It’s been a busy year on the social media front. From football to tennis to cricket, here are a pick of the best from the sporting Twittersphere over the last 12 months:
JANUARY
Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’or in 2008, but then finished runner-up on three occasions to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. After a scintillating year in 2013, he received football’s prestigious honour for a second time.
Very proud to win the Ballon d’Or for the second time, it means so much to me. I thank my teammates. pic.twitter.com/INcV1VjgDx
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 13, 2014
Team mates and fellow professionals were quick to show praise for a man at the pinnacle of the sport.
Hard work, determination, motivation and talent. Congrats to my good friend @Cristiano. You deserve it crack. pic.twitter.com/3s9szuMGSH
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) January 13, 2014
Congratulations to @Cristiano on 2nd Ballon d’Or !!! The guy is a machine, phenomenal and full deserved #BallondOr
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) January 13, 2014
The January transfer window always promises some big last minute moves. In this edition of the window, Juan Mata swapped the blue of Chelsea for the red of Manchester, and the incumbent Nemanja Matic made a much-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge.
Welcome to my amigo @juanmata10 ! Hoping you enjoy ya time here and help continue the success at this club #mufc
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 25, 2014
Welcome Juan Mata see you all tuesday pic.twitter.com/pousQZ33Qn
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) January 25, 2014
MATIC SIGNS: Chelsea Football Club have today completed the signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica… http://t.co/p7GvOvzTlc
— Chelsea FC News (@CFCnews) January 15, 2014
World No4 Stan Wawrinka opened a delightful 2014, defeating Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Rafa Nadal en route to clinching the Australian Open title.
THANK YOU @AustralianOpen !!! And BIG thanks to all the fans for the amazing support!!!!! #Dream pic.twitter.com/1jwC7oIVMY
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) January 27, 2014
FEBRUARY
Standing at 6ft in height and weighing over 14 stone, England international Jack Nowell isn’t a small chap by any means, but the man facing him at the desk of a London cinema must have thought otherwise as he refused Nowell admission for an 18s film.
Low point of my career, been ask for ID to watch Wolf of Wall Street……. And not having any #broken
— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) January 29, 2014
Another rugby star tweets his problems. Irish prop Mike Ross returns from training to find his car trapped by an eager fan.
Interesting parking technique here! And yes, that is my car underneath… #badbuzz pic.twitter.com/ro0A19dKN4
— Mike Ross (@MikeRoss03) February 5, 2014
Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki swaps the courts of Melbourne for the slopes of Dubai after competing in the Australian Open.
What an amazing day today at ski Dubai spending time with the penguins!! #dubaitennis pic.twitter.com/1PRFqzLzR3
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) February 15, 2014
The planning stages of the F1 season are being put into place – a season Mercedes would go on to dominate.
Three weeks today, lights out in #Melbourne. 4 test days left to prepare the beast #TheCountdownContinues pic.twitter.com/pxOvtb7Ybi
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 23, 2014
Roy Keane shows his delight when asked for a photo by a fan.
“Can I take a photo please, Roy?” *SILENCE… pic.twitter.com/qKpONReO8F
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) February 26, 2014
MARCH
Lions stalwart Rob Kearney sees the funny side of being trapped in a maul.
Did some laughing with @petercrowley90 when we saw @KearneyRob peaking out of a ruck #PeakABoo pic.twitter.com/AhYdfhI8wy
— Darran O’Sullivan (@Darransull86) March 8, 2014
There’s still life in the old horse. 31-year-old Samuel Eto’o celebrates scoring for Chelsea in a humorous manner.
Regardless of your feelings, Eto’o’s (double apostrophe?) old man celebration was brilliant. pic.twitter.com/xXf9pNAn0G
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 8, 2014
Bayern Munich were dominant in last season’s Bundesliga, winning the league by 19 points. Some stats underline their brilliance.
6 – Bayern Munich needed so few saves that they wouldn’t have lost any of the last 6 Bundesliga games even without a keeper. Consideration.
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) March 10, 2014
Boring James Milner never fails to impress football fans.
I asked Yaya if he heard the score at Stamford Bridge. He Said No, what was it? I said 6-0. He said 6? I said Yes. He said Nil? I said Yes.
— Boring James Milner (@BoringMilner) March 22, 2014
Wozniacki shows her loyalty when placing her beloved Liverpool jersey ahead of Manchester United.
Loving the look Liverpool Jersey hanging on the wall above the man utd one. pic.twitter.com/Yer0K76O7v
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) March 29, 2014
APRIL
Yossi Benayoun has togged out for five Premier League clubs during his professional career – four of which capped off fine seasons in 2014.
Liverpool to win the league,Chelsea to win the champions league,arsenal to win the FA cup,QPR back to the premier league perfect year for me
— Yossi Benayoun (@YossiBenayoun15) April 13, 2014
Former World Champion Ken Doherty can’t contain his excitement after qualifying for snooker’s showpiece competition in Sheffield.
I’m thru to the crucible ,yipppeeee Get in there,life in the old dog yet!!! Lol
— Ken Doherty Official (@kendoherty1997) April 15, 2014
Gary Lineker suggesting Andy Murray is the ringer of Peter Parker in Spiderman.
Just saw #Spiderman2 . Pretty darn good and @andy_murray is immense as Peter Parker.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2014
Ian Poulter has destroyed many US Ryder Cup teams over the years, and now he’s the destroyer of bugs.
Drove thru a serious bug cloud yesterday and obliterated the front end of my F12. Had to get them… http://t.co/QUL0437fXh
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) April 30, 2014
MAY
The squads for the World Cup were announced in May and it was no surprise to see marquee names being omitted from their respective teams.
Notable omissions from Brazil’s World Cup squad: Kaka, Lucas Moura, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Philippe Coutinho.
— Sportive23 (@Sportive23_) May 7, 2014
I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now.
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
Nasri, Clichy left out of France squad http://t.co/h3wVM62piV #WorldCup
— 2014 FIFA World Cup (@Cup_Brasil) May 19, 2014
To take some level of disappointment off Clichy and Nasri’s absence, their club, Manchester City, finished the year as Premier League winners.
#MCFC CHAMPIONS !!!! pic.twitter.com/UdzfREUnU7
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 11, 2014
In Spain, Real Madrid continued their supremacy in winning the Champions League title.
We’re Champions of Europe! I’m living a dream! Thank you all! #halamadrid #UCLfinal #lisbon http://t.co/fJxbG49ET3 pic.twitter.com/pw3qx8QX8P
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 26, 2014
It can’t get better than this one. La Décimaaaaaaaa!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1dfRO3vcBC
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) May 24, 2014
la decima pic.twitter.com/wIo9dOQ8fs
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) May 24, 2014
Gary Lineker had a mixed year on Twitter but this was by far one of his funniest tweets, regarding the cut-throat nature of the managerial merry go-round.
Mauricio Pochettino is the new manager of Spurs. Needed to get that tweet out quickly before they fire him.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 27, 2014
JUNE
Rafa Nadal wins a record ninth crown at Roland Garros.
Congrats to @RafaelNadal on his 9th French Open, guy is so impressive.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) June 8, 2014
Sylvian Distin gives the cruelest reminder to a Liverpool troll about Stevie Gerrard’s slip that cost the Reds the Premier League title.
@Carndog85Bill @Joe_Mc_20 @ROUNDTHEBEND_ what’s up guys? You should be slipping… Sorry, I meant sleeping. Looooooool
— Sylvain Distin (@sylvaind15tin) June 9, 2014
While Gary Neville continues to win the plaudits for his superb analysis on Monday Night Sport, it was clear his brother Phil was not achieving the same luck.
Phil Neville is this World Cup’s vuvuzela. #bbcworldcup
— neil francis ardiff (@frailfiend) June 14, 2014
Mario Balotelli requested a kiss from the Queen if Italy were to beat Costa Rica and help England’s chances of qualifying for the knock out stages of the World Cup.
If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen..
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) June 19, 2014
It was a month for high drama as Luis Suarez received another ban while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup.
Suarez stat of the day. Luis has now been banned for 34 games since 2010 without receiving a single red card.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) June 26, 2014
And in his place..
BREAKING: Uruguay set to give an unknown striker his debut start against Colombia tonight. pic.twitter.com/VIE29WSHAZ
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) June 28, 2014
Mesut Ozil’s strike against Algeria was so good, an actual term for his effort was clarified for the worrying fans of the Twittersphere.
Ozil’s goal was a Twatweasel, not a thunderbastard. You do that to your friends in the park, you lose friends.
— Iain Macintosh (@iainmacintosh) June 30, 2014
JULY
July was dominated by football tweets due to the World Cup.
Nothing could stop Colombia’s James Rodriguez in Brazil as he went on to collect the Golden Boot accolade to cap a series of exceptional displays. Everything seemed to be attracted to his impressive talents.
Even the bug like James Rodriguez.. pic.twitter.com/tqtp9rnZ5I
— Football Stuff (@FootbalIStuff) July 4, 2014
Former Liverpool star Titi Camara gave his 21,000 followers the best entertainment of the month with an array of humorous tweets.
When I left Liverpool not many people thought I could have been replaced. Liverpool will survive without Suarez
— Titi Camara (@TitiCamara22) July 7, 2014
@Carra23 Jamie you once said I reminded you of pele. Who would you say was a similar player to yourself? #AskCarra
— Titi Camara (@TitiCamara22) July 8, 2014
LeBron James marks his return to Cleveland with a low key announcement.
Just posted a photo http://t.co/lmByEY8T7Q
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 11, 2014
Lukas Podolski and Bastian Scchweinsteiger seize the moment after Germany beat Argentina to win the World Cup.
AHA! pic.twitter.com/iK5hbfm7Hr
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) July 13, 2014
thanks @aaronramsey @KieranGibbs @theowalcott @Arsenal and all gooners for the congratulations …. cheers ! #wc2014 #GERARG
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) July 13, 2014
YES YES YES !!! JOGI YOU DID IT !!! HUGE COMPLIMENT TO ARGENTINA, BUT THE BEST TEAM WON THE 2014 WORLD CUP! #DFBTeam #USMNT #FifaWorldCup
— Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) July 13, 2014
IN THE NAME OF GERMANY, THANKS @MarioGoetze!
— Sebastian Vettel (@Sebas_Vettel) July 13, 2014
Rory McIlroy wins his third Major in tantalising fashion.
Congratulations to #mufc fan @McIlroyRory, who’s just won the British Open golf championship at Royal Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/9ndKwm5RJY
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 20, 2014
AUGUST
Usain Bolt was taken aback by the fantastic reception in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.
Fans make the Games fun..Glasgow was crazy energy and we will meet again soon..#Glasgow2014 #CWG2014 #Funtimes pic.twitter.com/5A8fkau4yp
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 3, 2014
Class can’t be beaten.
McIlroy on one channel. Federer on the other. Beautiful TV…
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) August 10, 2014
World No1 McIlroy reflects on his success and looks forward to returning to Northern Ireland to visit family and friends.
“Dad… It’s not a footrest, it’s the claret jug!!” Incredible few weeks, can’t wait to get home and see the family! pic.twitter.com/WAeG9qqRd1
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) August 14, 2014
He even got the chance to join former US President Bill Clinton for a spot of lunch a few weeks later.
Had a great time today catching up with @billclinton, always a pleasure and education spending time in his company! pic.twitter.com/6mlb8KEmzW
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) August 27, 2014
SEPTEMBER
Andy Roddick praises Novak Djokovic’s impressive run of form in Grand Slam events.
22 straight quarterfinals at slams for @DjokerNole …. What he’s done the last 5 years is insanely impressive
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 1, 2014
After releasing his autobiography, Rio Ferdinand suggests that his views have been misrepresented and that his Twitter followers should buy his book in order to read the real story.
Serialisation doesn’t give u the whole story ! Shifting blame isn’t in me,I take responsibility,you’ll see when you read the book! #2sides
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 17, 2014
Andy Murray tweets his support for Scotland on the day of the country’s referendum to gain independence.
Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) September 18, 2014
Balotelli can’t contain his excitement after Manchester United were beaten 5-3 by bottom of the table Leicester.
Man utd … LOL
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) September 21, 2014
Calm before the storm. Rory McIlroy tweets a picture of Team Europe days before they claimed victory at the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles.
Pre opening ceremony selfie!! #EUROPE pic.twitter.com/RsaW1iETOi
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) September 25, 2014
OCTOBER
Hull City manager Steve Bruce caught the tube to Manchester for Sam Allardyce’s big 60th birthday bash after his side drew 1-1 with Arsenal.
Steve Bruce catches the tube after Hull draw. Can he make Sam Allardyce’s 60th in Manchester? http://t.co/IXecUVI3to pic.twitter.com/SBIZHNbdc9
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) October 18, 2014
West Brom tweeted at half-time during their game against Manchester United that they were unconcerned about the imminent arrival of Mauroune Fellaini.
Fellaini has now taken his tracksuit off, fortunately he has a Man Utd strip on underneath #WBAMUN
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) October 20, 2014
And, what a surprise, two minutes later Fellaini answered his criticses by scoring a wonderful goal.
And finally, World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic celebrated the birth of his newly-born son, Stefan.
Stefan, our baby angel was born! I am so proud of my beautiful wife Jelena! Thank you so much for your love and support. We love you all!!!
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 22, 2014
Former Australia cricket star Shane Warne wants dating advice from his fans.
Lot of you asking me who am I dating ! I’m single & just broke up with the amazing Emily. Who do you think I should date then followers ?
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) October 26, 2014
Pakistan’s Younis Khan created history by hitting his third century in a row in the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi.
Younus khan’s 3rd back to back century….. Privileged to be at ground to witness it. #ausvpak @ICC pic.twitter.com/7uBCNc3yok
— Vikas Gupta (@meetwithvikas) October 30, 2014
NOVEMBER
November was a sad month in sport with the death of Australian batsman Phil Hughes. The #putyourbatsout trend in tribute of Hughes was so moving.
My bat when I was 25. RIP Phil. #putoutyourbats pic.twitter.com/W2ncVks1hy
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulke) November 29, 2014
#putoutyourbats missing the little fella. #408forever pic.twitter.com/elDAKzFZ89
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 28, 2014
From the Gilly kids xxx #PutOutYourBats #RIPPhillipHughes pic.twitter.com/aeheTLw5dI
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2014
Diego Maradona has lived in Dubai for three years now and it’s no surprise the UAE has rubbed off on him. The Argentina legend donned the national dress to celebrate National Day, with Al Jazira also getting involved.
نجوم #الجزيرة #فخر_أبوظبي يتبارون في التعبير عن حبهم للإمارات في #العيد_الوطني43 التفاصيل: http://t.co/Y88rqFE5r7 pic.twitter.com/MDDfEr9L7F
— AlJazira FC Official (@AlJazira_uae) December 2, 2014
Maradona has been UAE’d pic.twitter.com/p9wEEbxWXR
— Navid Molaaghaei (@Navidjaaan) November 27, 2014
Got to love the Arab #Maradona as he gets into the 43rd UAE National Day celebrations. (via @adeldxb1981) pic.twitter.com/dsdWU50f3u
— footynions (@footynions) November 30, 2014
World champion driver Lewis Hamilton was understandably hailed by his fellow drivers after clinching the F1 title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, especially Nico Rosberg.
For others, the UAE event signalled the end of a long season.
Wow! This is the greatest day of my life! Thank you everybody for all your support #bestfansintheworld #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/cOCSTDtHUM
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 23, 2014
Tough end.Would have loved to fight til last corner. Congrats, lewis.u deserve the title. Special year with the team. pic.twitter.com/RHzCFvtK3n
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) November 23, 2014
Congrats to the world champion @LewisHamilton !! Amazing performance every race!! #welldone pic.twitter.com/lkSF3jldc3
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 23, 2014
#F1 season is over. It hasn’t come our way but very proud to be part of a team that never gives up. Really looking fwd to 2015 @Lotus_F1Team
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) November 24, 2014
DECEMBER
Indian Aces clinched the first International Premier Tennis League title at Hamdan Sports Complex with star man Rohan Bopanna leading the charge by tweeting a picture of the successful team.
Champions making history, 1st @iptl winners.@MirzaSania @AnaIvanovic @fabsantoro72 @Gael_Monfils @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/3vQQPpdQrO
— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) December 12, 2014
The @IndianAces win @iptl. Wohoo! Lets take a moment to thank the Birdman & King Kyrgios. Shall we celebrate? @NickKyrgios @tomasberdych
— Marisha. (@Marisha_tweets) December 12, 2014
For football fans, Thierry Henry announced his retirement after a glittering career in the sport. Former professionals and teammates reacted by showing his admiration to such a legendary attacker.
Thank you @NewYorkRedBulls good memories pic.twitter.com/oO6ERwV6Ep
— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) December 1, 2014
Sad to see the end to the career of one of the best players I’ve ever played with. A true legend @thierryhenry! pic.twitter.com/yn3wgxgsvs
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 16, 2014
Happy retirement to my hero and idol @ThierryHenry. Wish you all the best in the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/N5hhFqihtb
— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) December 16, 2014
Once you enchanted all of us – now I can only say: Thanks for everything! @ThierryHenry #ArsenalLegend
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) December 16, 2014
A true inspiration to me in my career. Thank you @Thierryhenry & good luck in your new path with @skysports pic.twitter.com/0ox5kdBRlj
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) December 16, 2014