New statistics from Google Trends have revealed which athletes have been the most searched this year and the results may surprise you.
Despite the 2022 FIFA World Cup being in full swing, there is no room for a number of football's biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar.
While one footballer does make the list, the top 10 is dominated by tennis players, along with a handful of other North American athletes.
Here's a rundown of the 10 most searched sportspeople in 2022:
Who is the most searched athlete in 2022?
- 10. Carlos Alcaraz - Tennis
Alcaraz has enjoyed a stunning year ––– winning his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open and becoming the youngest men's world number one ever at the age of just 19.
The Spaniard won five ATP titles in total, including the Madrid Open, where he defeated clay court specialist Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in consecutive matches.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning the third set tiebreak against Casper Ruud of Norway during their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
- 9. Cain Velasquez - Wrestling
Velasquez is a former wrestler, who was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges earlier this year.
- 8. Gerard Pique - Football
Pique made headlines back in November when he abruptly announced his retirement from professional football.
The Spaniard played more than 600 games for Barcelona and earned more than 100 international caps.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 05: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona waves to fans as they walk off to be substituted during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and UD Almeria at Spotify Camp Nou on November 05, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
- 7. Brittney Griner - Basketball
In February 2022, WNBA star Griner was detained by Russian custom officials after cannabis oil was found in her luggage.
On August 4th, she was sentenced to nine years in prison but was released on December 8th, after the US agreed to a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Brittney Griner #15 of the United States smiles while greeting players after an exhibition game against the Australia Opals at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 16, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Australia defeated the United States 70-67. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
- 6. Yuzuru Hanyu - Figure Skating
The former Japanese figure skater is a two-time Olympic champion, two-time World champion, four-time Grand Prix Final champion and a six-time Japanese national champion.
- 5. Shaun White - Snowboarding
White is one of the most famous snowboarders ever and even has a video game franchise named in his honour.
The American finished fourth in the halfpipe at the 2022 Winter Olympics and later announced it would be his final competition.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Shaun White gets fitted in Polo Ralph Lauren ahead of Beijing 2022 on January 28, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for USOPC)
- 4. Manti Te'o - American Football
The American football linebacker played in the NFL between 2013 and 2021, but is currently a free agent.
Te'o was the victim of a major catfishing scandal back in 2012 and his experience was the subject of a Netflix documentary, Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist, which was released in August.
- 3. Serena Williams - Tennis
Williams retired from professional tennis at the US Open, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned more than 20 years.
The US star won 23 Grand Slam titles in total –– one short of Margaret Court's all-time record.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Serena Williams of the United States looks on against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia in their Women's Singles Second Round match on Day Three of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
- 2. Rafael Nadal - Tennis
Despite battling a number of injuries, Nadal stormed to victory at both the Australian Open and the French Open, taking his major tally to 22.
The Spaniard is now one ahead of rival Djokovic and two ahead of Roger Federer, who retired earlier this year.
- 1. Novak Djokovic - Tennis
Djokovic was banned from competing at the Australian Open and the US Open due to being unvaccinated but still won his seventh Wimbledon title and the ATP Finals.
The Serbian will return to Australia to play in Adelaide, having had his visa ban overturned.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates defeating Nick Kyrgios of Australia during their Men's Singles Final match on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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