The 100 Greatest Sports Moments of the 21st Century – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

Some sports moments are so iconic, so unforgettable, that they come to define an entire generation of fans. Whether it’s a last-second shot, an impossible comeback, or a single play that changed everything, these are the moments that still give us goosebumps.

This list ranks the 100 greatest sports moments of the 21st century so far—across different sports, continents, and competitions. It’s based on an article originally published by The Ringer, and it clearly reflects a predominantly American point of view. As a result, some international events and global icons might rank lower than expected, while certain moments from U.S. sports carry outsized influence.

100. The Fail Mary (2012)

In a primetime matchup between the Seahawks and Packers, replacement referees awarded a game-winning touchdown to Seattle on a clear Green Bay interception. The chaos pushed the NFL to quickly end the referee lockout.

99. The Dallas Mavericks Trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers (2025)

In a shocking move just before the 2025 deadline, Dallas traded franchise star Luka Dončić to the Lakers. The blockbuster deal paired Dončić with LeBron James for one last title push in LA.

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98. T.J. Oshie’s Shootout Heroics vs. Russia (2014)

In a group-stage thriller at the Sochi Olympics, Oshie went 4-for-6 in the shootout to beat the Russians on their home ice. His performance instantly became a defining moment in U.S. hockey history.

97. The European Super League Collapses Within Days (2021)

Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs launched a breakaway league, but fan protests, political backlash, and player pushback crushed it within 72 hours. It became a cautionary tale of greed in modern sports.

96. Michelle Kwan Skates to “Fields of Gold” (2002)

After falling short of Olympic gold in Salt Lake City, Kwan delivered an emotional, unforgettable exhibition skate. Her grace and vulnerability moved millions, becoming one of skating’s most enduring moments.

95. American Pharoah Wins the Triple Crown (2015)

Breaking a 37-year drought, American Pharoah stormed to victory at the Belmont Stakes to complete the Triple Crown. His dominant run reignited national interest in horse racing.

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94. Carli Lloyd’s 13-Minute Hat Trick in the World Cup Final (2015)

Lloyd scored three goals in the opening 16 minutes against Japan, including a legendary midfield strike. Her historic hat trick led the U.S. to a 5-2 win and cemented her legacy.

93. Jadeveon Clowney’s Helmet-Blasting Hit (2013)

In the Outback Bowl, Clowney obliterated Michigan’s Vincent Smith with a hit that knocked off his helmet and forced a fumble. The highlight defined his college career and draft stock.

92. Mo’ne Davis Throws a Shutout at the Little League World Series (2014)

The 13-year-old sensation threw a complete game shutout, becoming the first girl to do so at the LLWS. Her poise and skill made her a national star overnight.

91. Trout vs. Ohtani at the World Baseball Classic (2023)

In a storybook finish, Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to win the WBC for Japan. It was the baseball showdown fans had dreamed of—and it delivered.

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90. Holly Holm Knocks Out Ronda Rousey (2015)

Holm shocked the MMA world with a head kick KO that dethroned the previously unbeatable Rousey. The upset changed the course of women’s UFC forever.

89. Isner vs. Mahut: The Neverending Match (2010)

John Isner and Nicolas Mahut battled for 11 hours across three days at Wimbledon. Isner’s 70–68 win in the fifth set set records and redefined endurance in tennis.

88. The Last Dance Becomes a Global Phenomenon (2020)

ESPN’s Michael Jordan docuseries arrived just as COVID shut down sports, captivating audiences worldwide. It reignited debates, nostalgia, and appreciation for MJ’s greatness.

87. Hakim Warrick’s Block Seals It for Syracuse (2003)

With seconds left in the national title game, Warrick’s soaring block preserved Syracuse’s lead and clinched the championship. It was the perfect cap to Carmelo Anthony’s freshman masterpiece.

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86. Noah Lyles Wins Gold by (Less Than) a Hair (2023)

In the 200m final at Worlds, Lyles edged out Erriyon Knighton by 0.02 seconds. It was the most thrilling sprint finish in years, confirming Lyles as the face of U.S. sprinting.

85. Arike Ogunbowale’s Back-to-Back Buzzer-Beaters (2018)

In the Final Four and again in the title game, Ogunbowale hit impossible buzzer-beaters to win it all for Notre Dame. Her March Madness heroics are the stuff of legend.

84. Zion Williamson’s Shoe Explodes (2019)

Just seconds into Duke–UNC, Zion’s Nike shoe split apart and injured his knee. The viral moment ignited a national conversation about college athletes and shoe contracts.

83. Lisa Leslie Dunks in a WNBA Game (2002)

Lisa Leslie became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, shattering a barrier and sending a message to the world. It was a defining highlight in league history.

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82. Blackhawks Score Twice in 17 Seconds to Win the Cup (2013)

Trailing 2–1 with under two minutes left, Chicago scored twice in 17 seconds to stun the Bruins and clinch the Stanley Cup. It was one of the most shocking turnarounds in hockey history.

81. Richard Sherman Tips the Pass, Sends Seattle to the Super Bowl (2014)

With seconds left in the NFC title game, Sherman batted down a Colin Kaepernick pass to seal the win over San Francisco. His postgame interview was just as legendary.

80. Germany Destroys Brazil in Brazil, 7–1 (2014)‘

In the World Cup semifinal on Brazilian soil, Germany humiliated the hosts with a stunning 7–1 blowout. The result was so shocking it left fans in tears and memes for years.

79. The Publishing of Moneyball (2003)

Michael Lewis’s Moneyball changed how sports—and business—viewed data, efficiency, and market inefficiencies. The story of the 2002 A’s became a sports analytics revolution.

78. Kemba Walker’s Stepback Buzzer-Beater at the Garden (2011)

In the Big East Tournament, Kemba Walker broke a Pitt defender’s ankles with a lethal stepback to win the game. It ignited one of the greatest March Madness runs ever.

77. Dez Caught It (2015)

In a pivotal playoff game vs. Green Bay, Dez Bryant appeared to make a spectacular fourth-down catch. The refs ruled it incomplete, sparking years of NFL rule debates.

76. J.R. Smith Runs Out the Clock in a Tie Game (2018)

In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, J.R. Smith grabbed a rebound with 4.7 seconds left and inexplicably dribbled out the clock—thinking the Cavs were ahead. LeBron’s reaction said it all.

75. Barry Bonds Hits No. 71 (2001)

Bonds broke Mark McGwire’s single-season home run record with his 71st blast. Steroids or not, his power display captivated and divided baseball fans like few others.

74. Caitlin Clark’s Logo 3 Breaks the NCAAW Scoring Record (2024)

Clark pulled up from near half-court to break the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record. Her audacity and talent cemented her as a generational star.

73. Scottie Scheffler Gets Arrested, Shoots 5-Under (2024)

Hours after a shocking arrest outside Valhalla during the PGA Championship, Scheffler composed himself and carded a 5-under round. The bizarre morning became instant golf lore.

72. Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas in OT (2012)

On the first play of overtime, Tebow hit Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown to stun the Steelers. It was the peak of Tebowmania in the NFL.

71. David Freese Saves the Cardinals in Game 6 (2011)

Down to their last strike twice, Freese hit a game-tying triple and then a walk-off homer in extra innings. The Cardinals won Game 7—and the World Series.

70. One Yard Short, Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)

With no time left, Titans receiver Kevin Dyson caught a pass and lunged for the end zone—only to come up one yard short. The Rams hung on to win the Super Bowl.

69. A Drive Into Deep Left Field by Castellanos (2021)

While issuing an on-air apology, Reds announcer Thom Brennaman was interrupted by a Nick Castellanos home run. The line became an internet punchline and awkward broadcast legend.

68. Mario Chalmers Ties the Title Game with a 3 (2008)

With Memphis seconds away from the title, Chalmers drilled a dramatic three-pointer to send the game to overtime. Kansas won in the extra period, and “Super Mario” was born.

67. The Miracle of Istanbul (2005)

Liverpool came back from 3–0 down to tie AC Milan in the Champions League final, then won in penalties. It’s considered the greatest comeback in European club history.

66. Luis Gonzalez’s Walk-Off in Game 7 (2001)

With the Yankees on the verge of a fourth straight title, Gonzalez’s bloop single off Mariano Rivera gave Arizona the win. It capped an emotional, post-9/11 World Series.

65. Ambush: Saints Onside Kick in the Super Bowl (2010)

To start the second half of Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints shocked the Colts with a successful onside kick. The bold gamble changed momentum—and New Orleans won its first title.

64. Derek Fisher’s 0.4 Second Game-Winner (2004)

With just 0.4 seconds left, Fisher caught and fired to stun the Spurs in Game 5 of the West semis. It remains one of the fastest—and coldest—buzzer-beaters ever.

63. The Bush Push (2005)

With seconds left against Notre Dame, USC’s Reggie Bush illegally pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone for the win. The controversial play lives on in college football lore.

62. George W. Bush’s First Pitch at Yankee Stadium (2001)

Just weeks after 9/11, President Bush threw a perfect strike in the Bronx before Game 3 of the World Series. The moment unified a shaken nation and remains unforgettable.

61. Pete Weber: “Who Do You Think You Are? I Am!” (2012)

After winning his fifth U.S. Open title, bowler Pete Weber screamed a line so chaotic it became instantly iconic. The outburst turned him into a meme and cult sports hero.

60. The Dunk of Death (2000)

At the Sydney Olympics, Vince Carter soared over 7’2” French center Frédéric Weis for a thunderous dunk. It became an instant legend and remains one of the most ferocious slams in basketball history.

59. The Tuck Rule (2002)

In the AFC Divisional Round, a Tom Brady fumble was controversially ruled an incomplete pass. The “Tuck Rule” saved the Patriots and ignited their two-decade dynasty.

58. Steph Curry Puts France to Sleep in the Gold Medal Game (2024)

In the 2024 Olympics, Steph Curry delivered a dazzling 37-point performance to help Team USA secure gold. His display reaffirmed his place as one of basketball’s greatest ever shooters.

57. Kris Jenkins’s National Championship Buzzer-Beater (2016)

Jenkins nailed a deep three at the buzzer to lift Villanova past North Carolina in one of the most dramatic finishes in NCAA history. Pure March Madness magic.

56. The Butt Fumble (2012)

On Thanksgiving night, Jets QB Mark Sanchez ran into his own lineman’s rear end and fumbled. The play became an enduring symbol of football folly.

55. LeBron James Drops 25 Straight in the Eastern Conference Finals (2007)

Facing the Pistons in Game 5, a 22-year-old LeBron scored Cleveland’s final 25 points, including the game-winner in double OT. It was his true coming-of-age performance.

54. The Flip (2001)

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter made a seemingly impossible flip throw to save a run in the ALDS against Oakland. It became a signature moment in his storied postseason career.

53. Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama Beat Georgia in Overtime (2018)

Tua came off the bench to throw a walk-off touchdown in the College Football Playoff title game. The true freshman instantly became a Crimson Tide legend.

52. Allen Iverson Steps Over Tyronn Lue (2001)

After drilling a clutch shot in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Iverson stepped over a fallen Lue with icy swagger. The moment became symbolic of his fearless attitude.

51. Katie Ledecky Dominates the Pool in Rio (2016)

Ledecky blew away the field in multiple freestyle events, setting world records and redefining greatness in women’s swimming. Her 800m win was practically a solo exhibition.

50. Randy Johnson Kills a Bird (2001)

During a spring training game, Johnson’s 100 mph fastball struck and exploded a bird mid-flight. It was a freak accident so surreal it became sports myth.

49. Game 6 Klay (2016)

With the Warriors facing elimination against OKC, Klay Thompson dropped 41 points and 11 threes. It was one of the most volcanic shooting performances in playoff history.

48. Zinedine Zidane Headbutts Marco Materazzi in the World Cup Final (2006)

In his final match, Zidane was sent off for headbutting Materazzi after an exchange of words. France lost on penalties, and the moment became immortal—and infamous.

47. The Steve Bartman Incident (2003)

A Cubs fan interfered with a foul ball in Game 6 of the NLCS, triggering a Chicago meltdown. The team collapsed, and Bartman became a scapegoat and reluctant symbol of cursed fandom.

46. Freddie Freeman’s World Series Walk-Off Grand Slam (2021)

Freeman capped a stirring Braves playoff run with a walk-off grand slam in the World Series. The win ended a 26-year title drought for Atlanta.

45. The Music City Miracle (2000)

In a Wild Card game, the Titans pulled off a last-second lateral return to beat the Bills. The controversial play is still debated—but forever iconic in Tennessee.

44. Simone Biles’s All-Around in Paris (2024)

Biles returned to Olympic glory in 2024, winning the all-around title with poise and power. It was the perfect redemption after her Tokyo withdrawal in 2021.

43. The Kobe-to-Shaq Alley-Oop (2000)

In Game 7 of the West Finals, Kobe lobbed a late alley-oop to Shaq that sealed the comeback against Portland. The play symbolized the duo’s dominance during their first title run.

42. 16-Seed UMBC Takes Down Virginia (2018)

UMBC shocked the world by becoming the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Virginia didn’t just lose—they were dominated.

41. The First Double Bang: Steph Curry’s Heave Beats the Thunder (2016)

Curry hit a 32-foot bomb to beat OKC in overtime, prompting Mike Breen’s now-iconic “Bang! … BANG!” call. It was the ultimate shot in his MVP season.

40. LSU vs. Iowa, Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark (2023)

In a fiery NCAA title game, LSU took down Iowa behind Angel Reese’s dominance and visible trash talk. The showdown sparked nationwide debate and broke viewership records.

39. The Immaculate Interception, Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

James Harrison returned a pick 100 yards before halftime, dodging tacklers like a fullback in a heist movie. It remains the longest play in Super Bowl history—and maybe the most exhausting.

38. Kobe Bryant Drops 81 (2006)

Kobe poured in 81 points against the Raptors in an era where scoring 50 was rare. It was one of the greatest scoring explosions in modern NBA history.

37. Sergio Aguero Scores in ET, and Manchester City Win the Premier League (2012)

With mere seconds left in stoppage time, Aguero netted the title-clinching goal for City. Martin Tyler’s “AGUEROOOOOO!” call echoed into Premier League legend.

36. Steve Gleason Blocks the Punt in the Saints’ Return to the Superdome (2006)

In New Orleans’ first game post-Katrina, Gleason’s blocked punt became a symbol of hope and resilience. It was more than football—it was healing.

35. Gordon Hayward’s Prayer Rims Out Versus Duke (2010)

From half-court, Hayward nearly made the greatest buzzer-beater in college basketball history. It hit the backboard and the rim—just inches from perfection.

34. Appalachian State Beats Michigan (2007)

Little-known Appalachian State stunned No. 5 Michigan in the Big House. The blocked field goal sealed one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

33. The Minneapolis Miracle (2018)

Stefon Diggs caught a last-second touchdown to beat the Saints in the playoffs, leaving stunned silence in New Orleans. It was the Vikings’ most euphoric moment in decades.

32. Leicester City Wins the Premier League (2016)

Leicester, 5,000-to-1 outsiders, pulled off the most improbable title win in English football history. It was a fairytale season that may never be repeated.

31. Verstappen Overtakes Hamilton on the Final Lap (2021)

Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton under controversial conditions to win the F1 title. The decision forever altered racing history—and Hamilton’s legacy.

30. Sidney Crosby Scores the Gold-Medal Goal in OT Versus Team USA (2010)

Crosby’s overtime goal won gold for Canada on home ice in Vancouver. The “Golden Goal” became one of the most iconic moments in hockey history.

29. Tiger Woods Wins the U.S. Open on One Leg (2008)

Tiger, battling a torn ACL and fractured leg, outlasted Rocco Mediate in a playoff. It was a gutsy triumph that added to his legend.

28. José Bautista’s ALDS Bat Flip (2015)

After crushing a go-ahead homer, Bautista tossed his bat into orbit. The celebration ignited debates—but also became a defining image of modern baseball swagger.

27. The Odell Beckham Jr. Catch (2014)

OBJ’s one-handed, falling-backward touchdown grab lit up the internet and redefined what was possible at receiver. The image went instantly viral—and so did he.

26. Boise State Trick-Plays Its Way Past Oklahoma (2007)

Boise State used a hook-and-ladder, a receiver pass, and a Statue of Liberty to stun Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. The final trick? A postgame proposal.

25. The Serena Slam (2003)

Serena Williams won four straight majors—from the 2002 French Open to the 2003 Australian Open—holding every title at once. Her reign was complete.

24. The Beast Quake (2011)

Marshawn Lynch broke nine tackles on a 67-yard run to seal a Seahawks playoff win, causing literal seismic activity. “Hold my dick!” became legend.

23. Go, Go, USA: The Landon Donovan Goal (2010)

In stoppage time vs. Algeria, Donovan buried a rebound to send the U.S. to the knockout round. Ian Darke’s “Go, Go, USA!” call remains unmatched.

22. The Decision (2010)

LeBron James announced live on TV he was “taking his talents to South Beach.” The moment was a PR fiasco—but it changed NBA power forever.

21. The Philly Special, Super Bowl LII (2018

On fourth-and-goal, backup QB Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. The Eagles stunned the Patriots and Philly went wild.

20. Aaron Boone’s ALCS Walk-Off Home Run Versus the Red Sox (2003)

Boone’s 11th-inning blast sent the Yankees to the World Series and broke Boston hearts yet again. It felt like the Curse of the Bambino would never lift.

19. 13 Seconds (2022)

Josh Allen thought he had won it—until Patrick Mahomes needed just 13 seconds to tie the game. Buffalo’s defense gave up the most unthinkable collapse of the decade.

18. The Usain Bolt Freeze Frame (2016)

As Bolt cruised into the 100-meter final, he flashed a grin at the cameras mid-race. That smile became the defining image of his otherworldly speed and showmanship.

17. Tiger Woods Chips In at the Masters (2005)

With the Nike logo perfectly spinning into view, Tiger’s miracle chip on the 16th hole dropped in after an impossible pause. “In your LIFE have you seen anything like that?!”

16. Abby Wambach’s Equalizing Header Versus Brazil (2011)

With just seconds left in extra time, Wambach soared to head in a Rapinoe cross, keeping Team USA’s hopes alive. It was the greatest goal in U.S. women’s soccer history.

15. Federer vs. Nadal, the Wimbledon Final (2008)

In a match hailed as the greatest ever, Nadal finally dethroned Federer on grass in a five-set thriller. It redefined their rivalry and shifted tennis history.

14. Kawhi Leonard’s Buzzer-Beater Hits Every Part of the Rim (2019)

Four bounces, an entire arena holding its breath—and then Kawhi’s shot dropped. It sent the Raptors to the Finals and gave Canada its defining NBA moment.

13. Vince Young Beats USC in the Rose Bowl (2006)

On fourth-and-5 with the title on the line, Young ran it in himself. Texas toppled mighty USC in what many still call the greatest college football game ever.

12. 28-3, Super Bowl LI (2017)

Down 28-3, Tom Brady led the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Falcons collapsed, the Patriots rose, and the memes wrote themselves.

11. Linsanity (2012)

Jeremy Lin burst from nowhere to lead the Knicks on a dazzling run, rewriting NBA stereotypes and captivating the world. It was a fairy tale—even if it ended too soon.

10. Malcolm Butler Picks Off Russell Wilson, Super Bowl XLIX (2015)

The Seahawks were one yard from repeating. Then Butler jumped the route. A dynasty ended, a new one continued—and fans have debated the play call ever since.

9. The Chicago Cubs Win the World Series (2016)

After 108 years, the Cubs finally did it—barely. A rain delay, a comeback, and a team exorcising the longest curse in American sports history.

8. Messi’s Argentina Beats Mbappé’s France in the World Cup Final (2022)

In the greatest final ever, Messi finally captured the trophy that had eluded him. Mbappé had a hat trick, but this was destiny fulfilled.

7. Tiger Woods Finally Wins the Masters Again (2019)

Eleven years after his last major, Tiger roared back at Augusta. Fans cried, broadcasters lost their voices, and golf history was rewritten.

6. Ray Allen Saves the Heat With a 3 (2013)

Seconds from elimination, Allen stepped back into the corner and drilled a game-tying three. It saved Miami’s season and cemented LeBron’s Heat legacy.

5. The Kick Six (2013)

Tied with one second left, Alabama tried a long field goal. Auburn’s Chris Davis returned the miss 109 yards—and shattered Bama’s title hopes on the loudest play ever.

4. Michael Phelps and the Greatest Relay Ever (2008)

Jason Lezak’s anchor leg in the 4×100 freestyle stunned France by 0.08 seconds. It kept Phelps’ eight-gold dream alive—and became the most epic relay finish ever.

3. The Red Sox Come Back From 3-0 Versus the Yankees in the ALCS (2004)

Down 3-0, Boston won four straight, including two extra-inning games. The bloody sock, Big Papi magic—it was the reversal of an 86-year curse.

2. The Block (2016)

With Game 7 tied late, LeBron James chased down Andre Iguodala to make the defining defensive play of his career. It changed the Finals—and legacies.

1. The Helmet Catch (2008)

With the Patriots chasing 19-0, Eli Manning escaped a sack and David Tyree pinned the ball to his helmet. It was divine chaos—and the greatest Super Bowl upset ever.