Vardy, Ronaldo, cheerleaders and gymnasts: The best mannequin challenges
England's footballers joined in the social media craze at Wembley - but which sports teams are behind the best mannequin challenge videos?
England's footballers became the latest sports stars to take on the mannequin challenge after Jamie Vardy scored against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Immediately after his diving header, he and several of his team-mates including Raheem Sterling and Theo Walcott, froze to the spot for several seconds.
Although the social media craze has been doing the rounds for a few weeks, Vardy is one of the first to perform it during a match. Most other sports teams have broken out the challenge during training or after matches.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Baltimore Ravens NFL team attempted a mass mannequin challenge last week, led by quarterback Joe Flacco. But the results were less than convincing on the field.
American football teams have had more success with the challenge during training or on their travels. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills have shown the way.
And of course the cheerleaders have also got in on the act, with the New Orleans Saints setting the standard.
The first Premier League club to take on the challenge was Sunderland, who showed off their ability to stand still during a weights session, earlier in the month. Unfortunately, given the Black Cats' position at the bottom of the table, many fans have been left wondering if they had been trying out the challenge during matches as well.
Other football clubs around the world have joined in, with Borussia Dortmund one of the stand-out candidates:
Paris Saint Germain also deserve credit for involving 400 fans in the club shop in their effort:
But of course, Cristiano Ronaldo had to muscle in on the fad and have the last say, and he - and his white underpants - are the stars of the Portugal national team's effort.
Beyond the world of football, other sports have been getting involved, with Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic orchestrating a tennis-themed effort at the ATP World Tour Finals.
But if the aim of the challenge is to hold an improbable pose then the gold medal must go to the Texas A&M gymnastics team, whose mannequin challenge film features some extraordinary poses on gym equipment.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?
The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
After Tua injury, can NFL make progress on concussions?
Today's Big Question Dolphins QB faces calls to retire
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Cop benched after NFL star handcuffed in traffic stop
Speed Read A Miami-Dade police officer detained Dolphins star Tyreek Hill before the game
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The economics of taxpayer-subsidized stadiums
In Depth Shiny new stadiums can end up costing taxpayers billions
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How the NFL's new kickoff rules could change football
Under the Radar The play will resemble the kickoff structure seen in the much-smaller XFL
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The NFL's concussion settlement has seemingly failed its players
Under the Radar The league promised to pay players who had suffered brain trauma. Allegedly, it has not happened.
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Swift-Kelce effect: a 'dream pairing' for the NFL
Why everyone's talking about Taylor Swift's appearance at the Chiefs vs. Bears game to see Travis Kelce added millions of TV viewers
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
NFL indefinitely suspends three players over gambling
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs beat Eagles 38-35
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published