Victory, heartbreak and history: Sport’s defining images of 2025

Dubai: From raw emotion to pure triumph, 2025 delivered some of the most unforgettable sporting images of the year — moments frozen in time that told stories far beyond the scoreline. These photographs captured the intensity, joy, and heartbreak that define sport at its highest level.

At Augusta National, Rory McIlroy fell to his knees as fans erupted around him, his expression reflecting sheer relief and disbelief. The powerful image marked the end of a long wait as McIlroy finally won the Masters, defeating Justin Rose in a playoff to complete a historic career Grand Slam — a moment golf fans had anticipated for years.

Cricket offered equally compelling frames. Indian players were captured lifting the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy during a jubilant victory lap, smiles and tears mingling as flags waved in the stands, in a defining scene of unity and achievement. In the Asia Cup, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan was frozen mid-celebration during his side’s clash against India at the Dubai International Stadium, embodying the passion and intensity of the tournament.

Motorsport delivered its own defining image in Abu Dhabi, where McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrated after winning his first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, sealing the title with victory at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. The moment captured a breakthrough season and a long-awaited personal milestone on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

On the tennis court, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrated under the Wimbledon sun, a snapshot of youthful dominance on one of the game’s grandest courts.

Together, these photographs captured sport in 2025 at its most dramatic, emotional, and unforgettable.