Sport pictures of the year: 2019’s big winners
A look back at the teams and athletes who shone in the past 12 months
What a year it’s been for global sport.
From England’s dramatic super over victory in the Cricket World Cup final to Coco Gauff’s emergence as a world tennis star, there were some memorable moments in the past 12 months.
Other major highlights include Tiger Woods’ Masters triumph, South Africa’s Rugby World Cup win and Liverpool’s epic comeback in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
We take a look at the big sporting winners from 2019…
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Golden girl of gymnastics
It was yet another golden year for United States gymnast Simone Biles. The 22-year-old won five gold medals at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, and will go to the 2020 Olympics as favourite for more success. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Tiger roars back to win the Masters
Many critics had written him off but American golf star Tiger Woods returned to form by winning the Masters in April – his 15th career major and fifth Green Jacket. Described as one of sport’s “greatest ever comebacks”, Woods came into the event without a major win since 2011 and in 2017 he had fallen to 1,199th in the world rankings having suffered from injuries, undergoing back surgery and dealing with personal issues.Picture: David Cannon/Getty Images
King of clay Nadal reigns in Paris... again
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal finished the year as world No.1 after winning four titles - the French Open and US Open grand slams and two ATP Masters 1000s. The “king of clay” won at Roland-Garros for a record 12th time and took his total grand slam title wins to 19 following victory in New York. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Call me Coco
A new star emerged in women’s tennis in 2019. American 15-year-old Cori “Coco” Gauff wowed the crowds at Wimbledon as she reached the fourth round. After beating Venus Williams, Magdalena Rybarikova and Polona Hercog, Gauff’s dream run was ended by Simona Halep, who went on to win the women’s singles title. Gauff may not have won Wimbledon but she won the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images
Kop celebrates a memorable Anfield night
Liverpool won the 2019 Uefa Champions League with victory over English rivals Tottenham, but it was their semi-final comeback against Barcelona that will be best remembered. Three goals down from the first leg, Liverpool blew the Catalans away to win the second leg 4-0. The result on 7 May at Anfield will go down as one of the best in Liverpool’s history. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Record sixth Ballon d’Or for Messi
Lionel Messi’s hopes of winning the Champions League were ruined by Liverpool’s memorable comeback at Anfield but all in all it was not a bad year for the Barcelona captain. Argentine star Messi scored a hatful of goals, won La Liga with Barca and also won a record sixth Ballon d’Or award. Picture: Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images
Rapinoe inspires USA world domination
On 7 July the United States won the Fifa Women’s World Cup for a record fourth time after beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final in Lyon, France. Megan Rapinoe scored a 61st-minute penalty to set the US on their way and Rose Lavelle made sure of the victory. US co-captain Rapinoe won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player and the Golden Boot for top goalscorer. Later in the year she also won the women’s Ballon d’Or award. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images
Six up for Lewis
Lewis Hamilton won 11 grands prix in the 2019 Formula 1 season to secure a sixth drivers’ championship. The Mercedes star was in supreme form as he collected 413 points from the 21 races. One major highlight for Hamilton was victory in front of his home fans at the British GP on 14 July. In 2020 he will aim to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven title wins. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Champagne super over for England
On the same day as Hamilton’s Silverstone success, England won the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil after beating New Zealand in the Lord’s final. The Black Caps needed two runs off the super over final ball to win the trophy but Martin Guptill was run out by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Boks storm to RWC glory
England may have won the Cricket World Cup in 2019 but they fell short in the rugby union version. South Africa, led by captain Siya Kolisi, were too strong for England as they won the Rugby World Cup final 32-12 in Yokohama, Japan. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Redemption for AJ
In June Andy Ruiz Jr shocked the sports world by defeating Anthony Joshua in New York City. However, in December’s rematch, British boxer Joshua reclaimed the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles with a unanimous points decision victory in Saudi Arabia. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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