Google celebrates New Year's Eve with fireworks and a colourful doodle

Tiger Woods, Golf

For the last 11 years, Tiger Woods had been making headlines for the wrong reasons: From scandal to injury, the American golfer saw it all. But this year, he clinched a thrilling victory at Augusta, his fifth Masters title. In the months that followed, he added a Presidents Cup, and also received the Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump.

Rafael Nadal, Tennis

Rafael Nadal ended the year at World No.1, but one of his best moments on a tennis court came at the French Open final. It was the Spaniard’s 12th victory at Roland Garros, and 18th Grand Slam title overall. It cemented his position as the King of Clay.

Lewis Hamilton, Formula One

Given the start Lewis Hamilton had to the 2019 Formula One season, another driver’s championship had become almost academic by the time the circus rolled into town for the British Grand Prix. But by winning his home race for a record sixth time, the Briton etched his name in the record books. And you can see how much it mattered to him from this picture.

Ben Stokes, Cricket

England’s Ben Stokes had a summer he will not forget in a hurry. The all-rounder pulled off a stunning World Cup victory by ensuring the final went to a Super Over. But more incredible things were to follow. In Headingley, during the third Ashes Test, with his team 1-0 down and facing a mountain of a run chase in the fourth innings, Stokes hit an unbeaten 135 to see them home. The magnitude of what he achieved can be put in perspective thus: When Stokes was joined by No.11 Jack Leach, England needed 72 runs to win. When victory was secured, Leach had scored 1 run.

Rugby World Cup

It was not a good year for New Zealand sports, especially facing off against English teams. After the Cricket World Cup final, the All Blacks rugby team suffered another heartbreaking defeat in the semifinal. Nothing explains the contest better than this one photo: Of the English staring down the fearsome New Zealand ‘Haka’.

Lionel Messi, Football

This year’s Ballon d’Or was a keenly contested affair, with no single footballer having dominated the sport as in previous years. However, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi managed to beat off competition from Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, to take home his sixth trophy.