As we approach the end of 2024, it is a fitting time to reflect on the athletes who have left us this year. This moment serves as a reminder to honor their legacies and contributions to the world of sports. In this tribute, we remember those who have passed away, celebrating their achievements and the joy they brought to fans and fellow athletes alike.
Rico Carty – November 24
Dominican professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional hitting skills, earning the nickname “Beeg Boy.” Debuting in 1963 with the Milwaukee Braves, he enjoyed a 15-year career with teams like the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays. Carty’s standout season came in 1970 when he won the National League batting title with a .366 average and became the first All-Star selected via a fan write-in vote. Despite injuries and a battle with tuberculosis, he retired with a .299 career batting average, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs, cementing his legacy as a trailblazing talent. Rico Carty passed away at the age of 85.
Bob Love – November 18
American professional basketball player, best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Love scored 12,623 points with the Bulls, which ranks third in team history behind only Michael Jordan (29,277) and Scottie Pippen (15,123). A small forward, Love was a prolific scorer during the 1970s, earning three NBA All-Star selections and being named to the All-NBA Second Team twice. After retiring, he faced challenges due to a speech impediment but later became a motivational speaker and community ambassador for the Bulls. Bob Love passed away at the age of 81.
Bobby Allison – November 9
American stock car racing driver known for his remarkable career in NASCAR, where he achieved 85 victories and won the Daytona 500 three times (1978, 1982, and 1988). A member of the famed “Alabama Gang,” he secured the Winston Cup Championship in 1983 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the deaths of his two sons in racing-related incidents, Allison remained a prominent figure in the sport, advocating for safety improvements. Allison passed away at the age of 86.
Dub Jones – November 2
American football player best known for his time with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Jones was both a receiving and rushing threat, finishing his career with 41 total touchdowns and over 5,000 yards from scrimmage. A versatile halfback and flanker, he made history on November 25, 1951, by scoring six touchdowns in a single game against the Chicago Bears, a feat shared by only a few players in NFL history. Over his ten-year career, Jones won three NFL championships and was selected to two Pro Bowls. After retiring as a player, he served as an assistant coach for the Browns and remained involved in football until stepping away from the sport. Jones passed away at the age of 99.
Fernando Valenzuela – October 22
Mexican professional baseball pitcher who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1980 to 1997. He was best known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became a cultural icon and sparked a phenomenon known as “Fernandomania” in the early 1980s. He was a 6-time All-Star and a two-time World Series Champion (1981 and 1988). After leaving the Dodgers, he played for the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond baseball; he played a crucial role in increasing Latino representation and interest in MLB. Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63.
Guilherme Vasconcelos – October 15
Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC and Bellator. Vasconcelos began his MMA career on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, Season 3”. He gained additional public attention for his relationship with singer Demi Lovato in 2017. Vasconcelos passed away at the age of 38.
Luis Tiant – October 8
Cuban baseball pitcher who made a significant impact in Major League Baseball (MLB) over a 19-year career. He played for several teams, including Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox, where he became a fan favorite. Tiant was known for his distinctive pitching style, which included a high leg kick and a variety of pitches. He was a three-time All-Star and played a key role in the Red Sox’s run to the World Series in 1975. Luis Tiant passed away at the age of 83.
Pete Rose – September 30
Professional baseball player and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Rose is considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and holds the all-time record for most career hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14,053). He was a 17-time All-Star, three-time batting champion, and key member of the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine,” which won two World Series titles in the 1970s. Rose’s legacy has been marred by controversy. In 1989, he was banned from baseball for life after an investigation revealed that he had bet on baseball games, including ones involving his own team while managing the Reds. This ban has kept him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his great playing career. Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83.
Dikembe Mutombo – September 30
Congolese-American basketball player. Mutombo was selected fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. His impact was immediate; he averaged 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game during his rookie season, earning an All-Star selection. He played for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. Mutombo became famous for his shot-blocking ability and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times throughout his career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Dikembe Mutombo passed away due to brain cancer at the age of 58.
Ozzie Virgil Sr. – September 29
Dominican baseball player and coach, celebrated as the first player from the Dominican Republic to compete in Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut on September 23, 1956, with the New York Giants and played for several teams over a nine-season career, primarily as a third baseman. Virgil not only made history by breaking racial barriers but also paved the way for future Latin American players in the league. After retiring in 1969, he transitioned to coaching and contributed to various teams for nearly two decades. His son, catcher Ozzie Jr., played in 11 MLB seasons (1980–90) and was a two-time National League All-Star. He passed away at the age of 92.
Illia Golem – September 11
Czech bodybuilder and social media personality known for his extremely muscular physique. Golem was nicknamed “The Mutant” for his monstrous size and muscle mass, which he achieved through a strict bodybuilding regimen and diet. He was considered one of the most muscular bodybuilders in the world. Despite his fame, Golem’s lifestyle choices were controversial. He openly discussed his obsession with size and physical strength, and admitted that his habits were not healthy. Golem’s passing has shocked the bodybuilding community worldwide. Illia Golem passed away at the age of 36.
Rebecca Cheptegei – September 5
Ugandan marathon, long-distance, and cross country runner. She represented Uganda at several World Championships since 2010. Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. On September 1, 2024, Cheptegei was attacked by her former boyfriend in her residence in Kenya. He doused her with petrol and set her ablaze after an argument. She suffered burns covering 75% of her body and died four days later at the age of 33.
Matheus Pavlak – September 1
Matheus Pavlak was a 19-year-old bodybuilder from Santa Catarina, Brazil. He began his fitness journey at the age of 14 to overcome obesity and successfully transformed his physique through dedication to bodybuilding. Tragically, he was found dead in his apartment, due to a cardiac arrest. His unexpected death has caused significant shock and mourning within the fitness community and beyond, highlighting the risks associated with intense physical training. Pavlak passed away at the age of 19.
Juan Izquierdo – August 27
Uruguayan footballer. He played as a central defender and had a notable career in Uruguayan football, representing clubs such as Club Atlético Cerro, Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and Club Nacional de Football. Juan Izquierdo tragically passed away on August 27, 2024, at the age of 27, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo Futebol Clube. Despite medical efforts, Izquierdo could not be revived, and his death shocked the football community.
Sid Eudy – August 26
American professional wrestler best known by his ring names Sid Vicious, Sycho Sid, and Sid Justice. He gained fame in the wrestling world during the 1990s, competing in major promotions such as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Throughout his career, he was a six-time world champion, having won the WWF Championship twice and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, along with other titles. He was known for his intense character portrayals, particularly as Sycho Sid, where he exhibited a volatile persona that resonated with fans. He headlined several major events, including WrestleMania VIII and XIII, and was involved in high-profile matches against wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and The Undertaker. Unfortunately, his wrestling career was cut short in 2001 due to a severe leg injury, although he continued to make sporadic appearances in the wrestling world thereafter. Sid Eudy passed away at the age of 63.
Sven-Göran Eriksson – August 26
Swedish soccer manager and former player. He began his career as a right-back before transitioning into management, where he achieved remarkable success. He managed teams like IFK Göteborg (Sweden), SL Benfica (Portugal), AS Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio (Italy). His tenure at Lazio was particularly successful, as he led the club to win the Serie A title in 2000. Eriksson is perhaps most famous for his role as the manager of the England national soccer team from 2001 to 2006. He was the first foreign manager of the England team and led them through three major tournaments: the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, and the 2006 World Cup. After his time with England, Eriksson went on to manage Manchester City and other national teams, including Mexico and Ivory Coast, as well as club teams in countries like the UAE, China, and the Philippines. Göran Eriksson passed away at the age of 76.
Afa Anoaʻi – August 16
Samoan-American professional wrestler and professional wrestling manager. He gained fame as one half of the legendary tag team “The Wild Samoans,” alongside his brother Sika Anoa’i. The duo was known for their dominance in the wrestling world during the 1970s and 1980s, capturing multiple championships, including three WWF Tag Team Championships. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. He was the uncle of current WWE star Roman Reigns (Leati Joseph Anoa’i). Afa Anoa’i passed away at the age of 81.
Joe Bryant – July 16
American professional basketball player and coach. He played in the NBA for eight seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. Joe Bryant also had a successful career playing professionally in Europe, particularly in Italy. He was the father of the late Kobe Bryant, one of the most iconic and successful basketball players in NBA history. Joe’s influence and guidance were significant in Kobe’s development as a basketball player. Joe Bryant passed away at the age of 69, after suffering a stroke.
Tamayo Perry – June 23
American surfer and actor. He was known for his roles in movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush” and TV shows like “Hawaii Five-0”. Perry passed away at the age of 49, after suffering a shark attack in Oahu, Hawaii.
Taylor Wily – June 20
American actor, sumo wrestler, and mixed martial artist. He was one of the first Americans to compete in sumo wrestling in Japan. He was known for his roles in several TV series, including ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ ‘Magnum P.I.,’ and ‘MacGyver,’ and movies like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall.’ Taylor Wily passed away at the age of 56.
Kevin Campbell – June 15
English professional soccer player who played as a striker for several clubs, including Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Trabzonspor. Campbell won several titles with Arsenal, including the First Division title in 1990-91, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1992-93, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993-94. He later played for Everton, where he scored 83 goals in 13 Premier League seasons and became the club’s fifth-highest Premier League goal scorer. Campbell also had a brief stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor and played for West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City later in his career. After retiring from football, he went on to have a successful media career, working as a pundit for Sky Sports. Kevin Campbell passed away at the age of 54.
César Luis Menotti – May 5
Argentine soccer player and head coach who won the 1978 FIFA World Cup as the head coach of the Argentina national team. As a player, he had a successful career with clubs like Rosario Central and Boca Juniors, and also represented Argentina. Menotti later transitioned into coaching, developing an attacking, possession-based style of play that became known as “Menottismo.” In 1974, he was appointed as the manager of the Argentine national team and guided them to their first-ever World Cup triumph four years later. After the 1978 success, he went on to manage several other clubs in Argentina, Spain, Mexico, and Uruguay over the following decades, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Argentine soccer history. He passed away at the age of 85.
Akebono Tarō – April 11
American-born Japanese sumo wrestler, professional wrestler, and mixed martial artist. He was born in Hawaii and started training sumo in Japan in 1988. He is best known for becoming the first non-Japanese sumo wrestler to reach the highest rank of yokozuna in 1993. Akebono’s sumo career was marked by numerous achievements, including setting records in the lower ranks and junior division, being promoted to ozeki rank in 1992, and winning four of his next eight tournaments as a yokozuna. He retired from sumo wrestling in 2001 with 11 championships and a highly respectable total of 566 victories against 198 losses at the makuuchi level, including a 432–122 record as a yokozuna. Following his retirement from sumo wrestling, Akebono became a Japanese citizen and officially changed his name to Akebono Tarō. He then pursued a career in professional wrestling (he competed against Big Show at WWE’s WrestleMania 21) and mixed martial arts, participating in kickboxing and wrestling competitions. He died of heart failure at the age of 54.
Kelvin Kiptum – February 11
Kenyan long-distance runner who has achieved significant success in marathon running. Kiptum gained international attention in 2023 when he broke the men’s marathon world record, running the Chicago Marathon in 2 hours and 35 seconds, which was 34 seconds faster than the previous record set by Eliud Kipchoge. He also won the 2023 London Marathon with a time of 2:01:25. Keptum died in a fatal road accident in Kenya. He was 24 years old.
Carl Weathers – February 1
American actor and former professional football player. Weathers is best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ film series, a role for which he gained widespread recognition. He has also appeared in other notable films such as ‘Predator’, ‘Happy Gilmore’ and TV shows like ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘The Shield’, ‘Chicago Justice’ and ‘Street Justice’. Weathers passed away at age 76.
Gigi Riva – January 22
Italian footballer. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian strikers of all time. He is particularly known for his association with the Italian national team. With 35 goals in 42 appearances between 1965 and 1974, he is Italy’s all-time leading goalscorer. Riva represented Italy in three FIFA World Cups (1966, 1970, and 1974) and played a crucial role in Italy’s victory in the 1968 UEFA European Championship. Additionally, he had a successful club career with Cagliari in Serie A. Riva passed away at age 79.
Franz Beckenbauer – January 7
German football player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players and defenders in the history of the sport. Born in 1945, Beckenbauer was known for his exceptional skill, intelligence on the field, and his ability to play as a sweeper or central defender.
He had a hugely successful career, playing for Bayern Munich and later for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. Beckenbauer won numerous titles including four Bundesliga championships with Bayern Munich, three European Cups, and he played a pivotal role in Germany’s 1974 FIFA World Cup victory as both captain and star player.
After retiring as a player, Beckenbauer transitioned to management and had a successful career as a coach, leading the German national team to a World Cup victory in 1990. Beckenbauer passed away at age 78.
Mario Zagallo – January 5
Brazilian footballer and coach. He was a pivotal figure in Brazilian and global football history. As a player, Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup both as a player (1958 and 1962) and as a coach (1970). He passed away at age 92.
