The list of the best athletes in the 21st century has been revealed and it includes several prominent individuals.
American media outlet ESPN apparently took votes from 70,000 contributors to produce the rankings.
How Many Footballers Made The Top 20?
Only 2 footballers made the top 20 list of the best athletes in the 21st century, with several American sports icons filling up the rankings.
American football icon Aaron David, who played for franchises like St. Louis and the Los Angeles Rams, occupies the 20th spot.
Formula 1 star Luis Hamilton also had his name included in the list, with the British auto-racing star claiming the 19th spot.
The second American to be named in the list of the best athletes in the 21st century is Patrick Mahomes, with the American professional football quarterback getting recognized for this display at Kansas City Chiefs.
Basketball great Shaquille O’Neal also made the cut alongside Tim Duncan in the 17th and 16th positions, respectively.
O’Neal plied his trade for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, while Duncan was a one-team career man, and he donned the colors of the San Antonio Spurs.
Katie Ledecky is another American penned in the rankings for her outstanding contributions to swimming.
Fascinatingly, Basketball legend Stephen Curry takes the 14th position, with the Golden State Warriors star included even whilst still actively being involved on the court.
Cristiano Ronaldo Placed In The 13th Position On The List Of The Best Athletes In The 21st Century
Some fans might raise an eyebrow at the name put in the 13th position, but he is the first footballer on the list, and he is the great Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who needs no introduction, is the all-time top scorer in football history, and he has represented several magnificent clubs in his career, including Juventus, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
Tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who hail from Spain and Serbia respectively, sit in the 12th and 11th spot.
Nadal has 22 grand slam titles to his name, while Novak Djokovic has claimed 24 grand slam honors.
Late Basketballer Kobe Bryant Sits 10th
Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant is present in the 10th position, with the late Basketballer receiving his plaudits for his impact on Basketball.
Jamaican retired sprinter Usain Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay, has been penciled down in the 9th position.
Tiger Woods, an American Golfer, whose influence heavily swims across Golf, has been placed 8th on the list.
He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins, ranks second in men’s major championships, and holds numerous golf records.
Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts ever, is 7th on the log, with the American being the most decorated gymnast in history, having won 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer earned his accolades in the 6th position, and he won 20 grand slam titles during his stellar career, which ended in 2022.
Tom Brady has been named in the 5th position, with the American former professional football quarterback getting his plaudits for his impact on American football.
Brady delineated his brilliance with just two teams; New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
LeBron James occupies the 4th position, with the Liverpool FC minority owner also needing no introduction, as his pronounced showing in Basketball is visible for all to see.
LeBron has amassed the most points in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Lionel Messi Earns The 3rd Spot On The List
The second football star to be included in the list of the best athletes in the 21st century is Lionel Messi.
Messi is considered to be one of the greatest footballers ever, and he is the most successful player in the history of the sport, having won 46 trophies thus far.
Interestingly, Lionel Messi is also one of the players to have claimed the most individual awards, 8 Ballon d’Or honors, and 3 FIFA TheBest prizes, amongst others.
Tennis great Serena Williams is placed in 2nd, and the stunning star picked up 23 grand slam titles during her illustrious career.
Michael Phelps leads the list of the best athletes in the 21st century, with the American former competitive swimmer being the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals.
Phelps also holds the records for Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16).
Top 20 List Of Best Athletes In The 21st Century
- Michael Phelps, swimming (America)
- Serena Williams, tennis (America)
- Lionel Messi, soccer (Argentina)
- LeBron James, basketball (America)
- Tom Brady, football (America)
- Roger Federer, tennis (Switzerland)
- Simone Biles, gymnastics (America)
- Tiger Woods, golf (America)
- Usain Bolt, track (Jamaica)
- Kobe Bryant, basketball (America)
- Novak Djokovic, tennis (Serbia)
- Rafael Nadal, tennis (Spain)
- Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer (Portugal)
- Stephen Curry, basketball (America)
- Katie Ledecky, swimming (America)
- Tim Duncan, basketball (America)
- Shaquille O’Neal, basketball (America)
- Patrick Mahomes, football (America)
- Lewis Hamilton, auto racing (Britain)
- Aaron Donald, football (America)
