The best athlete celebrations
Fans of a sport will know all the good athletes. But an athlete can become a cultural icon with a great celebration.
Here are some of the best athlete celebrations of the last 60 years.
Carli Lloyd
USA women's soccer star Carli Lloyd trolls her team's critics with a more somber celebration after scoring a goal against Chile during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France in Paris on June 16.
Gary Woodland
Professional golfer Gary Woodland celebrates making a birdie putt on the 18th hole to win the 2019 U.S. Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach on June 16.
Alex Pietrangelo
Blues defenseman and captain Alex Pietrangelo lifts the Stanley Cup during the team's championship parade in St. Louis on June 15.
Kawhi Leonard
Raptors star Kawhi Leonard and center Serge Ibaka celebrate winning the 2019 NBA Finals, over the Warriors, with the Larry O'Brien Trophy at Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 13.
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues celebrate in typical Stanley Cup fashion after winning the franchise's first championship in 52 years, against the Bruins at the TD Garden in Boston on June 12.
Rafael Nadal
Tennis star Rafael Nadal wins his 10th men's singles French Open title, beating Stan Wawrinka in Paris on June 11.
USA Women’s Team
The USA women's soccer team celebrate in somewhat overzealous fashion during a 13-0 shellacking of Thailand in the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 in Paris on June 11.
Joel Rosario
Jockey Joel Rosario celebrates on his horse, Sir Winston, after winning the 151st running of the Belmont Stakes in Belmont Park on June 8.
Ashleigh Barty
Tennis player Ashleigh Barty celebrates after winning the 2019 Women's French Open Final against Marketa Vondrousova in Paris on June 8.
Simon Pagenaud
Car racer Simon Pagenaud celebrates in typical fashion at the bricks after winning the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26.
Vincent Kompany
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany holds the Premier League Trophy during a parade celebrating the team's 2019 Premier League title, the FA Cup and English League Cup in Manchester on May 20.
Brooks Koepka
Professional golfer Brooks Koepka fist pumps after winning the PGA Championship at Bethpage State Park on May 19.
Tyler Gaffalione
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione holds the Woodlawn Vase in the winner's circle after winning the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes with War of Will (not pictured) in Baltimore on May 18.
Country House ownership group
The ownership group of Country House celebrates in the winner's circle after its horse won the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby, following the disqualification of Maximum Security in Louisville on May 4.
Christian Wilkins
Former Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins celebrates going No. 12 overall in the first round to the Miami Dolphins by body slamming NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville on April 25.
Lionel Messi
FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi performs one of the more popular celebrations in sports, pointing to the sky, after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on April 16.
Kyle Guy
Cavaliers guard Kyle Guy participates in one of the biggest traditions in college basketball, cutting down the nets, after Virginia beat Texas Tech in overtime of the 2019 NCAA Men's basketball national championship at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on April 8.
Juicy Landrum
Lady Bears guard Juicy Landrum cuts down the net after Baylor defeated Notre Dame by one point in the 2019 NCAA women's national championship at Amalie Arena in Tampa on April 7.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes started a new tradition this season, celebrating in the most absurd ways, in what they called "The Storm Surge," after wins. The Hurricanes celebrated with a basketball hoop after beating the Wild at PNC Arena in Raleigh on March 23.
Denny Hamlin
Race car driver Denny Hamlin opens a bottle of champagne after winning the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 17.
Mikaela Shiffrin
American skier Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates after capturing the gold medal in the women's slalom during the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Are, Sweden on Feb. 16.
Lindsey Vonn
American skier Lindsey Vonn celebrates in typical fashion, holding her country's flag behind her back, after winning the bronze medal in the women's downhill alpine skiing race at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships in Are, Sweden on Feb. 10.
Kyle Van Noy
Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy stands on top of a giant truck during the Super Bowl parade in Boston following New England's victory against the Rams in Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 5.
Novak Djokovic
Tennis player Novak Djokovic celebrates defeating Lucas Pouille in the 2019 Men's Australian Open in Melbourne Park on Jan. 25.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Karolina Pliskova in the 2019 Women's Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 24.
Greg Zuerlein
Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein celebrates with teammates after making the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Saints in the NFC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 20.
Dabo Swinney
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney celebrates with a kiss of the College Football Playoff Trophy following the Tigers' victory against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Jan. 7.
Harry Kane
Tottenham star Harry Kane celebrates with a jump following his score against Cardiff City at Cardiff City Stadium on Jan. 1.
Tyler Lockett
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett and his offensive teammates pose for the camera after scoring a touchdown against the 49ers at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Dec. 2, 2018.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his abs following a goal against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Nov. 7, 2018.
Philadelphia Eagles
The entire Eagles offense offers a salute to the crowd in honor of Veteran's Day after tight end Zach Ertz scored a touchdown against the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Nov. 11, 2018.
Chris Sale and Christian Vazquez
Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez jumps into the arms of his pitcher, Chris Sale, in typical baseball fashion following Boston's victory against the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 28, 2018.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw celebrates with his teammates after recording the final out to defeat the Brewers in the 2018 NLCS at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Oct. 20, 2018.
Rob Gronkowski
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates in his typical fashion, spiking the ball, after scoring a touchdown against the Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018.
Clay Matthews
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews celebrates with his vintage "Predator" move following a sack against the Ravens at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Nov. 19, 2017.
Baker Mayfield
Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield plants the Sooners flag at the 50-yard line after defeating Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 9, 2017.
Fernando Rodney
Former Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney celebrates a save in his typical fashion, with a crossbow imitation, following a win against the Giants at Chase Field in Phoenix on Aug. 25, 2017.
Jordan Spieth
Professional golfer Jordan Spieth and his caddie, Michael Greller, celebrate in memorable fashion, following a chipped birdie from a bunker on the 18th hole to win the Travelers Championship in a playoff against Daniel Berger in Cromwell, Connecticut on June 25, 2017.
Sergio Garcia
Professional golfer Sergio Garcia is shocked after winning the Masters in a playoff with Justin Rose at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2017.
Ezekiel Elliott
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott jumps into the Salvation Army kettle after scoring a touchdown against the Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 18, 2016.
P.K. Subban
Predators defenseman P.K. Subban performs his signature celebration move following a goal against the Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Oct. 14, 2016.
Roy Nelson
UFC fighter Roy Nelson celebrates with a belly rub after beating Antonio Silver in a heavyweight UFC bout in Brasilia, Brazil on Sept. 24, 2016.
David Ortiz
Former Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz celebrates with his typical point to the sky after hitting a home run against the Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on Sept. 23, 2016.
Usain Bolt
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt celebrates with his typical double point after winning the gold medal in the Men's 4x100 Finals during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 19, 2016.
LeBron James
Former Cavaliers stars LeBron James and Kevin Love celebrate together after winning the 2016 NBA Finals against the Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 19, 2016.
Cam Newton
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton performs the dab during a blowout victory against the Cardinals in the NFC championship game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Jan. 24, 2016.
Luis Suarez
FC Barcelona star Luis Suarez celebrates with his usual three kisses after scoring a goal against Athletic Club Bilbao on Jan. 17, 2016.
Reggie Miller
A UCLA fan holds up a sign portraying the famous Reggie Miller choking celebration during a game against Arizona at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 7, 2016. Miller performed that choking sign against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 7, 1995.
Antonio Brown
Former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown performs one of the silliest NFL celebrations of recent memory, jumping straight into the padded goal post after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Colts at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Dec. 6, 2015.
Jose Bautista
Former Blue Jays star Jose Bautista performs the most memorable bat flip in history after hitting a grand slam against the Rangers in Game 5 of the ALDS at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Oct. 14, 2015.
Tom Brady
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady does his usual yell and fist pump after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Oct. 11, 2015.
Steph Curry
Warriors superstar Steph Curry celebrates with his usual point to the heavens during Game 3 of the 2015 Western Conference Finals against the Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston on May 23, 2015.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus
Borussia Dortmund teammates Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus break out the Batman and Robin masks after scoring a goal against FC Schalke at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on Feb. 28, 2015.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring a goal in a game on Feb. 16, 2015.
Evgeni Kuznetsov
Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov performs his "bird" celebration after scoring against the Islanders at Verizon Center in Washington D.C. on Nov. 28, 2014.
Olafur Finsen
Stjarnan's Olafur Finsen celebrates his second goal against Motherwell in the UEFA Europa League Qualifying match in Fir Park, Motherwell on July 17, 2014. Over the years, Stjarnan has performed some of the most memorable celebrations in soccer history, including the "human toilet."
Carmelo Anthony
Former Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony celebrates a three-pointer in his usual fashion by tapping three fingers on the side of his head during a matchup against the Kings in Sacramento on March 26, 2014.
Gareth Bale
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale celebrates a goal against Schalke 04 with a heart during the 2014 UEFA Championship League in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Feb. 26, 2014.
Tiger Williams
Former Maple Leafs forward Tiger Williams reenacts his famous "riding the stick" move in an NHL Alumni game at Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Feb. 1, 2014.
Andrew McCutchen
Former Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen celebrates a home run in his typical fashion, with a sidestep and a tip of the cap, in a game against the Mets at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on July 13, 2013.
Robert Harting
German Olympian Robert Harting celebrates like he's the Incredible Hulk, after winning a gold medal in the Men's Discus Throw during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on Aug. 7, 2012.
Aaron Rodgers
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates with his typical title belt move after throwing a touchdown against the Bears at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Dec. 25, 2011.
David Freese
Former Cardinals third baseman David Freese is ecstatic after hitting a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series against the Rangers — which is one of the most memorable baseball games of recent memory — in St. Louis on Oct. 27, 2011.
James Harden
Former Thunder guard James Harden celebrates hitting a three-pointer against the Grizzlies during Game 7 of the 2011 Western Conference semifinals in Oklahoma City on May 15, 2011.
Ray Lewis
Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis performs his typical dance while running out onto the field before playing the Saints at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 19, 2010.
Jason Terry
Former Mavericks guard Jason Terry performs his "jet" celebration after hitting a three-pointer against the Jazz at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Dec. 11, 2010.
Jonathan Toews
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews drinks from the Stanley Cup, as all championship captains usually do, after defeating the Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup in Philadelphia on June 9, 2010.
Sidney Crosby
Canadian center Sidney Crosby celebrates after scoring the game-winning overtime goal of the 2010 men's hockey gold medal game against the United States in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver on Feb. 28, 2010.
Allen Iverson
Former guard Allen Iverson performs his usual stomp celebration in a game against the Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Nov. 13, 2008.
Michael Phelps
American swimmer Michael Phelps and his teammates yell in incredible fashion after Jason Lezak barely comes in first for the U.S. to win the gold medal in the 4x100 Freestyle Relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing on Aug. 11, 2008.
Alex Ovechkin
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin performs his usual celebration, jumping into the boards, after scoring a goal against the Flyers in Game 1 of the 2008 Eastern Conference quarterfinals at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. on April 11, 2008.
LaDainian Tomlinson
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson celebrates in his typical fashion, after scoring a touchdown against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Dec. 2, 2007.
Terrell Owens
Former Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens celebrates a touchdown with popcorn during a game against the Packers at Texas Stadium in Irving on Nov. 29, 2007.
Chad Johnson
Former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson uses the pylon as a pretend putter after scoring a touchdown against the Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 27, 2005.
Steve Smith
Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith celebrates a touchdown with a mock row boat against the Vikings at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Oct. 30, 2005.
Randy Moss
Former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss pretends to moon the crowd at Lambeau Field after scoring a touchdown during the NFC wild-card game against the Packers in Green Bay on Jan. 9, 2005.
Terrell Owens
Former Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens stands on the Dallas star after scoring a touchdown against the Cowboys at Texas Stadium in Irving on Nov. 15, 2004. Owens also performed this celebration, standing on the star at the 50-yard line, as a member of the 49ers.
Sammy Sosa
Former Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa sends kisses to the sky, which he often did in front of the camera, after hitting a home run against the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Aug. 20, 2004.
LenDale White
Former USC running back LenDale White performs the Heisman Trophy pose, which has become extremely popular in college football during recent years, after USC beat Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl in Miami on Jan. 4, 2004.
Joe Horn
Former Saints wide receiver Joe Horn pulls out a cell phone after scoring a touchdown against the Giants at the Superdome in New Orleans on Dec. 14, 2003.
Terrell Owens
Former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens pulls out a Sharpie to sign a football after scoring a touchdown against Seattle at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle on Oct. 14, 2002.
Mark McGwire
Former Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire celebrates in his typical way after hitting a home run against the Cubs at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 13, 1999.
Jamal Anderson
Former Falcons running back Jamal Anderson performs his "Dirty Bird" dance after scoring a touchdown against the 49ers in the 1999 NFC Divisional Round at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Jan. 9, 1999.
Deion Sanders
Former Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders does his typical high stepping to the end zone while returning a punt for a touchdown against New York at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on Sept. 21, 1998.
Mia Hamm
Former USA women's soccer player Mia Hamm performs her typical sliding celebration after scoring a goal against Russia at Frontier Field in Rochester on Aug. 18, 1998.
Terrell Davis
Broncos running back Terrell Davis and wide receiver Rod Smith perform the "Mile High" salute after scoring a touchdown against the Jaguars in the AFC wild-card game at Mile High Stadium in Denver on Dec. 27, 1997.
Scottie Pippen
Former Bulls star Scottie Pippen pops champagne in this perfect freeze frame to celebrate winning the 1997 NBA Finals against the Jazz at the United Center in Chicago on June 13, 1997.
Tiger Woods
Professional golfer Tiger Woods celebrates with his famous fist pump after hitting an eagle putt during the U.S. Amateur Championships at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course in Cornelius, Oregon on Aug. 25, 1996.
Steve Young
Former 49ers quarterback Steve Young hugs and doesn't let go of the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami on Jan. 29, 1995.
Mark Messier
Former Rangers captain Mark Messier takes the Stanley Cup and begins jumping up and down with a giant smile, which has become famous in Rangers lore, after beating the Canucks in Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 14, 1994.
Joe Carter
Former Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter jumps his way around the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series against the Phillies at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto on Oct. 23, 1993.
Michael Jordan
Former Bulls star Michael Jordan celebrates winning his first of six NBA championships after beating the Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals at Great Western Forum in Inglewood on June 12, 1991.
Kirk Gibson
Former Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson celebrates one of the most famous home runs in baseball history — a walk-off blast against the Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 15, 1988.
Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire
The Bash Brothers celebrate a home run in Game 1 of the 1988 ALCS against the Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 5, 1988.
Ickey Woods
Former Bengals running back Ickey Woods teaches his teammates the "Ickey Shuffle," which was one of the NFL's most famous celebrations of the 1980s, before the Super Bowl in Miami on Jan. 17, 1989.
Chicago Bears Super Bowl Shuffle
Was this a celebration? The Bears hadn't won anything yet when they recorded this. Well, we will count it. The Bears perform the Super Bowl Shuffle in Chicago in 1985.
Carlton Fisk
Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk waves his 12th-inning blast fair and then jumps for joy after winning Game 6 of the 1975 World Series against the Reds at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 21, 1975.
Bobby Orr
Former Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr flies through the air after scoring the game-winning and series-clinching overtime goal against the Blues in Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup at the Boston Garden in Boston on May 10, 1970. This has become one of the most iconic photos in sports history.
Muhammad Ali
Speaking of iconic photos, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston, celebrating a knockout during their title fight in Lewiston, Maine, on May 25, 1965.
Bill Mazeroski
Former Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski waves his hand to the stands after hitting the biggest home run in baseball history — a walk-off blast against the Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh on Oct. 13, 1960.
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