21 memorable sporting moments of 2021 - in pictures

An unforgettable year of drama draws to a close

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Kai Havertz and Tammy Abraham celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League in May. Reuters

Emma Raducanu won the US Open women's singles title after beating Leylah Fernandez in September. PA

Joint gold medallists Mutaz Essa Barshim of Team Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Team Italy celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's High Jump on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Getty

Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Formula One world championship on Yas Island on December 12. Reuters

Tiger Woods' car is towed away in Los Angeles in April after the crash that smashed his leg. Getty

Denmark players react as Christian Eriksen receives medical attention after collapsing during their Euro 2020 match against Finland in June. Reuters

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi cries at the start of a press conference announcing he is leaving the club for Paris Saint-German in August. AFP

Manchester City's Fernandinho with the Premier League trophy in May. PA

Quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV. EPA

New Zealand's Ajaz Patel celebrates with his teammates after taking ten wickets against India in the second Test cricket at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. AFP

Tyson Fury got up from the canvas to destroy Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight for the WBC heavyweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada on October 9, 2021. Reuters

Rachael Blackmore celebrates winning the Grand National at Aintree, the first female winner, riding Minella Times. Reuters

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur celebrates becoming the first Arab woman to capture a WTA title with victory against Daria Kasatkina of Russia in the Viking Classic Birmingham at Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, England, in June. Getty

Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Hafnaoui was a sensation at the Tokyo Olympics, winning a gold medal in the 400m freestyle after being the slowest qualifier. AFP

Italy celebrate with the trophy after they beat England 3-2 on penalties to win the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. PA

UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia celebrates on the podium after winning the yellow jersey and the Tour de France. Reuters

Phil Mickelson, aged 50, became the oldest man to win a major title as he claimed the US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island amid extraordinary scenes in May. Getty

Glover Teixeira celebrates his victory over Jan Błachowicz in their championship light heavyweight bout at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Australia's Glenn Maxwell, left, celebrates hitting a four to win the Twenty20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Dubai. AP

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah enjoyed another sensational year of goalscoring for Liverpool, including this effort against arch rivals Everton at Goodison Park. Getty

USA captain Steve Stricker celebrates with his team and the Ryder Cup trophy after victory against Europe at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, in September. PA

There are always highs and lows in any sporting year, and 2021 was never short of incident.

From Chelsea winning the Champions League, to Manchester City running away with the Premier League, football was once again the biggest draw as fans were finally allowed back inside stadiums the world over after Covid restrictions.

There was also a huge scare after Christian Eriksen's collapse on the pitch when Denmark played Finland at Euro 2020. Thankfully, the midfielder continues to recover and hopes to play again.

There were other stories worthy of Hollywood scripts - British teenager Emma Raducanu going through the qualifiers and on to win the US Open; Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National; Max Verstappen's final lap manoeuvre in Abu Dhabi to become world Formula One champion.

Not to mention a postponed Olympic Games like no other in Tokyo.

A selection of the top sporting memories of 2021 can be seen in the gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.