Faith Kipyegon./FILE
Kenya’s sporting passions were on full display in 2025, as Google’s Year in Search report revealed the athletes who captured the nation’s curiosity, conversation, and imagination.
From homegrown legends to rising global icons, Kenyans spent the year glued to the performances, controversies, and stories of some of the world’s most electrifying sports personalities.
At the top of the trending list was Slovenian football sensation Benjamin Šeško, whose explosive rise across European football made him one of the most searched athletes in Kenya.
His goal-scoring flair and rapid ascent to stardom resonated strongly with Kenyan fans, many of whom follow European leagues with fervor. Šeško’s breakout season, marked by key performances and transfer buzz, pushed him to the top of Google’s trending sports personalities.
Close behind him was Kenya’s own global track queen, Faith Kipyegon, once again affirming her status as a national treasure. The world champion and record-breaker dominated headlines through the year with her consistent excellence on the track.
Her appearances in major races, combined with her growing influence in global athletics, kept Kenyans searching for every update about her times, victories, and future prospects.
Kipyegon’s presence in the top tier of the list underscored her continued reign as one of Kenya’s most celebrated sports figures.
Another athlete who commanded attention was João Pedro, the Brazilian-Italian forward whose performances in Europe drew widespread interest.
His impressive statistics, transfer rumours and standout matches made him a constant figure in Kenyan search activity, reflecting the country’s deepening engagement with global football analytics and player tracking.
Young Dutch star Xavi Simons also made waves in Kenya’s search landscape. His dynamic style of play, coupled with a fast-rising career at both club and international level, cemented him as one of the most followed young midfielders globally.
His popularity among Kenyan football fans speaks to a broader trend: an increasing fascination with emerging talent shaping the future of world football.
The list further highlighted the expanding recognition of African players making their mark abroad. Bryan Mbeumo, the Cameroonian forward whose Premier League displays have dazzled observers, ranked prominently as Kenyans tracked his contributions and injury updates.
Similarly, England-born Eberechi Eze, with his Nigerian heritage and creative playmaking, sustained strong local interest throughout the year.
Chelsea’s winger Noni Madueke, known for his pace and flair, also featured heavily in searches, signalling Kenyans’ appetite for updates on youthful attacking talents poised for greatness.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma remained a household name, with his high-profile performances and club developments attracting significant attention online.
Rounding off the list was Egyptian-born Omar Marmoush, whose Bundesliga breakthroughs and national team performances placed him among Africa’s most exciting football exports.
Together, these athletes defined Kenya’s 2025 sports conversations—an eclectic blend of world-class footballers and exceptional Kenyan talent.
Their stories, triumphs and transformations kept millions searching, debating and celebrating in a year when sports once again united the nation’s imagination.
