Who Is The Most Famous Athlete In The World Right Now?
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Who Is The Most Famous Athlete In The World Right Now?

Celebrity Lists
Updated February 14, 2024 81.6K views
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83.7K votes
8.8K voters
10 reranks
Voting Rules

Vote on the currently active athletes based on their worldwide recognition.

Latest additions: Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen
Recently, Alex Morgan fell out of the top 25, replaced by Simone Biles
Most divisive: Conor McGregor
Over 8.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Who Is The Most Famous Athlete In The World Right Now?

The sports world thrills with its galore of talented athletes who continually dominate headlines. This list of the most famous athletes in the world right now blends together a medley of talent, skill, performance, popularity, and overall influence both on and off the field, as voted by you, the fans. It recognizes these athletes not just as sportspeople but as global icons who have transcended their respective sports. With their remarkable achievements, huge followings, significant endorsements, and massive impact, these athletes have earned their stripes.

All eyes are undoubtedly on astonishingly talented athletes like football superstar Lionel Messi, whose dribbling skills and scoring ability have won him multiple Ballon d'Or trophies. A rival on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo, matches Messi in terms of skill and fame, and both have immense followings on social media. Serena Williams, a phenomenal tennis player whose power and precision have earned her multiple Grand Slam victories, is another name on the list. Her passion for the sport is unquestionable. Then there's LeBron James, a basketball maestro whose vision, scoring, and resilience make him an icon of the NBA. Simultaneously, Tiger Woods and Patrick Mahomes are rewriting the rules in golf and NFL, respectively, with their exceptional performances.

Despite their varied skill sets, these athletes all share an unyielding determination, an intense passion for their sport, and of course, a global fanbase that elevates them to the status of world-famous athletes. Along with their capabilities on the field, they're also known for being positive figures off the field. From the best players in the sport to rising stars, these are all the names sports fans should know. 

Who is the most popular sportsman today? It's time now for you, the fans, to engage actively in this thrilling discussion. Review the list, consider the achievements, influence, and popularity of these incredible sportsmen and sportswomen, and cast your vote. Remember, it's about more than just their skills on the field - these athletes are global icons revered by millions.

  • Lionel Messi
    1

    Lionel Messi

    Rosario, Argentina
    4,499 votes
    Lionel "Leo" Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team. Often considered the best player in the world and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record six Ballon d'Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and in 2020 was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. Until leaving the club in 2021, he had spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, where he won a club-record 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues. A prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker, Messi holds the records for most goals in La Liga (474), a La Liga and European league season (50), most hat-tricks in La Liga (36) and the UEFA Champions League (8), and most assists in La Liga (192), a La Liga and European league season (21) and the Copa América (17). He's scored over 750 senior career goals.
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo
    2

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
    4,743 votes
    Cristiano Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, is a globally recognized football player known for his extraordinary skills and precision on the field. His journey to stardom began with playing for Andorinha and Nacional during his childhood years before moving to Sporting CP soccer academy at age twelve. It was here that he honed his abilities leading to his professional debut in 2002. Ronaldo's career took a significant leap when he signed with Manchester United in 2003. His time at United saw him bagging three consecutive Premier League titles along with a UEFA Champions League title. He also won the Ballon d'Or award - an honor given annually to the world's best footballer - for the first time while being part of this team. In 2009, Ronaldo made a high-profile move to Real Madrid which further solidified his place as one of football's all-time greats. During his tenure at Madrid, he helped the club secure two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies among other accolities. Furthermore, it was during this period that he clinched four more Ballon d'Or awards showcasing consistent excellence throughout these years. Ronaldo later signed with Juventus in 2018, citing his need for a a new challenge as his reason for leaving Real Madrid. Later he attributed his transfer to his feeling of a lack of support from the Real Madrid club president. Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr in 2023, rsulting in an increased popularity both domestically and internationally for the Saudi Pro League.
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    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #43
      Naomi Osaka
      78 votes
    • NEW
      #13
      Giannis Antetokounmpo
      184 votes
  • LeBron James
    3

    LeBron James

    Akron, Ohio, USA
    2,946 votes
    LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio is a globally recognized professional basketball player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Raised by his mother Gloria Marie James in their hometown, he showed prodigious talent for basketball from an early age. His high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School was marked by numerous accolades and widespread media attention which set him up as one of the most promising players of his generation. James made a direct leap from high school to the National Basketball Association (NBA) when he was drafted as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 NBA Draft. Though he has been in the league for multiple decades, LeBron has only played for three teams: The Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers where he proved himself as an exceptional athlete with remarkable versatility and endurance. He is widely esteemed for not only his offensive prowess but also his defensive abilities. Throughout his career, LeBron James has amassed numerous awards including four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and four NBA championships among others. LeBron's influence extends beyond basketball as he's well-known for philanthropy work through The LeBron James Family Foundation. His life journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest basketball players serves as an inspiration to many around the globe.
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  • Steph Curry
    4

    Steph Curry

    Akron, Ohio
    1,854 votes
    Steph Curry, born as Wardell Stephen Curry II on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, has become one of the most influential figures in the realm of professional basketball. The son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, and older brother to fellow NBA player Seth Curry, basketball was embedded into Steph's DNA from an early age. Despite being overlooked by major colleges due to his slender frame, he proved himself at Davidson College, where he led the nation in scoring and was nominated for the John R. Wooden Award during his junior year. In 2009, Curry was drafted as the seventh overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, a team with which he would create a lasting legacy. His uncanny shooting accuracy, innovative ball-handling skills, and unmatched court vision revolutionized the game, earning him two consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2015 and 2016 - the latter being the first unanimous decision in NBA history. Moreover, under his leadership, the Warriors clinched four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, solidifying their dominance during that period. Off the court, Curry is known for his philanthropy and activism. He established the "Eat. Learn. Play." foundation with his wife Ayesha, aiming to end childhood hunger, ensure access to quality education, and provide safe spaces for children to play and be active. Furthermore, he has been vocal about social justice issues, using his platform to promote change. Beyond athletics, Curry's influence extends to inspiring the next generation with his commitment to community service and his embodiment of the power of resilience and determination.
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  • John Cena
    5

    John Cena

    West Newbury, Massachusetts, USA
    2,055 votes
    John Cena, born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, has become one of the most recognizable figures in the world of professional wrestling and beyond. With his distinctive catchphrase "You can't see me," and his signature move, the "Attitude Adjustment", Cena has become a symbol of strength and determination, not only within the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) but also in popular culture. Cena's journey to stardom began when he pursued bodybuilding after graduating from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a degree in exercise physiology. His passion for fitness led him to a career in professional wrestling, where he debuted in the WWE in 2002. Since then, Cena has won a record-tying 16 world titles, becoming one of the most decorated wrestlers in the history of the sport. His relentless work ethic, charisma, and natural talent have made him a fan favorite around the world. However, Cena's impact extends far beyond the wrestling ring. He has made a successful transition to Hollywood, appearing in films such as Trainwreck and Bumblebee. Moreover, Cena is also known for his philanthropy. He holds the record for the most wishes granted by a single individual through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, reflecting his unwavering dedication to giving back to the community. From his humble beginnings to his superstar status, John Cena's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication.
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  • Neymar
    6

    Neymar

    Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
    2,412 votes
    Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born 5 February 1992), commonly known as Neymar Jr. or simply Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. Considered one of the best players in the world, he is known for his dribbling, finishing, skill, pace, and ability to play with both feet. Neymar came into prominence at an early age at Santos, where he made his professional debut aged 17. He helped the club win two successive Campeonato Paulista championships, a Copa do Brasil, and the 2011 Copa Libertadores, with the latter Santos' first since 1963. Neymar was twice named the South American Footballer of the Year, in 2011 and 2012, and soon relocated to Europe to join Barcelona. As part of Barça's attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, he won the continental treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, and came third for the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2015 for his performances. He then attained a domestic double in the 2015–16 season. In 2017, Neymar transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in a move worth €222 million, making him the most expensive player ever. In France, he won two league titles, a Coupe de France, and a Coupe de la Ligue, which included a domestic treble and being voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year, in his debut season. Neymar's second season with PSG was heavily injury-riddled and marked by controversies.With 60 goals in 97 matches for Brazil since debuting at age 18, Neymar is the third highest goalscorer for his national team, trailing only Pelé and Ronaldo. He was a key player in Brazil's victories at the 2011 South American Youth Championship, where he finished as leading goalscorer, and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. His participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2015 Copa América was cut short by injury and a suspension, respectively, but, the following year, he captained Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal in men's football at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and two years later, featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Off the pitch, Neymar ranks among the world's most prominent sportsmen; SportsPro named him the most marketable athlete in the world in 2012 and 2013, and ESPN cited him as the world's fourth-most famous athlete in 2016. In 2017, Neymar was listed by Time to be one of the most influential people in the world, and in 2019, Forbes ranked him the world's third highest-paid athlete (after Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo).
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  • Conor McGregor
    7

    Conor McGregor

    Dublin, Republic of Ireland
    2,232 votes
    Conor Anthony McGregor (born July 14, 1988) is an Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer. He is the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion. McGregor started his MMA career in 2008 and, in 2012, he won both the Cage Warriors Featherweight and Lightweight Championships, holding both titles simultaneously before vacating them to sign with the UFC. In 2015, at UFC 194, he defeated José Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship via knockout thirteen seconds into the first round, which is the fastest victory in UFC title fight history. Upon defeating Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 205, McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously.
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  • Tiger Woods
    8

    Tiger Woods

    Cypress, California
    1,462 votes
    Born as Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, the man who would come to be known globally as Tiger Woods has etched his name deeply into the annals of golf history. Raised in Cypress, California, Woods was introduced to the sport at a tender age by his father, Earl Woods, himself an amateur golfer. With this early introduction to the sport, Woods displayed an undeniable talent and passion for golf that catapulted him to international fame. Woods' career is a testament to his talent, resilience, and ambition. He attended Stanford University on a golf scholarship, but only stayed for two years before turning professional in 1996. His prowess on the green led him to become the youngest ever Masters winner in 1997, a record he still holds today. Over the years, he accumulated an impressive array of titles, including 15 major championships, solidifying his status as one of the most successful golfers of all time. Woods' triumphs extend beyond the green; he's been awarded PGA Player of the Year a record eleven times and is the only player to have won all four professional major championships in a row, a feat known as the Tiger Slam. His victory at the 2019 Masters Tournament is often hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Off the course, Woods has leveraged his success to launch the TGR Foundation, which supports community-based programs that improve health, education, and welfare. Tiger Woods' story is one of immense talent, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a compelling figure in the world of sports.
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  • Patrick Mahomes II
    9

    Patrick Mahomes II

    Tyler, Texas
    247 votes
    Patrick Lavon Mahomes II (born September 17, 1995) is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He is the son of former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Pat Mahomes. Mahomes played college football and college baseball at Texas Tech University. Following his sophomore year, he quit baseball to focus solely on football. Mahomes' junior year, he led all NCAA Division 1 players in multiple categories including passing yards (5,052 yards) and passing touchdowns (53 touchdowns). He then entered the 2017 NFL Draft where he was the tenth overall selection by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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  • Rafael Nadal
    10

    Rafael Nadal

    Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
    1,793 votes
    Rafael Nadal Parera (born 3 June 1986) is a Spanish professional tennis player. He is ranked world No. 5 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), has been ranked No. 1 for 209 weeks, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Nadal has won 21 Grand Slam men's singles titles, the most in history. He has won 90 ATP singles titles, with 62 on clay, including a record 13 French Open titles and 26 of his 36 Masters titles. His 81 consecutive wins on clay is the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era.
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  • Novak Djokovic
    11

    Novak Djokovic

    Belgrade, Serbia
    1,658 votes
    Novak Djokovic (born 22 May 1987) is a Serbian professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No. 1 in men's singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).Djokovic has won 16 Grand Slam singles titles, five ATP Finals titles, 33 ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles, 12 ATP Tour 500 titles, and has held the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for over 260 weeks. In majors, he has won a record seven Australian Open titles, five Wimbledon titles, three US Open titles, and one French Open title. Following his victory at the 2016 French Open, he became the eighth player in history to achieve the Career Grand Slam and the third man to hold all four major titles at once, the first since Rod Laver in 1969 and the first ever to do so on three different surfaces. He is the first and only male player to have won all nine of the Masters 1000 tournaments.Djokovic is the first Serbian player to be ranked No. 1 by the ATP and the first male player representing Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title. He is a six-time ITF World Champion and a five-time ATP year-end No. 1 ranked player. Djokovic has won numerous awards, including the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year (four times) and the 2011 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award. He is also a recipient of the Order of St. Sava, the Order of Karađorđe's Star, and the Order of the Republika Srpska.
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  • Travis Kelce
    12

    Travis Kelce

    Westlake, Ohio, USA
    199 votes
    Travis Michael Kelce (born October 5, 1989) is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati. He is a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro. Kelce attended Cleveland Heights High School in his hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Excelling at football, he was a three-year letter winner at quarterback for the Tigers, and recognized with All-Lake Erie League honors after totaling 2,539 yards of total offense as a senior.He collected 1,016 yards rushing, including 10 touchdowns and 1,523 passing yards on 103-of-198 attempts, with 21 scores and eight interceptions in 2007.
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  • Giannis Antetokounmpo
    13

    Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Athens, Greece
    184 votes
    Giannis Antetokounmpo (born December 6, 1994) is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed the "Greek Freak" due to his athleticism, he primarily plays forward, but is also capable of playing guard with his ball-handling skills. During the 2015–16 season, he became the Bucks' primary playmaker. In 2016–17, he led the Bucks in all five major statistical categories and became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He is of Nigerian descent.
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  • Nikola Jokić
    14

    Nikola Jokić

    Sombor, Serbia
    143 votes
    Nikola Jokić (born February 19, 1995) is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) who plays the center position. The three-time NBA All-Star has been named to the All-NBA Team on three occasions (including two first-team selections), and has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 NBA season. He also represents the Serbian national team. Nicknamed "the Joker", Jokić was selected by the Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft.
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  • Lewis Hamilton
    15

    Lewis Hamilton

    Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England
    116 votes
    Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton (born 7 January 1985) is a British racing driver. He currently competes in Formula One for Mercedes, having previously driven for McLaren from 2007 to 2012. In Formula One, Hamilton has won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles (tied with Michael Schumacher), and holds the records for the most wins (103), pole positions (103), and podium finishes (182), among others.
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  • Max Verstappen
    16

    Max Verstappen

    Hasselt, Belgium
    152 votes
    Max Emilian Verstappen (born 30 September 1997) is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver and the 2021 Formula One World Champion. He competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One with Red Bull Racing. He is the son of former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen. At the age of 18, he won the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull Racing, becoming the youngest-ever driver and the first Dutch driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix. He finished the 2019 and 2020 championships in third place. After winning the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he became the first Dutch driver to win the Formula One World Championship, and the 34th Formula One World Drivers' Champion. As of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he has achieved 20 victories and 13 pole positions. At the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix, he scored the first Grand Slam of his career. Verstappen is due to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2023 season after signing a contract extension.
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  • Luka Dončić
    17

    Luka Dončić

    Ljubljana, Slovenia
    174 votes
    Luka Dončić (born February 28, 1999) is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Slovenian national team. Born in Ljubljana as the son of former player Sa-a Dončić, Dončić shone as a youth player for Union Olimpija, before signing with Real Madrid at age 13 in 2012. After debuting in the senior side at age 16, the youngest in club history, he led Madrid to the 2018 EuroLeague title, winning the EuroLeague MVP and EuroLeague Final Four MVP awards at age 19. He was also named the ACB Most Valuable Player, and won back-to-back EuroLeague Rising Star and ACB Best Young Player awards. In 2018, Dončić declared for the NBA draft and subsequently joined the Dallas Mavericks in the United States. A Slovenian international, Dončić made his senior debut for Slovenia in 2016 at age 17, helping it win its first EuroBasket title in 2017, while being named into the All-Tournament Team.
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  • Lamar Jackson
    18

    Lamar Jackson

    Pompano Beach, Florida
    156 votes
    Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. (born January 7, 1997) is an American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisville and was selected 32nd overall by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. At Louisville, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Award and was a unanimous All-American as a sophomore in 2016. On January 5, 2018, Jackson officially announced that he would be entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round with the 32nd overall pick in the draft, who traded up for the selection with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the fifth quarterback selected that year.
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  • Bryce Harper
    19

    Bryce Harper

    Las Vegas, Nevada
    93 votes
    Bryce Aron Max Harper (born October 16, 1992) is an American professional baseball right fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Washington Nationals from 2012 through 2018. He has been touted as a "five-tool player".Harper graduated from high school early so that he could attend the College of Southern Nevada, where he won the 2010 Golden Spikes Award. The Nationals selected Harper as the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals on April 28, 2012, at 19 years old. Harper was selected for the 2012 All-Star Game, becoming the youngest position player to perform in an All-Star Game.Harper won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award in 2012 and tied for the NL lead in home runs in 2015.
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  • Simone Biles
    20

    Simone Biles

    Columbus, Ohio
    149 votes
    Simone Arianne Biles is an American artistic gymnast. Biles is a two-time US National All-Around Champion, two-time World All-Around Champion, two-time World Floor Champion, the 2014 World Beam Champion, and a member of the gold-medal-winning US team at the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Biles is also the first African-American to be World All-Around Champion. Despite being only two years into her senior career, she is already one of the most decorated gymnasts in US history.
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  • Freddie Freeman
    21

    Freddie Freeman

    Fountain Valley, California
    75 votes
    Frederick Charles Freeman (born September 12, 1989) is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously, Freeman played for the Atlanta Braves for 12 seasons. He made his MLB debut in 2010 and is a five-time MLB All-Star. Freeman won a Gold Glove Award in 2018, the Silver Slugger Award in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in 2020. Freeman won the 2021 World Series over the Houston Astros as a member of the Braves. After 12 seasons with the Braves, he entered free agency and then signed a six-year contract with the Dodgers.
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  • Manuel Neuer
    22

    Manuel Neuer

    Gelsenkirchen, Germany
    1,254 votes
    Manuel Peter Neuer (born 27 March 1986) is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper and captain for both Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Neuer has been described as a "sweeper-keeper" because of his unique playing style and speed when rushing off his line to anticipate opponents; he is also known for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, strength, long throwing range, command of his area, and accurate control and distribution of the ball.Regarded by pundits as the best goalkeeper in the world (he won the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award for four consecutive years between 2013 and 2016), and as one of the best and most complete goalkeepers of all-time, Neuer won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany as well as the Golden Glove award for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament, and is considered by some in the sport to be the best goalkeeper in football since Lev Yashin.In 2014, Neuer finished third in the voting, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award. The same year, he was ranked the third-best player in the world by The Guardian.
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  • Kevin Durant
    23

    Kevin Durant

    Washington, D.C.
    890 votes
    Kevin Durant, born on September 29, 1988, is an influential figure in the world of basketball. He emerged from humble beginnings in Washington D.C., where he was raised by his mother and grandmother. His passion for basketball began at a young age, and it became a driving force that led him to pursue a career in the sport. Durant attended the University of Texas for one year, where he played college basketball and won numerous awards, including the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year. In 2007, Durant's talent was recognized on a national scale when he was selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Draft. Following a successful rookie season, he continued to rise in prominence as the team relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. During his time with the Thunder, Durant earned several accolades, including four NBA scoring titles, two Olympic gold medals, an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, and made multiple appearances in the NBA All-Star Game. Durant's career took a significant turn in 2016 when he signed with the Golden State Warriors. His move was met with controversy, but Durant proved his worth by helping the Warriors secure two consecutive NBA Championships in 2017 and 2018. He also received the NBA Finals MVP award in both years. Despite facing adversity in the form of an Achilles injury in 2019, Durant demonstrated resilience and determination. He later joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, and then the Phoenix Suns in 2023.
  • Son Heung-min
    24

    Son Heung-min

    Chuncheon, South Korea
    180 votes
    Son Heung-min (born 8 July 1992) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the South Korea national team.Son finished his development at Hamburger SV, where he made his debut in the German Bundesliga in 2010. In 2013, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen for a club record €10 million, and played for the club in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League. Two years later, he signed for Tottenham for £22 million, becoming the most expensive Asian player in history. While at Tottenham, he became the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history.A full international since 2010, Son has represented South Korea at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups and is South Korea's joint highest scorer at the World Cup alongside Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan with three goals. He has also represented South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games, where the team won gold, as well as the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the AFC Asian Cup, finishing runners-up in 2015.
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  • Mohamed Salah
    25

    Mohamed Salah

    Basyoun, Egypt
    739 votes
    Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly (born 15 June 1992) is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Liverpool and the Egypt national team. Considered one of the best players in the world, he is known for his finishing, dribbling, and speed. Following his performances at the 2012 Summer Olympics. he was named CAF Most Promising African Talent of the Year.[9] Since then, he has helped Egypt reach the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, and was top scorer during CAF qualification to help the team qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For his performances, Salah was named CAF African Footballer of the Year, BBC African Footballer of the Year, and was selected in the CAF Team of the Year and Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament.
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  • Alex Morgan
    26

    Alex Morgan

    Diamond Bar, California
    66 votes
    Alexandra Morgan Carrasco (born Alexandra Patricia Morgan; July 2, 1989) is an American soccer player. She is a forward for Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Since 2018, she has co-captained the national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe.Shortly after graduating early from the University of California, Berkeley, where she played for the California Golden Bears, Morgan was drafted number one overall in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash. There, she made her professional debut and helped the team win the league championship. Morgan, who was 22 at the time, was the youngest player on the national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team won silver. At the 2012 London Olympics, she scored the match-winning goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final match against Canada. She finished 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, joining Mia Hamm as the only American woman to score 20 goals and collect 20 assists in the same calendar year and making her the sixth and youngest U.S. player to score 20 goals in a single season. She was subsequently named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and was a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist. Morgan also helped the United States win their titles at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, where she was named to the Dream Team for both tournaments, while she won the Silver Boot in 2019. In 2013, the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League, Morgan joined Portland Thorns FC and helped the team win the league title that year. Morgan played for the Thorns through the 2015 season, after which she was traded to first-year franchise Orlando Pride. In 2017, Morgan went on loan to French team Lyon, where she won the continental European treble, which included the UEFA Women's Champions League. Off the field, Morgan teamed with Simon & Schuster to write a middle-grade book series about four soccer players: The Kicks. The first book in the series, Saving the Team, debuted at number seven on The New York Times Best Seller list in May 2013. Additionally, a film starring Morgan in her acting debut, Alex & Me, was released in June 2018 where she plays a fictionalized version of herself. In 2015, Morgan was ranked by Time as the top-paid American women's soccer player, largely due to her numerous endorsement deals. Morgan, along with Canada's Christine Sinclair and Australia's Steph Catley, became the first women's soccer players to appear on the cover of FIFA video games in 2015. Morgan also appeared alongside Lionel Messi on covers of FIFA 16 sold in the United States.
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  • Shohei Ohtani
    27

    Shohei Ohtani

    Mizusawa, Iwate
    386 votes
    Shohei Ohtani (born July 5, 1994) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball's (NPB) Pacific League. Ohtani was the first pick of the Fighters in the 2012 draft. He has officially recorded the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher and in NPB history at 165 kilometres per hour (102.5 mph). He was named the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year.
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  • Virat Kohli
    28

    Virat Kohli

    Delhi, India
    2,146 votes
    Virat Kohli (pronunciation ; born 5 November 1988) is an Indian cricketer who currently captains the India national team. A right-handed top-order batsman, Kohli is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and has been the team's captain since 2013. Since October 2017, he has been the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world and is currently the leading batsman in the Test rankings. Among Indian batsmen, Kohli has the best ever Test rating (937 points), ODI rating (911 points) and T20I rating (897 points). Kohli captained India Under-19s to victory at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, and a few months later, made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka at the age of 19. Initially having played as a reserve batsman in the Indian team, he soon established himself as a regular in the ODI middle-order and was part of the squad that won the 2011 World Cup. He made his Test debut in 2011 and shrugged off the tag of "ODI specialist" by 2013 with Test hundreds in Australia and South Africa. Having reached the number one spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen for the first time in 2013, Kohli also found success in the Twenty20 format, winning the Man of the Tournament twice at the ICC World Twenty20 (in 2014 and 2016). Kohli was appointed the vice-captain of the ODI team in 2012 and handed over the Test captaincy following Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Test retirement in 2014. In early 2017, he became the limited-overs captain as well after Dhoni stepped down from the position. In ODIs, Kohli has the second highest number of centuries and the highest number of centuries in run-chases in the world. He holds the world record for being the fastest batsman to 10,000 and 11,000 runs in ODI cricket, reaching the milestones in 205 and 222 innings respectively.Kohli has been the recipient of many awards such as the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2017 and 2018; ICC Test Player of the Year 2018; ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012, 2017 and 2018 and Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 2016, 2017 and 2018. He was given the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri under the sports category in 2017 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest sporting honour in India, in 2018. Kohli is ranked as one of the world's most famous athletes by ESPN and one of the most valuable athlete brands by Forbes. In 2018, Time magazine named Kohli one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
  • Mike Trout
    29

    Mike Trout

    Vineland, New Jersey
    689 votes
    Michael Nelson Trout (born August 7, 1991) is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). Trout is a eight-time MLB All-Star, received the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2014 and 2016 (finishing second in the 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018 votes), and is a six-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award. He is nicknamed "the Millville Meteor."The Angels selected Trout in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft. He made a brief major league appearance in 2011 before becoming a regular player for the Angels the subsequent season, and won the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year Award unanimously. Trout's athleticism on the field has received praise from both the mainstream media and sabermetricians. He is regarded as one of the most outstanding young players in the history of baseball, as well as one of the best current players in all of MLB.
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  • Connor McDavid
    30

    Connor McDavid

    Newmarket, Canada
    97 votes
    Connor McDavid (born January 13, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey center and captain for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered to be the best player in the world by many colleagues and members of the news media, he was called the "most highly evolved hockey player of all-time" by The Sports Network in December 2017. Having been selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, McDavid has won the Art Ross Trophy twice as the leading scorer in the league, the Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the player judged most valuable to his team, in 2017, and the Ted Lindsay Award twice as the best player voted by other NHL players.
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