In 2025, the sports world has bid farewell to numerous iconic athletes whose legacies transcended their respective disciplines. A few seconds of silence for these ones. From Olympic champions to trailblazing pioneers, these individuals left indelible marks on the fabric of sports history. Below is a tribute to some of the most notable athletes we lost this year.
Shigeo Nagashima (1936–2025)
Known as “Mr. Baseball” in Japan, Shigeo Nagashima passed away on June 3 at the age of 89 due to pneumonia. A legendary figure for the Yomiuri Giants, he was a five-time MVP and led the team to nine consecutive Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973. His charismatic presence and contributions to Japanese baseball made him a national icon.
Jim Marshall (1937–2025)
Jim Marshall, the stalwart defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and a member of the famed “Purple People Eaters,” died at 87 after a prolonged illness. He held the NFL record for 282 consecutive games played by a position player and was instrumental in the Vikings’ four Super Bowl appearances during his tenure.
Ellen Cassidy (2001–2025)
Irish swimming champion Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away at 24 shortly after completing the Cork City half-marathon on June 1. A former co-captain of University College Cork’s swim team, she represented Ireland in the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships. Her untimely death shocked the Irish sporting community.
Steve Wright (1942–2025)
Former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Steve Wright died at 82. A three-time NFL champion, he was part of the Packers’ victories in Super Bowls I and II. Wright’s likeness was famously used for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Dick McTaggart (1935–2025)
Scottish boxing legend Dick McTaggart passed away at 89 due to complications from dementia. An Olympic gold medalist in 1956 and bronze medalist in 1960, he was renowned for his technical prowess and sportsmanship, earning the Val Barker Trophy for best boxing style at the Olympics.
Ali Reza Asahi (1974–2025)
Afghan bodybuilder Ali Reza Asahi died at 50 in Kabul. He was a two-time world bodybuilding champion, winning gold in the 85 kg category at the 2023 World Bodybuilding Championships in Seoul. Asahi was a prominent figure in promoting bodybuilding in Afghanistan.
Giancarlo Guerrini (1939–2025)
Italian water polo player Giancarlo Guerrini passed away at 85. He was a member of the gold medal-winning Italian team at the 1960 Rome Olympics and also competed in the 1964 and 1968 Games. Guerrini later served as the secretary general of the Italian Fencing Federation.
Marlène Canguio (1942–2025)
French hurdler and long jumper Marlène Canguio died at 82. She was a five-time French national champion and held national records in the 100-meter hurdles and 4×100-meter relay. Canguio represented France at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Dick Barnett (1938–2025)
Former NBA player Dick Barnett passed away at 86. Known for his distinctive jump shot, he was a key contributor to the New York Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973. Beyond basketball, Barnett earned a doctorate in education and was a staunch advocate for higher education and social justice.
Mikhail Vasilyev (1961–2025)
Russian handball player Mikhail Vasilyev died at 64. He was part of the Soviet Union’s gold medal-winning team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, contributing significantly to their success.
These athletes not only excelled in their respective sports but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. Their legacies will continue to influence future generations.
