The world of sports has seen countless remarkable athletes, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective disciplines. Ranking the greatest athletes of all time is a daunting task, yet it provides a thrilling opportunity to celebrate extraordinary talents. Here is a list of the 100 greatest athletes of the 21st century, spanning various sports and eras, who have transcended their games and captivated fans worldwide.
1. Michael Jordan
Basketball’s most iconic figure, Jordan’s impact on the NBA and global sports culture is unparalleled. Six NBA championships and five MVP awards underscore his dominance.
2. Muhammad Ali
Ali was not only a boxing legend but also a cultural icon who used his platform to champion civil rights. His charisma and prowess in the ring made him “The Greatest.”
3. Serena Williams
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Williams has redefined tennis, showcasing incredible power and resilience throughout her career.
4. Usain Bolt
The fastest man in history, Bolt’s record-breaking performances in the 100m and 200m sprints have solidified his legacy as a track and field legend.
5. Pelé
A football (soccer) maestro, Pelé won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 career goals, becoming the sport’s most celebrated figure.
6. Tom Brady
With seven Super Bowl victories, Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, known for his clutch performances and longevity.
7. Martina Navratilova
Navratilova dominated women’s tennis, winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 major doubles titles, exemplifying versatility and excellence.
8. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
A track and field powerhouse, Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon and long jump, earning six Olympic medals, including three golds.
9. Wayne Gretzky
“The Great One” set numerous records in ice hockey, including the most points and goals in NHL history, redefining the sport’s standards.
10. Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian ever, Phelps amassed 23 gold medals in swimming, showcasing unparalleled endurance and versatility.
11. Babe Ruth
An iconic baseball player, Ruth’s home run records and larger-than-life persona made him a central figure in the sport’s history.
12. Simone Biles
Biles has revolutionized gymnastics with her extraordinary skills and numerous world titles, earning her place among the sport’s all-time greats.
13. Jim Brown
Considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Brown’s dominance and versatility on the field were unmatched during his career.
14. Carl Lewis
Lewis’ prowess in track and field earned him nine Olympic gold medals, making him one of the sport’s most successful athletes.
15. Roger Federer
With 20 Grand Slam singles titles, Federer’s grace and skill on the tennis court have made him a global icon and one of the sport’s greatest players.
16. Lionel Messi
A football genius, Messi’s dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability have earned him numerous accolades, including seven Ballon d’Or awards.
17. Jack Nicklaus
“The Golden Bear” won 18 major golf championships, setting a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
18. Steffi Graf
Graf’s 22 Grand Slam singles titles and her “Golden Slam” in 1988 established her as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
19. Bo Jackson
A multi-sport marvel, Jackson excelled in both NFL and MLB, showcasing incredible athleticism and versatility.
20. Wilma Rudolph
Overcoming polio, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, inspiring millions.
21. Cristiano Ronaldo
Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and physicality, Ronaldo has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and UEFA Champions League titles.
22. Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s dominance in basketball, highlighted by his 100-point game, made him one of the sport’s most imposing figures.
23. Nadia Comăneci
The first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the Olympics, Comăneci revolutionized the sport and inspired generations.
24. Joe Montana
Known for his coolness under pressure, Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, becoming a quarterback legend.
25. Michael Schumacher
Schumacher’s seven Formula One World Championships and record-breaking career established him as one of motorsport’s greatest drivers.
26. Venus Williams
A trailblazer in women’s tennis, Venus’ seven Grand Slam singles titles and advocacy for equality have left an indelible mark.
27. Magic Johnson
Johnson’s versatility and leadership on the basketball court brought the Los Angeles Lakers five NBA championships in the 1980s.
28. Jesse Owens
Owens’ four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics shattered racial barriers and made him a symbol of excellence and defiance.
29. Peyton Manning
One of the NFL’s most cerebral quarterbacks, Manning won two Super Bowls and set numerous passing records during his illustrious career.
30. Martina Hingis
Hingis’ precocious talent earned her five Grand Slam singles titles by the age of 22, making her one of tennis’s brightest stars.
31. Shaquille O’Neal
O’Neal’s dominance in the NBA, coupled with his larger-than-life personality, made him one of basketball’s most unforgettable figures.
32. Billie Jean King
King’s advocacy for gender equality and her 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles have made her a tennis legend.
33. Diego Maradona
Maradona’s extraordinary skill and his “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup have cemented his place in football history.
34. Larry Bird
Bird’s shooting and competitive fire helped lead the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships, solidifying his legacy.
35. Florence Griffith-Joyner
Known for her speed and style, Griffith-Joyner set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints that still stand today.
36. Hank Aaron
Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record, finishing his MLB career with 755 homers and a legacy of consistency and excellence.
37. Jerry Rice
Considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Rice’s records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns are unmatched.
38. Monica Seles
Seles’ powerful game earned her nine Grand Slam singles titles before a tragic on-court attack interrupted her career.
39. Kobe Bryant
Bryant’s work ethic and clutch performances led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships, making him a basketball icon.
40. Björn Borg
Borg’s dominance on both clay and grass courts, including five consecutive Wimbledon titles, marked him as one of tennis’s greatest.
41. Pete Sampras
Sampras’ 14 Grand Slam singles titles and his rivalry with Andre Agassi defined a golden era of men’s tennis.
42. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook shot and six championships showcased his enduring greatness.
43. Bill Russell
Russell’s 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics set a standard for team success and defensive excellence in basketball.
44. Chris Evert
Evert’s consistency and grace on the tennis court earned her 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a place among the sport’s elite.
45. Tiger Woods
Woods’ 15 major golf championships and impact on the sport’s popularity make him one of golf’s most influential figures.
46. Emmitt Smith
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Smith’s durability and skill helped the Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.
47. Steffi Graf
Graf’s 22 Grand Slam singles titles and her “Golden Slam” in 1988 established her as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
48. Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s dominance in basketball, highlighted by his 100-point game, made him one of the sport’s most imposing figures.
49. Gordie Howe
Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Howe’s longevity and scoring ability in the NHL set numerous records and inspired generations of players.
50. Allyson Felix
Felix’s versatility in sprinting has earned her nine Olympic medals, making her one of track and field’s most decorated athletes.
51. Mickey Mantle
Mantle’s powerful hitting and multiple MVP awards made him a baseball legend with the New York Yankees.
52. Mike Tyson
Tyson’s ferocious power and speed in the boxing ring made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
53. Jackie Robinson
Breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, Robinson’s courage and talent paved the way for future generations of athletes.
54. Ray Lewis
Known for his intensity and leadership, Lewis led the Baltimore Ravens to two Super Bowl victories and became one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers.
55. Bobby Orr
Orr’s offensive prowess and defensive skills revolutionized the role of a defenseman in ice hockey, earning him numerous accolades.
56. Mario Lemieux
Despite battling health issues, Lemieux’s skill and vision on the ice made him one of hockey’s all-time greats.
57. Barry Bonds
Bonds’ home run records and multiple MVP awards highlighted his incredible talent, though his career was marred by controversy.
58. Ayrton Senna
Senna’s brilliance and fearless driving in Formula One earned him three world championships and a lasting legacy.
59. Katarina Witt
Witt’s elegance and competitive success in figure skating, including two Olympic gold medals, made her a beloved figure in the sport.
60. Bo Jackson
A multi-sport marvel, Jackson excelled in both NFL and MLB, showcasing incredible athleticism and versatility.
61. Jim Thorpe
Thorpe’s versatility across multiple sports, including track and field, football, and baseball, established him as one of the greatest all-around athletes.
62. Dan Marino
One of the NFL’s most prolific passers, Marino’s quick release and passing yards records set new standards for quarterbacks.
63. Deion Sanders
Sanders’ exceptional skills in both NFL and MLB, combined with his charisma, made him a unique and unforgettable athlete.
64. Wilma Rudolph
Overcoming polio, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, inspiring millions.
65. George Best
Best’s flair and talent on the football pitch made him one of Manchester United’s greatest players and a global icon.
66. Bobby Fischer
Fischer’s genius in chess, highlighted by his World Championship victory in 1972, made him a towering figure in the game.
67. Martina Navratilova
Navratilova dominated women’s tennis, winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 major doubles titles, exemplifying versatility and excellence.
68. Rod Laver
Laver’s two calendar-year Grand Slams in tennis and his overall dominance in the sport make him one of its greatest players.
69. Magic Johnson
Johnson’s versatility and leadership on the basketball court brought the Los Angeles Lakers five NBA championships in the 1980s.
70. Martina Hingis
Hingis’ precocious talent earned her five Grand Slam singles titles by the age of 22, making her one of tennis’s brightest stars.
71. Cristiano Ronaldo
Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and physicality, Ronaldo has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and UEFA Champions League titles.
72. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
A track and field powerhouse, Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon and long jump, earning six Olympic medals, including three golds.
73. Jerry Rice
Considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Rice’s records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns are unmatched.
74. Usain Bolt
The fastest man in history, Bolt’s record-breaking performances in the 100m and 200m sprints have solidified his legacy as a track and field legend.
75. Nadia Comăneci
The first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the Olympics, Comăneci revolutionized the sport and inspired generations.
76. Shaquille O’Neal
O’Neal’s dominance in the NBA, coupled with his larger-than-life personality, made him one of basketball’s most unforgettable figures.
77. Monica Seles
Seles’ powerful game earned her nine Grand Slam singles titles before a tragic on-court attack interrupted her career.
78. Pete Sampras
Sampras’ 14 Grand Slam singles titles and his rivalry with Andre Agassi defined a golden era of men’s tennis.
79. Billie Jean King
King’s advocacy for gender equality and her 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles have made her a tennis legend.
80. Jack Nicklaus
“The Golden Bear” won 18 major golf championships, setting a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
81. Venus Williams
A trailblazer in women’s tennis, Venus’ seven Grand Slam singles titles and advocacy for equality have left an indelible mark.
82. Bo Jackson
A multi-sport marvel, Jackson excelled in both NFL and MLB, showcasing incredible athleticism and versatility.
83. Jim Brown
Considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Brown’s dominance and versatility on the field were unmatched during his career.
84. Larry Bird
Bird’s shooting and competitive fire helped lead the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships, solidifying his legacy.
85. Simone Biles
Biles has revolutionized gymnastics with her extraordinary skills and numerous world titles, earning her place among the sport’s all-time greats.
86. Jesse Owens
Owens’ four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics shattered racial barriers and made him a symbol of excellence and defiance.
87. Tom Brady
With seven Super Bowl victories, Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, known for his clutch performances and longevity.
88. Wilma Rudolph
Overcoming polio, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, inspiring millions.
89. Cristiano Ronaldo
Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and physicality, Ronaldo has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and UEFA Champions League titles.
90. Nadia Comăneci
The first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the Olympics, Comăneci revolutionized the sport and inspired generations.
91. Joe Montana
Known for his coolness under pressure, Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, becoming a quarterback legend.
92. Michael Schumacher
Schumacher’s seven Formula One World Championships and record-breaking career established him as one of motorsport’s greatest drivers.
93. Chris Evert
Evert’s consistency and grace on the tennis court earned her 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a place among the sport’s elite.
94. Magic Johnson
Johnson’s versatility and leadership on the basketball court brought the Los Angeles Lakers five NBA championships in the 1980s.
95. Peyton Manning
One of the NFL’s most cerebral quarterbacks, Manning won two Super Bowls and set numerous passing records during his illustrious career.
96. Diego Maradona
Maradona’s extraordinary skill and his “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup have cemented his place in football history.
97. Steffi Graf
Graf’s 22 Grand Slam singles titles and her “Golden Slam” in 1988 established her as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
98. Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s dominance in basketball, highlighted by his 100-point game, made him one of the sport’s most imposing figures.
99. Allyson Felix
Felix’s versatility in sprinting has earned her nine Olympic medals, making her one of track and field’s most decorated athletes.
100. Wayne Gretzky
“The Great One” set numerous records in ice hockey, including the most points and goals in NHL history, redefining the sport’s standards.
This list celebrates the extraordinary achievements and lasting legacies of these 100 athletes, whose talents and dedication have not only set records but also inspired countless individuals around the world. Their contributions to their respective sports will be remembered for generations to come.
