The top ten Google searches in sports of 2016
Search engines dictate our lives. They tell us what - and most importantly who - are people searching. In 2016 some sports figures were among the most searched, two of them made the cut even after their deaths.
10. Arnold Palmer - the dean of golf
Some people call him golf's "King of Cool". There's no question that Arnold Palmer was a sporting icon and the most popular golfer ever. He was also the first pro to market himself professionally, paving the way for the whole industry. Palmer died on September 25, 2016 due to heart problems. His death triggered a wealth of stories and searches.
9. O. J. Simpson - the serial hero
Through his better times, O.J. Simpson was one of the best running backs in the NFL and a successful actor. In 1994, he was accused of murdering his wife and her boyfriend, but was acquitted. The most publicized trial ever was turned into a TV series in 2016.
8. Nate Diaz - the martial artist
California's Nate Diaz is a giant in the UFC world. A mixed martial artist with experience in cagefighting, His two colossal tussles with Conor McGregor were box office fights around the globe. The 31-year-old plans to change to boxing in the future.
7. Antoine Griezmann - Germany's thorn
The German national team will wince when they hear this name: Antoine Griezmann. The French striker scored two goals in the semi-final of the European Championship on home turf. He finished top goalscorer and led from the front for club side Atletico Madrid, reaching the Champions League final.
6. Simone Biles - the acrobat
She is just 142 centimeters tall, but for many she was the greatest athlete at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Simone Biles, aged 19, stole the heart of many sports fans and now has more than three million followers on Instagram. She was the most searched female athlete on Google.
5. Kevin Durant - the up-and-comer
The Golden State Warriors landed a serious coup when Kevin Durant switched from Oklahoma City Thunders in 2015. Durant is now at the top team in NBA, will earn 51 million euros ($53.2 million) over two years and has gained enormous popularity - which is illustrated by the number of search requests.
4. Kobe Bryant - the perfect departure
On April 13, 2016, Kobe Bryant called it a day. He ended his basketball career with a stunning 33,643 points. He saved his best for his last game, scoring 60 points and breaking his own personal record. Given Bryant's fantastic career, it's little surprise to see him feature so highly in searches.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo - the marketing machine
You either like him or you don't - nothing works in between. Ronaldo has polarized opinion and garnered so much media attention. His class is undisputed. He led Portugal to European Championship glory in France and won another Champions League title with Real Madrid.
2. Muhammad Ali - the legend
No-one is like him. Muhammad Ali can be described as unique. An exceptional boxer, a talented showman and a rousing speaker - Ali had many talents and he inspired the world. He died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease on June 3, 2016.
1. Michael Phelps - the greatest Olympian
Phelps' victories in the pool fascinated millions. His comeback from depression to champion made him an American super hero. In 2016, he became the most successful Olympian of all-time and was ranked fifth in overall searches behind Donald Trump, Prince, Hilary Clinton and David Bowie.