2024 was a banner year for Chinese athletes as they shone in traditionally strong sports for China and made breakthroughs in some other events, especially at the Paris Olympics. Sideline Story lists the biggest sporting achievements for China in the past year as well as the best male and female Chinese athletes of the year. Also in this episode, we reveal our expectations for Chinese sports in 2025.

NBA preseason games will make a return to China after a six-year hiatus. Macao will host two exhibition games in 2025 between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. Why did organizers choose Macao as the host for the games? Also in this episode, we discuss Cui Yong’s recent performances in the NBA and G league as well as other highlights of the NBA so far this season.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of the 2024 Formula One season. In this episode, we review those classic races and memorable moments on and off the track in the past year. We also look ahead to the 2025 season and list our expectations for the next season.

Manchester City’s winless run has extended to six games after they squandered a 3-0 lead in the Champions League draw against Fenerbahçe. What led to City’s mid-season crisis apart from an injury plague? Does it indicate that Pep Guardiola’s possession intensive style has faced challenges? In this episode, we also analyze if City can retain the Premier League title this season.

Rafael Nadal has officially retired from professional tennis after his Davis Cup campaign. What do you remember the most about the Spanish legend in his 23-year career? Which moments stand out among his classic match-ups with his Big Three rivals? Also in this episode, we discuss if the current top competitors in men’s tennis have the potential to reach or even surpass Nadal’s heights.

FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup will unveil the draw of the participating teams in December after the final berth is taken. What level of excitement can it produce? Why has FIFA insisted on the project amid opposition from some players and clubs? Also in this episode, we give our expectations on the Club World Cup next summer and discuss what organizers can do to avoid too much fatigue for players.

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has given the English club’s fans some hope after leading his current team, Sporting, to a 4-1 upset of Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. What changes could he bring to the Red Devils after he officially takes charge of the team later this month? Can he lift United out of their recent struggles? Also in this episode, we discuss which United manager did a better job in the post Alex Ferguson era.

Spanish midfielder Rodri beat Vinicius Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or Best Male Player award. What made him stand out among all nominees in a year where there was no absolute favorite for the trophy? Does he deserve the honor? Also in this episode, we discuss why defenders don't often win the Ballon d'Or and whether Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can be in the Ballon d'Or conversation again in the future.

The new season of the NBA sees the long awaited return of a Chinese player to the league. What can we expect from Cui Yongxi’s performance with the Brooklyn Nets? Can he earn a spot in the team rotation? Also in this episode, we touch on the first ever father-son duo in the NBA, LeBron and Bronny James, as well as whether Klay Thompson can return to his prime with the Dallas Mavericks.

Chinese Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu’s seat at Sauber is uncertain for 2025 as he is yet to extend his contract with the team. Will he remain an F1 driver next year? Also in this episode, we look at the fierce battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris over the driver's championship near the end of the season, and examine the reasons behind Red Bull's decline midway through the season.