With athletics serving as a unifying force among fans worldwide and defining civilizations, ESPN's list of the best 100 athletes of the twenty-first century perfectly encapsulates what it means to be great. This list honors athletes who have gone above and beyond in their respective sports and had a lasting impact on history. It was assembled by widespread voting. Let's examine some of the most recognizable individuals who have recently influenced sports culture.
Serena
Williams: The Tennis Titan:
With her strong serves and unwavering determination,
Serena Williams is the epitome of the game of tennis and a formidable presence
on the field. Having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, her influence goes
beyond the game of tennis as she promotes diversity and gender equality.
LeBron
James: The King of Basketball:
LeBron James, who goes by "The
King," has revolutionized basketball via his leadership and adaptability.
James, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and four-time NBA champion, inspires a
great deal of young sportsmen with his influence that goes well beyond his
stats.
Usain
Bolt: The Lightning Bolt:
Track & field was transformed by history's fastest
man, Usain Bolt. Bolt won eight gold medals at the Olympics, and his charisma
and quickness made him a household brand and an icon of sports brilliance.
Lionel
Messi: The Football Maestro:
Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest
football players of all time due to his extraordinary skill and vision. Messi's
sorcery on the field has won him multiple Ballon d'Or trophies and he had a
legendary career at Barcelona. His ability to enchant people worldwide is
unceasing.
Tom
Brady: The Quarterback Legend:
Tom Brady's NFL career is noteworthy for its seven
Super Bowl victories and unmatched durability. His leadership qualities and
fierce competitiveness have cemented his place among the all-time great
quarterbacks.
Michael
Phelps: The Swimming Sensation:
With 23 gold medals under his belt, Michael Phelps is
the most decorated Olympian of all time. A new generation of swimmers has been
inspired by his commitment and supremacy in the water.
Roger
Federer: The Elegant Champion:
Roger Federer is a popular among tennis fans because
of his elegance and competence on the court. Federer has won 20 Grand Slam
titles, and his grace and sportsmanship will always be remembered.
Kobe
Bryant: The Mamba Mentality:
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant was well-known for his
unwavering work ethic and intense competition, which earned him the moniker
"Mamba Mentality." Bryant's reputation as one of the best players in
NBA history was solidified by his clutch plays and scoring power. He won five
NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. A committed philanthropist and
storyteller off the court, he inspired innumerable followers all over the
world. Generations are still inspired by his influence and passion for the game
despite his terrible passing in 2020.
Tiger
Woods: The Golfing Icon:
Tiger Woods' unmatched skill and fierce spirit of
competition revolutionized the game of golf. He is considered a great figure in
golf history due to his unquestionable influence on the game and his 15 major
victories.
Simone
Biles: The Gymnastics Prodigy:
With her incredible talent and daring performances,
Simone Biles has emerged as the face of gymnastics. Her many medals from the Olympics
and World Championships attest to her reputation as one of the greatest
athletes of all time.
The
Impact of these Icons:
Only a small portion of the talent recognized in
ESPN's rating is embodied by these players. Not only have they all achieved great
success in their vocations, but they have also made major contributions to
society and their respective sports. Millions of people are inspired and the
power of sports is demonstrated by their tales of tenacity, success, and
influence.
Diverse
Talents across Disciplines:
Every athlete on this list possesses special skills
that have revolutionized their respective sports, whether it be on the tennis
courts or the football fields. These athletes epitomize the spirit of
competitiveness and excellence, whether it is through their explosive speed as
sprinters or their strategic brilliance as quarterbacks.
The
Influence beyond Sports:
Numerous athletes have advocated for change by
addressing topics like mental health, gender equality, and racial equality
using their platforms. Their voices are heard beyond the realm of athletics,
igniting debates and motivating people all across the world to take action.
Only ONE athlete from Britain places in the top 25.
‘Lewis Hamilton’
Lewis
Hamilton: The F1 Maestro:
Formula 1 pioneer Lewis Hamilton is well-known for his
unparalleled skill and tenacity. Hamilton has broken multiple records as a
seven-time World Champion and is now the most successful British driver in
Formula One history. Hamilton, who is well-known for both his advocacy off the
track and his remarkable skill on it, has been a strong supporter of diversity
and environmental sustainability. He has inspired a new generation of athletes
and fans that goes beyond motorsport.
Only ONE boxer manages to sneak his way into the top
25 and that is Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd
Mayweather Jr.: The Undefeated Champion:
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. is renowned for his
brilliant strategy and flawless defense in the ring. Mayweather dominated
several weight classes and won titles in five categories with an undefeated
50-0 record. Known as "Money" for his opulent career and unparalleled
success in pay-per-view, his showy demeanor and tactical skill continue to make
him a divisive figure. Unquestionably, Mayweather is one of the greatest boxers
of all time, and he has had a significant impact on the sport's development.
Cristiano Ronaldo was voted 13th in ESPN's top 100 athletes of the 21st
century.
Cristiano
Ronaldo: The Football Phenomenon:
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in football
thanks to his dedication and hard work. Ronaldo has set multiple records and
won five Ballon d'Or trophies. His influence is felt both on and off the field.
Here are the top 25 athletes from ESPN's
definitive ranking of the 21st century:
1) Michael Phelps
2) Serena Williams
3) Lionel Messi
4) LeBron James
5) Tom Brady
6) Roger Federer
7) Simone Biles
8) Tiger Woods
9) Usain Bolt
10) Kobe Bryant
11) Novak Djokovic
12) Rafael Nadal
13) Cristiano Ronaldo
14) Steph Curry
15) Katie Ledecky
16) Tim Duncan
17) Shaquille O'Neal
18) Patrick Mahomes
19) Lewis Hamilton
20) Aaron Donald
21) Diana Taurasi
22) Sidney Crosby
23) Kevin Garnett
24) Albert Pujols
25) Floyd Mayweather Jr.
