ATHLETES WHO BROKE THE INTERNET IN 2021

 

REVIEWING SEARCHES THAT TRENDED IN 2021

With over 1.5 billion searches on Google daily, almost everything makes the news. Apparently some make the news more than others. In a new series starting today we’d be looking at the top 5 topics across at least 7 categories that made it to the top of Google’s trending list in their categories last year. Note that some of the winners can occur in more than one category, for example, a song could be the most searched and its lyrics still fall into the most searched lyrics too.

NOTE: Top trends do not directly mean most searched. The values are a function of their improvement from trending highs for the previous year. This means a breakout feature in any category has a higher chance of making the list than a popular feature that didn’t make it’s trend values for the previous year.

So, let’s go. Also feel free to check out the carousel posts on our Instagram account. If any item on the list amazes you, well; Google doesn’t lie, not on this one at least. Now, the countdown:

ATHLETE

5. Erling Haaland

Borussia Dortmund star, Haaland

Few people would have predicted the rise of another generational attacking talent while still getting used to the emergence of Kylian Mbappe. The emergence of Haaland though, has forced the footballing world to adjust. 57 goals in 59 games in his first 18 months with Dortmund, and it was clear a star had emerged. The 21 year old was linked with a move to a number of top clubs during the summer transfer window, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. He eventually remained with Borussia Dortmund, as none of the clubs were willing to match his release clause in an economy greatly affected by the pandemic.

4. Ben White

Ben White on duty with Arsenal

How often does a club not playing in a continental competition fork out £50 million to sign a defender? Well, only one English club, Arsenal, have done it to sign one player, Ben White. The former Brighton centre-back cost them that much and the jury remains out on how well he has repaid that show of faith. This was enough though, to make him 4^th on the Top 5 list.

3. Christian Eriksen

Eriksen on international duty

The footballing world was held in suspense when Danish playmaker, Christian Eriksen, collapsed on the field in the 43^rd minute in a Euro 2020 match against Finland. The 30 year old valentine baby suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch and there were huge fears for his life and his footballing career. His heart was reported to have stopped beating and the match was suspended till he was taken off the pitch. His recovery and return to active football has been said to be nothing short of a miracle and everyone is glad he’s back, even his opponents. He currently plays for Brentford in England.

2. Raphael Varane

Varane training with Man United

Four time Champions league winner, Raphael Varane had always been an important player for Real Madrid. Partnering with Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defence, the French world champion ended a trophy laden 10 year stay in the Spanish capital after picking up 18 medals, joining French compatriot, Paul Pogba, in Manchester United. With just an assist to his name in a torrid season for the Red Devils, let’s see how his career in England turns out.

1. Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku training with Chelsea

Top spot goes to Big Rom! The flat track bully finally returned to West London side, Chelsea after 10 years in a £98 million deal. The European champions were without an effective no 9 and German manager, Thomas Tuchel, who is actually on the Top 10 athletes list, pushed for the Belgium all-time record goal scorer, who scored 24 league goals for the Italian champions. The negotiations dragged for long, but in the end, Lukaku has returned, being the club’s most expensive signing ever. Unfortunately, the deal hasn’t proved to be a profitable one, as the striker has struggled to get in among the goals, enduring a horrible season, which he made worse by openly revealing his desire to return back to Inter.

Even though he is now third on the strikers list for Chelsea, he tops the list for Top trending athlete in 2021.

 

So, there it is. You don’t agree with Google? Let us know your choice.