The famous sports people who died in 2025 amid awful tragedies
The sporting world was united in grief throughout 2025 as it said goodbye to some of its most cherished, influential and unforgettable figures. From global icons who transcended their disciplines to much-loved characters whose impact was felt closer to home, the year brought a series of losses that resonated deeply with fans across generations and continents.Champions, trailblazers and entertainers alike are remembered here, people whose achievements shaped their sports and whose personalities helped define eras. Whether through historic victories, moments of courage, innovation, or sheer force of character, each left an indelible mark that stretched far beyond results and statistics.This collection reflects on those who passed away in 2025, honouring not only what they achieved, but what they meant to the people who watched, followed and loved sport. Their legacies endure, in stadiums and arenas, in memories and moments, and in the inspiration they leave behind.George Foreman (aged 76) George Foreman, one of boxing’s most iconic figures, passed away in 2025 at the age of 76. The two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist etched his name into history with an electrifying 76-5 professional record that included 68 knockouts. Known as much for his fearsome punching power as his later success as an entrepreneur and beloved personality, Foreman’s legacy spanned generations of fighters and fans alike.Diogo Jota (aged 28) and André Silva (aged 25)The footballing world was stunned by the tragic deaths of Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in northern Spain in July 2025. Jota, a star forward for Liverpool and his country, was just 28 and had become one of Europe’s most feared attackers, while Silva, 25, was making his own mark in the professional game. Tributes poured in from clubs and national teams across the globe, with supporters remembering them not only for their talent on the pitch but for their warmth off it.Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (aged 46)Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” died in September 2025 at the age of 46. Hatton captured the hearts of fight fans with his relentless style and humble personality, becoming a two-weight world champion and one of Britain’s most beloved fighters. His death — coming just months before a planned comeback — prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sport, with many remembering his courage in the ring and his openness about personal struggles outside of it.Joey Jones (aged 70)Welsh football great Joey Jones, who won two European Cups with Liverpool and earned 72 caps for his country, died in July 2025 at the age of 70. A combative full-back with a distinguished career including spells at Wrexham and Chelsea, Jones was a cult hero to many fans and a respected figure in Welsh football circles. His contributions to the game — both domestically and internationally — ensured he remained a cherished part of Wales’ sporting heritage.Mike “Spikey” Watkins (aged 73)Welsh rugby union figure Mike ‘Spikey’ Watkins, who represented his country as a hooker and played club rugby for Cardiff and Newport, died in November 2025 at the age of 73. Watkins was part of Wales’ proud rugby tradition and remembered for his robust style of play and commitment to the sport at both grassroots and representative levels.Robin Smith (aged 62)Former England cricket star Robin Smith — affectionately known as “The Judge” — died at the age of 62, leaving the game mourning one of its most fearless and stylish batters. A mainstay of the England side between 1988 and 1996, Smith played 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals, scoring more than 4,000 Test runs at an impressive average and thrilling fans with his signature front-foot square cut and an unforgettable unbeaten 167 against Australia in 1993.Matt Beard (aged 47) Matt Beard, a highly respected figure in women’s football, passed away in 2025. The former Liverpool FC Women coach was known for his astute tactical mind and leadership, guiding his teams with passion and commitment. During his tenure with the Reds, he helped shape a competitive side and was widely admired in the women’s game for his ability to develop talent and foster team spirit.Warren Abrahams (aged 43) Warren Abrahams, the former Wales women’s head coach, died aged 43 while in Kenya coaching the Belgium women’s sevens side at a tournament. Abrahams had led Wales Women in 2020–21 and was a well-regarded coach whose influence extended through elite women’s rugby in the UK and beyond. His sudden passing was met with deep sorrow from the WRU and the broader rugby community, remembering his passion for the sport and his work developing players at all levels.Mark Jones (aged 59) Mark Jones, the Welsh dual-code rugby international, died at the age of 59 in 2025. A powerful No. 8 and back-row forward, he starred for Neath RFC and earned 15 caps for Wales in union, before switching codes and representing Wales and Great Britain in rugby league. Jones’s athleticism and physicality made him a standout during his era, and his passing was mourned across the rugby community.Eddie Jordan (aged 76) Eddie Jordan, the Irish-born F1 team owner whose charismatic presence defined an era of motorsport, died aged 76 after a battle with aggressive prostate and bladder cancer. Jordan founded Jordan Grand Prix, which competed in Formula One from 1991 to 2005 and achieved memorable successes including a 1-2 finish at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. A flamboyant character and pioneering team boss, he was also a respected broadcaster and ambassador for the sport.Denis Law (aged 84) Denis Law, the Manchester United and Scotland legend, passed away in January 2025 at the age of 84, leaving behind a towering legacy in world football. Nicknamed “The King of the Stretford End,” Law scored 237 goals in 404 games for United, helping them to league titles and the 1968 European Cup, and remains one of Scotland’s all-time leading scorers. A Ballon d’Or winner and an enduring icon of the game, his impact was felt far beyond Old Trafford, celebrated by fans and fellow professionals alike.Angela Mortimer-Barrett (aged 93)Wimbledon champion Angela Mortimer-Barrett died at the age of 93. She was a trailblazing tennis star who won three Grand Slam singles titles, including a historic victory at Wimbledon in 1961. Mortimer Barrett was celebrated for her resilience after overcoming significant health issues. She achieved her world-class success while battling hearing loss and recovered from a serious illness that had previously left her physically weakened.Laura Dahlmeier (aged 31)Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier passed away at age 31 following a mountaineering accident. The German athlete was caught in a rockfall while climbing in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. Dahlmeier was a history-making athlete who retired early to pursue her passion for the outdoors. She was the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit events at a single Olympics before retiring at just 25 years old.Fuzzy Zoeller (aged 74) Legendary golfer Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion, passed away at 74 in November 2025. Zoeller made history as the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt and later captured the US Open in dramatic fashion. Known for his infectious personality and competitive flair, Zoeller won 10 PGA Tour titles and remained a memorable figure in golf’s rich history.Hulk Hogan (aged 71) Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) died at 71 after suffering a heart attack at his Florida home. A towering figure in the rise of professional wrestling’s global popularity, Hogan was a central star of the WWF/WWE throughout the 1980s and ’90s — headlining the first WrestleMania and becoming one of the most recognisable athletes in the world. His larger-than-life persona transcended sport into mainstream pop culture, leaving a lasting imprint on generations of fans.Dickie Bird (aged 92)Harold “Dickie” Bird, one of cricket’s most beloved figures, died peacefully at the age of 92. Bird first made his name as a first-class cricketer before becoming a world-renowned international umpire whose charm and integrity made him almost as famous as many of the players he officiated. Standing in 66 Test matches and 76 One Day Internationals, including three Cricket World Cup finals, Bird’s keen eye, fairness and charismatic personality earned him universal respect across the sport. Tributes poured in from across cricket and beyond, and Bird’s legacy as one of the game’s great characters will long be remembered.Dudley Lewis (aged 62)Dudley Lewis, the former Swansea City and Wales defender, died in June 2025 aged 62. A rugged and dependable presence at the back, Lewis made his mark in the Football League with Swansea, Huddersfield Town and others, earning national recognition for his defensive prowess. His death was noted in wider football obituaries as a significant loss to the Welsh game.Georgia O'Connor (aged 25)Former Team GB boxer Georgia O’Connor has died at the age of 25 after a battle with cancer. The Commonwealth Youth Games gold medalist was a rising star in the boxing world with an undefeated professional record. O’Connor’s final weeks were marked by a poignant personal milestone. She married her partner just two weeks before her passing, having shared her journey and gratitude for his support with her followers on social media.Lusanda Dumke (aged 29)South African rugby international Lusanda Dumke has passed away at age 29 from a rare form of cancer. The talented back-row player earned 33 caps for her country and captained the national team on three occasions. Dumke was a decorated leader who left a lasting impact on women’s rugby. She led her domestic team, the Bulls Daisies, to three consecutive titles and was honoured as South Africa’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2022.Joe Bugner (aged 75)Heavyweight boxing legend and television personality Joe Bugner died at the age of 75 in a care home in Australia. After a career spanning over three decades, the Hungary-born athlete spent his final years battling dementia. Bugner is best remembered for his remarkable resilience in the ring, where he twice went the distance with the iconic Muhammad Ali. Beyond his sporting achievements, he became a household name for a new generation after appearing on the popular reality show "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" in 2009.Felix Baumgartner (aged 56)Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner, famed for becoming the first human to break the sound barrier in freefall during his stratospheric jump in 2012, died in mid-2025 in a paragliding crash off the Italian coast. Baumgartner’s audacious exploits redefined the limits of human flight and captured imaginations worldwide, making him one of the most celebrated figures in extreme sports.
