Here Are the Most Heartwarming Sports Moments in History
Lionel Messi Wins World Cup
After an 18-year international career, Lionel Messi’s Argentina finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022. After a dodgy start in which they surprisingly lost their opening game against Saudi Arabia, the Albiceleste made it to the final, where they played reigning champions France.
After withstanding a thrilling, hard-fought France fight back, Argentina won the game on penalties. The GOAT, Lionel Messi, finally lifted the one trophy that has so far eluded him in a long and illustrious career. Argentina now has three World Cup wins.
NC State’s March Madness Cinderella Story
In 1983, sixth-seeded North Carolina State played the Houston Cougars in NCAA college basketball. Led by future NBA Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, the Cougars were undisputed favorites, but they hadn’t planned on coach Jim Valvano.
Houston were stunned with one second left on the clock when the Wolfpack’s Lorenzo Charles dunked home for a stunning 54-52 victory. After the iconic NCAA March Madness Cinderella win, charismatic coach Jim Valvano sprinted the length of the court looking for someone, anyone, to hug. Priceless.
Triathlete Sacrifices Gold to Help His Brother
In 2016, British brothers Jonny and Alistair Brownlee took part in a triathlon at the World Series Finale in Cozumel, Mexico. With half a kilometer to run, Jonny led the race when he started floundering due to heat exhaustion.
Instead of passing his sibling to take the gold medal, Alistair took his limping brother in his arms and helped him cross the finish line. Jonny told BBC Sport, “Alistair had the chance to win but threw that away to help me out. I’ll be thankful for the rest of my life.”
Real Betis Christmas Toy Town
In Spain’s La Liga, Real Betis fans have a heartwarming annual Christmas tradition of throwing thousands of soft toys onto the field at their home ground, Estadio Benito Villamarin. As 14,000 toys rained down from the stands in 2022, volunteers collected them so disadvantaged children in Seville and throughout Spain get Christmas gifts.
While the tradition is new, only beginning in 2018, it has grown to become one of the charity sporting highlights of the season. The initiative is also catching on at other clubs.
Sports fans love fiercely contested battles, but we also love heartwarming sporting moments. So, we’ve compiled a list of the most uplifting sports moments to lighten your hearts. From groundbreaking Olympic wins and unlikely underdog comebacks to welcome homecomings, record-breaking grannies, iconic athletes, fans, and even inspiring referees. Sit back and enjoy our most heartwarming sports moments from history — plus a few modern fun times.