Every sporting season brings drama, but not all of it turns out to be real. From viral injury hoaxes to multimillion-pound transfer stories that never happened, fake news is now as much a part of sports culture.
With rumours spreading faster than ever, thanks to social media, influencer speculation, and tabloid teasers, experts dug into some of the most viral fake sports rumours of the 2024/25 season.
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Top Viral Fake Sports Rumours of 2024/25
1. Kylian Mbappé to Liverpool (2024)
The rumour: In the 2024/25 season, reports circulated claiming that Kylian Mbappé was set for a £150 million transfer to Liverpool, leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in search of a new challenge in the Premier League.
What happened: Both PSG and Mbappé’s representatives swiftly denied the rumour, asserting that the player was fully committed to PSG and had no intention of leaving mid-season.
Why it spread: Liverpool’s financial strength and its pursuit of high-profile players gave some credibility to the speculation. Additionally, Mbappé’s uncertain contract situation at PSG fuelled further speculation.
The experts commented: “Although Liverpool is known for its significant signings, Mbappé remains central to PSG’s future. This rumour was primarily driven by speculation rather than factual developments.”
2. Novak Djokovic Retiring After the 2024 French Open
The rumour: Rumours emerged suggesting that Novak Djokovic intended to retire after the 2024 French Open, allegedly due to fatigue from the demands of professional tennis.
What happened: Djokovic directly addressed the rumours following his Roland Garros victory, stating his commitment to continuing his career as long as his physical condition allowed.
Why it spread: Djokovic, being in his late 30s, had shown signs of slowing down, prompting speculation about his potential retirement, particularly after an illustrious career.
“While Djokovic’s place in tennis history is secured, his enduring competitiveness makes it clear that he is not considering retirement any time soon.”
3. Max Verstappen Leaving Red Bull for Mercedes (2024)
The rumour: Following a dominant season with Red Bull, reports surfaced claiming that Max Verstappen was contemplating a switch to Mercedes, citing dissatisfaction with team dynamics and car development.
What happened: Verstappen dismissed the claims, and Red Bull reaffirmed its commitment to the driver, confirming that there had been no discussions regarding a potential move to Mercedes.
Why it spread: Given Mercedes’ continuous pursuit of top-tier drivers and Verstappen’s undeniable success, many speculated that his tenure with Red Bull might be brief.
“Formula 1 is often rife with transfer gossip, especially when a dominant driver like Verstappen is involved. However, there was no foundation to this rumour.”
4. Serena Williams Returning for Paris 2024 (Tennis)
The rumour: With the buzz surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics, several media outlets speculated that Serena Williams was planning a shock return to tennis to compete one last time.
What happened: Williams’ team firmly denied the rumour, and Serena herself confirmed she was staying retired to focus on her family and business ventures.
Why it spread: Williams’ career and potential Olympic farewell provided ground for such rumours, which captivated tennis fans worldwide.
“Serena Williams’ legacy in tennis is unquestionable, and while the rumour was appealing to fans, it lacked any factual basis.”
5. Conor McGregor Returning to the UFC for a Title Fight (2024)
The rumour: Reports surfaced that Conor McGregor, after his long absence from the UFC, would return in 2024 to fight for a lightweight title shot, despite his controversial suspension and injuries.
What happened: McGregor himself dismissed the story on social media, stating he was still recovering and focusing on his business ventures, not a UFC return.
Why it spread: McGregor’s larger-than-life persona always keeps him in the media spotlight, and fans constantly speculate about his return to the octagon.
“McGregor is a master of managing his image, but there’s no real indication that he’s coming back for a major fight anytime soon.”
6. Rafael Nadal Leaving Tennis for a Football Career (2025)
The rumour: In a twist, a rumour spread that tennis icon Rafael Nadal was considering switching to football after his knee problems continued to plague him. The story claimed he was exploring a career as a footballer in Spain’s second division.
What happened: Nadal’s team laughed off the story, emphasising his commitment to tennis and his recovery from injuries. He confirmed that no such decision had ever been made.
Why it spread: Nadal’s ongoing struggles with injury have led to frequent rumours about his retirement, and the idea of him pursuing another sport seemed outlandish enough to gain traction.
“While Nadal’s injuries are concerning, this rumour went too far. His legacy in tennis is secure, and switching to football is far beyond his current intentions.”
7. Fernando Alonso Retiring After 2024 Season (Formula 1)
The rumour: Following a solid 2024 season with Aston Martin, rumours emerged claiming that Fernando Alonso would retire at the end of the year, citing a lack of competitive options and wanting to spend more time with family.
What happened: Alonso publicly denied the claims, stating he was fully committed to Aston Martin for the foreseeable future and had no plans to retire just yet.
Why it spread: As one of the sport’s most beloved figures, any suggestion that Alonso might retire immediately caught fans off guard. His age and the shifting dynamics of F1 teams likely fueled the speculation.
“Alonso is a seasoned driver, but retirement doesn’t seem to be on the horizon for him. This was another rumour born out of F1’s often intense media environment.”
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo Leaving the Milwaukee Bucks (2025)
The rumour: After a disappointing playoff exit for the Bucks, reports surfaced that Giannis Antetokounmpo was ready to leave Milwaukee and join a bigger market team, with the likes of the Lakers and Miami Heat allegedly interested.
What happened: Giannis dismissed the rumour in a press conference, expressing his love for Milwaukee and stating he was committed to winning another championship with the Bucks.
Why it spread: Giannis’s star status in the NBA makes him the subject of constant trade speculation, especially after setbacks in the postseason.
“Giannis is a key figure for the Bucks, and the narrative around his future will always attract attention. But this rumour was nothing more than the usual off-season speculation.”
The experts commented: “Rumours are an inevitable part of the sports world, often driven by speculation and amplified by social media. However, fans need to focus on the facts and avoid getting caught up in the noise.
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