Luke Littler most searched for athlete in 2024 but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo don’t even make top 10

LUKE LITTLER was the most Google searched athlete in the UK during 2024.

The darts prodigy, 17, has been awarded a plaque by the search engine after finishing as No1.

Littler finished ahead of the likes of Lamine Yamal and Simone Biles in the rankings.

While the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo didn't even make the top 10.

Amazingly, Littler was also the third-highest searched person in the UK - only behind Kate Middleton and Donald Trump and ahead of the likes of Keir Starmer and King Charles.

Upon receiving the news, Littler said: ";To be recognised in two Year in Search lists is a huge honour.

"It's been an amazing year for me personally, and for the sport of darts as a whole.

"I can't quite believe I'm trending higher than both the Prime Minister and the King in the 'People' category—and in a year of such great sporting achievements, it's a proud moment for me to be the top trending athlete in 2024."

Behind Littler, the rest of the top 10 most-searched athletes list was dominated by stars of Euro 2024 and the Olympics.

Spanish wonderkid Yamal, also 17, was runner-up - having helped his country break English hearts during the Euro final.

Team USA's superstar gymnast Biles was then third on the list.

England's Jude Bellingham finished in fourth, just ahead of swimmer Adam Peaty, who memorably earned a silver medal in Paris despite testing positive for Covid just hours later, in fifth.

Anthony Joshua was the most-searched boxer, coming in at sixth despite losing his September bout with Daniel Dubois.

Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins finished in seventh, most likely largely due to his winning goal for England against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Sir Chris Hoy, amid the tragic news that he is suffering from terminal cancer, is eighth.

While Cole Palmer, who has starred for Chelsea and scored in the Euro 2024 final for England, came in at ninth.

Spanish winger Nico Williams rounded off the top 10 following his Euro exploits.

Matt Cooke from the Google News Initiative, said: "2024 has been a year of comebacks, curiosity, and community.

"Whether it’s fans reuniting for Oasis, young sports stars like Luke Littler making waves, or Brits voting in everything from elections to Eurovision, these searches show a nation full of passion and interest.

"It’s amazing to see what captivated the UK, and it’s always a privilege to highlight these moments in our Year in Search."