The World Cup and Ronaldo's two goals in the final was undoubtedly the top sports story of the year.
Europe's Ryder Cup victory, Lance Armstrong's fourth consecutive Tour de France, Tiger Woods' continued domination of golf and other candidates were not far behind. But also worthy of mention, are those who came before.
Jeff Astle
Died aged 59 of industrial disease on Jan. 20. The coroner at his inquest said the former England striker died as a result of repeatedly heading a football during his 20-year professional career.
Hansie Cronje
Killed in a plane crash on June 1 aged 32.
The disgraced former South African cricket captain. Received a life ban from the United Cricket Board of South Africa after admitting before a commission of inquiry he had accepted US$100,000 from Indian bookmakers and offered other players money to under-perform, though he said he never threw a match.
Captained South Africa in 53 Test matches, of which 27 were won and 11 lost.
Prince Alexandre de Merode
Died aged 68 on Nov. 28 after a long fight with cancer. The driving force of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) fight against doping in sport.
The Belgian-born de Merode had been a member of the IOC since 1964 but was best known for creating the Medical Commission in 1967 which fought a frustrating but determined battle with the drugs cheats.
Dida
Died of liver and respiratory problems aged 68 on Sept. 17. He was a teammate of the then 17-year-old Pele in Brazil's World Cup-winning side in 1958 when they beat hosts Sweden in the final.
Manfred Ewald
Died aged 76 on Oct. 21. The highest-ranked official in the drug-tainted sports system of the former Communist East Germany.
The head of the East German sports confederation from 1963 to 1988, oversaw the program of doping of sportsmen and women which produced 197 Olympic gold medals for a country with a population of just 17 million.
Bob Hayes
Died aged 59 of kidney failure on September 19. Won the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and 1971 Super Bowl with Dallas Cowboys. Running in lane one in the 100m final, he came home a full 2m ahead of his closest rivals.
Dick Hern
Died aged 81 on May 22. Englishman who became one of the greatest post-war trainers in Europe after leaving army. Trained mile legend Brigadier Gerard and captured 17 Classics, with Dunfermline landing the Oaks and St Leger for the Queen during her silver jubilee in 1977.
Bert Millichip
Died aged 88 on Dec. 18. Chairman of England's Football Association (FA) from 1981 to 1996.
Chung Sohn-Kee
Died aged 90 of respiratory failure on Nov. 15. A Korean who won the gold medal for Japan in the 1936 Berlin Olympics marathon and whose feat still belongs to the country on paper.
Sam Snead
Died aged 90 following complications from a stroke on May 23. The PGA Tour's all-time leader with 81 victories and owner of the "sweetest swing in golf". Known as "Slammin' Sammy," Snead has been credited with 135 world-wide wins, including three Masters, three US PGA Championships and one British Open. He also won tour-sponsored events in six different decades.
Ted Williams
Died aged 83 after battling heart problems and a series of ailments for several years on July 5. The last major leaguer to bat .400 and one of the greatest hitters in the game's history.
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