategy boosted engagement by more than 11x, earning the PGA $1M+ in social value.
The infamous “Butt Fumble” is still one of the most talked-about sports mistakes in history, and it’s a reminder that even the best players can make bad decisions under pressure. It’s also a testament to the power of a meme and the fact that, in a sport where the full range of athleticism is on display, style matters more than ever.
From a dog saving a soccer goal, to a mascot’s funny antics, to a football player’s troll-tastic handshake, this article takes a look at the most viral sports moments of all time—and the best ways for sports teams to create their own.