In memoriam: sporting icons we lost in 2025

The world of sport has bid farewell to a number of extraordinary athletes, coaches and contributors in 2025. From beloved football stars to legendary champions across multiple disciplines, these figures left indelible marks on fans and sporting history alike. Diogo Jota (Football) One of the year’s most tragic losses came on 3 July 2025, when Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain at age 28, alongside his younger brother, André Silva (25). Jota was celebrated for his pace, skill and goalscoring ability, having scored 65 goals for Liverpool and helping the club win major honours. George Foreman (Boxing) The sport of boxing mourned the passing of two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist George Foreman, who died at age 76 on 21 March 2025. Foreman was not only a ring legend famous for his “Rumble in the Jungle” bout, but also a successful entrepreneur and inspirational figure outside the sport. Wilberforce Mfum (Football) The Ghanaian football community lost one of its pioneers when Wilberforce Mfum, famed for scoring Ghana’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations goal, passed away on 11 May 2025 at age 88. Mfum was instrumental in Ghana’s early footballing success, including at the 1964 Olympic Games. Lachie Stewart (Athletics) Lachie Stewart, Scotland’s 10,000m gold medallist at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, died on 31 May 2025 at age 81. Stewart also represented Great Britain at the 1972 Olympics and is remembered as one of the nation’s great endurance athletes. Garett Hickling (Wheelchair Rugby) Canadian wheelchair rugby legend Garett Hickling, a multiple world championship medallist and Paralympic competitor also passed away in 2025 at the age of 54. A trailblazer for Paralympic sports, Hickling inspired countless athletes in adaptive sport. Marlène Canguio (Track & Field) French Olympic hurdler and long jump competitor Marlène Canguio, who set national records and competed at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, died on 25 January 2025 at age 82. Athos Pisoni (Shooting) Brazilian Olympic sports shooter Athos Pisoni, who represented his nation at the 1976 Games, died on 9 February 2025 at age 87 after a long illness. Lino Cerati (Shooting) Italian Olympic shooter Lino Cerati, a 1976 competitor in the 50m running target, passed away on 8 November 2025 at age 87. A Year of Loss Across Disciplines Beyond these standout figures, the sporting world also remembered other icons whose names will forever be linked with excellence: Bob Uecker (Baseball) — Hall of Fame player and broadcaster. Ryne Sandberg (Baseball) — Legendary infielder and Hall of Famer. Ken Dryden (Hockey) — Six-time Stanley Cup champion goalie. Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (Boxing) — Former professional standout. Lee Roy Jordan (Football) — Pro Bowl linebacker and gridiron great. Ron Turcotte (Horse Racing) — Rode the legendary Secretariat. Hulk Hogan (Wrestling) — WWE Hall of Famer and cultural icon. Bobby Jenks (Baseball) — World Series champion pitcher. These losses underscore a year of reflection for the global sporting community, as fans and fellow athletes alike honour the achievements and lives of those who shaped their games.