From groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence to extraordinary achievements on the football field, 2024 was a year shaped by dynamic individuals who left a lasting impact. Here are five key personalities who defined the year:
Jensen Huang: The Chip Industry Visionary
As artificial intelligence reshaped industries in 2024, Nvidia, led by CEO Jensen Huang, emerged as the leader of this transformation. Under Huang’s guidance, Nvidia surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable public company.
Huang, known for his iconic black leather jacket, founded Nvidia 30 years ago. The company revolutionized the tech landscape with its graphics processors—originally designed for video games—by harnessing their potential for AI. These advanced chips became essential for the large language models driving generative AI, cementing Huang’s legacy as a trailblazer.
Yulia Navalnaya: The Relentless Opposition Leader
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, emerged as a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime in 2024. After Navalny’s death in February in an Arctic prison, Navalnaya vowed to continue his fight for democracy and justice.
A trained economist, Navalnaya has campaigned globally against Putin’s government. In March, she called for Russians to peacefully protest by forming queues outside polling stations during elections. Despite being blacklisted by Moscow as a “terrorist and extremist,” she remains a symbol of resistance and determination.
Gisele Pelicot: A Feminist Icon for Justice
At the center of one of France’s most disturbing trials, 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot became a global symbol of resilience and courage. Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, confessed to drugging her and facilitating her abuse by strangers over nearly a decade.
Gisele’s insistence on a public trial brought international attention to the pervasive issue of violence against women. “I wanted all women who are rape victims to say, ‘If Mrs. Pelicot could stand up, so can we,’” she said. Her bravery has inspired countless survivors to seek justice.
Lamine Yamal: Spain’s Football Prodigy
Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal dazzled the world during the Euro 2024 football championships. As a part of Spain’s electrifying attack, Yamal and his teammate Nico Williams guided Spain to their record fourth European Championship victory.
Breaking records, Yamal became the youngest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history at just 16. Known for his dazzling skills and youthful enthusiasm, he celebrated his 17th birthday on the eve of the final. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised Yamal as a “once-in-a-generation talent.”
Charli XCX: The ‘Brat’ Revolution
British pop star Charli XCX dominated the music scene in 2024 with her album Brat, which sparked a cultural phenomenon. Her lime-green album cover and celebration of carefree lifestyles inspired the “brat summer” meme.
The trend took on new political significance when Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign embraced the “brat” aesthetic. Charli XCX’s approval of the movement—”kamala IS brat”—cemented the term’s cultural significance. By year’s end, “brat” was crowned Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
