Top 10 sports stars of 2015

Serena Williams

Named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year, Williams is the first woman in 32 years and the first black woman ever to win the award outright.

Usain Bolt

The Jamaican defended his titles in the 100, 200m and 4x100 events at the Beijing World Championships,

Novak Djokovic

The Serb enjoyed the best year of his life, winning 10 titles including three Grand Slams and six ATP Masters 1000 series crowns.

Jordan Spieth

The American was a big-time big winner in 2015, with victories at the Masters, US Open and Tour Championship.

Holly Holm

The American multiple-time world champion in boxing scored a surprise knock-out over previously unbeaten Ronda Rousey to win the UFC’s bantamweight title in front of a record-breaking crowd in Melbourne.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portugal star upstaged Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer to win a second Ballon d’Or footballer of the year award

Ahmad Khalil

The UAE striker beat compatriot Omar Abdul Rahman and China’s Zheng Zhi to win the Asian player of the year Award in India.

Carli Lloyd

The two-time Olympic gold medallist scored three goals within the first 16 minutes of play to lead the United States to a 5-2 victory over Japan in the World Cup final.

Chris Gayle

The West Indian became the first and only person in ODI World Cup history to post a double century when he belted 215 against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval in New Zealand.