2015 in review: Goals, glory and top memorable moments
It was a year of soaring highs and deep lows – but as 2015 wound to a close, sport played its part in sending a message of defiant unity to the world.
Following the tragic events in Paris on November 13, Wembley was united as the French visited London just days after the horrific attacks. England ran out 2-0 winners in a match which wasn't about the game itself, but about the unification and defiance both countries showed as they stood against terrorism.
England players stood shoulder to shoulder with their French counterparts as the Wembley crowd belted out the Marseillaise just days after the horror slaying of more than 130 people.
Earlier in the year, the Three Lions had bounced back from their humbling at the 2014 World Cup. Faith was kept with manager Roy Hodgson,and with 10 wins from 10 in Euro 2016 qualifying. Indeed, Hodgson's only lost once in 2015 – 2-0 away to Spain.
Wayne Rooney managed to break the 47-year-old England goal scoring record along the way which was previously held by Bobby Charlton. A penalty in San Marino put the Manchester United forward level on 49 before notching another penalty at Wembley against Switzerland in September.
As well as the men's football side, the women have had a positive 2015 as they finished third in the Women's World Cup – reaching their first ever World Cup Semi-Final. Despite opening the tournament with a 1-0 loss to France, the Lionesses advanced to the knockout stages with successive 2-1 victories over Colombia and Mexico.
Further 2-1 victories over hosts Canada and then Norway in the Quarter Finals set up a tie with Japan. England's run came to an unfortunate end.
Walsall fans have enjoyed a good start to the 2015/16 season and were also treated to watching their side at Wembley back in March. Unfortunately for the Saddlers, they fell 2-0 to Bristol City – the eventual League One winners last season.
Villa survived a survival battle for their Premier League status after sacking Paul Lambert and appointing Tim Sherwood, who guided the club to the FA Cup Final. Sadly, they were humbled by a rampant Arsenal who lifted the Cup with a 4-0 victory.
Halesowen wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley was named Britain's most successful tennis player ever winning four Grand Slam titles in 12 months, including the US Open wheelchair final.
Wolves asset Tai Woffinden was also celebrating after winning his second world speedway championship in October.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter caused a stir with allegations of illegal payments. The Swiss said back in June he would resign from the presidency due to the corruption inquiry. He and Uefa boss Michel Platini were later suspended for eight years from all football-related activities following the ethics investigation.
In cricket the Ashes were regained by England as they beat Australia 3-2 – breaking a few records along the way. In the fourth test at Trent Bridge, Stuart Broad blew the Aussies away, taking figures of 8/15, helping to bowl them out for just 60 in 111 balls – the quickest first innings dismissal in Test Match history. Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton has had another tremendous year – winning the Drivers' Championship for a second year in a row.
The Rugby World Cup had been anticipated by England fans for years, but nobody could predict the catastrophic exit as Stuart Lancaster's men became the first hosts not to advance through the group stage. In boxing, the big fight of 2015 was Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao. The fight itself didn't live up to expectations but the revenue created from just one night of boxing was staggering. The total amount raised by the match was between £360-390 million, with £93m going to Pacquiao while Mayweather pocketed a hefty £135m.
In November Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko to become heavyweight champion.
Serena Williams won a sixth Wimbledon in July as Great Britain's Heather Watson gave the American a scare early on in the tournament. In the Men's singles, Roger Federer looked back to his best, but the former number one couldn't get past Novak Djokovic as he lost 3-1 in the final.
Andy Murray led Great Britain to win the Davis Cup for the first time since 1936 after he beat Belgium's David Goffin in Ghent and was later named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
In athletics, Mo Farah has had a tough year despite breaking the two-mile and half-marathon records as his coach, Alberto Salazar, was accused of doping offences by BBC's Panorama – Farah himself wasn't accused of any wrongdoing by the programme.
The World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow saw Great Britain come away with five medals, including one gold and three silver. Wolverhampton-based Kristian Thomas was part of the squad that took silver in the team competition.
The Tour De France saw Chris Froome capture his second victory in the most prestigious bike race of the year. He added to his previous 2013 victory in the competition – winning by over an hour in July.
The sporting community has unfortunately seen many beloved stars pass away this year. Rugby union legend Jonah Lomu, 40, died unexpectedly at his home in Auckland in November. Former Baggies goalkeeper Marton Fulop sadly lost his life to cancer aged just 32. And rising Formula One driver Jules Bianchi succumbed to his injuries he suffered in the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014.
