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Top 100 Sportsabc Global Athletes Index
Top 100 Athletes Across 10 Sports | Legendary Players and Performers
#1 Lionel Messi image
#1 Lionel Messi
Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner; known for his dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities.
Nationality
Argentina
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
2004–Present
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo image
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Multiple Ballon d'Or winner; top scorer in UEFA Champions League history; renowned for his athleticism.
Nationality
Portugal
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
2002–Present
#3 Pelé image
#3 Pelé
Three-time FIFA World Cup winner; scored over 1,000 career goals; considered one of the greatest ever.
Nationality
Brazil
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1956–1977
#4 Diego Maradona image
#4 Diego Maradona
Led Argentina to 1986 World Cup victory; famous for the "Hand of God" goal and exceptional skill.
Nationality
Argentina
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1976–1997
#5 Zinedine Zidane image
#5 Zinedine Zidane
World Cup and Euro-winning midfielder; celebrated for his technique and vision; later a successful coach.
Nationality
France
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1989–2006
#6 Johan Cruyff image
#6 Johan Cruyff
Three-time Ballon d'Or winner; pioneer of "Total Football"; influential player and coach.
Nationality
Netherlands
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1964–1984
#7 Franz Beckenbauer image
#7 Franz Beckenbauer
World Cup winner as both player and coach; known as "The Kaiser" for his leadership and elegance.
Nationality
Germany
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1964–1983
#8 Ronaldinho image
#8 Ronaldinho
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year; known for his creativity, flair, and joyful playing style.
Nationality
Brazil
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1998–2015
#9 Michel Platini image
#9 Michel Platini
Three-time Ballon d'Or winner; led France to European Championship victory in 1984; UEFA president (2007–2015).
Nationality
France
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
1972–1987
#10 Neymar Jr. image
#10 Neymar Jr.
Highly skilled forward; key player for Brazil and top European clubs; known for his dribbling and scoring.
Nationality
Brazil
Achievements
---
Sport
Football (Soccer)
Years Active
2009–Present
#11 Michael Jordan image
#11 Michael Jordan
Six-time NBA champion; widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1984–2003
#12 LeBron James image
#12 LeBron James
Four-time NBA champion and MVP; known for his versatility and leadership on the court.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
2003–Present
#13 Kobe Bryant image
#13 Kobe Bryant
Five-time NBA champion; known for his scoring ability and competitive spirit.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1996–2016
#14 Magic Johnson image
#14 Magic Johnson
Five-time NBA champion; renowned for his passing skills and basketball IQ.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1979–1996
#15 Larry Bird image
#15 Larry Bird
Three-time NBA champion and MVP; key player for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1979–1992
#16 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar image
#16 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Six-time NBA champion; all-time leading scorer in NBA history until 2023.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1969–1989
#17 Shaquille O’Neal image
#17 Shaquille O’Neal
Four-time NBA champion; dominant center known for his size and strength.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1992–2011
#18 Tim Duncan image
#18 Tim Duncan
Five-time NBA champion; known as "The Big Fundamental" for his efficient playing style.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
1997–2016
#19 Kevin Durant image
#19 Kevin Durant
Two-time NBA champion and MVP; exceptional scorer and versatile forward.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
2007–Present
#20 Stephen Curry image
#20 Stephen Curry
Four-time NBA champion; revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting ability.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Basketball
Years Active
2009–Present
#21 Sachin Tendulkar image
#21 Sachin Tendulkar
All-time leading run-scorer in international cricket; known as the "Little Master."
Nationality
India
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1989–2013
#22 Virat Kohli image
#22 Virat Kohli
One of the best modern batsmen; known for his consistency and chasing prowess.
Nationality
India
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
2008–Present
#23 Brian Lara image
#23 Brian Lara
Holds record for highest individual score in Test cricket (400*).
Nationality
West Indies
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1990–2007
#24 Ricky Ponting image
#24 Ricky Ponting
Led Australia to two World Cup victories; prolific run-scorer in Tests and ODIs.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1995–2012
#25 Shane Warne image
#25 Shane Warne
One of the greatest spin bowlers; revitalized leg-spin bowling in cricket.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1992–2007
#26 Jacques Kallis image
#26 Jacques Kallis
One of the best all-rounders; excelled in both batting and bowling.
Nationality
South Africa
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1995–2014
#27 Muttiah Muralitharan image
#27 Muttiah Muralitharan
Highest wicket-taker in Test cricket; famous for his unique bowling action.
Nationality
Sri Lanka
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1992–2010
#28 Sir Donald Bradman image
#28 Sir Donald Bradman
Considered the greatest batsman ever; Test batting average of 99.94.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1928–1948
#29 Imran Khan image
#29 Imran Khan
Led Pakistan to 1992 World Cup win; exceptional all-rounder; later became Prime Minister.
Nationality
Pakistan
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
1971–1992
#30 MS Dhoni image
#30 MS Dhoni
Captained India to T20 and ODI World Cup victories; known for his calm leadership.
Nationality
India
Achievements
---
Sport
Cricket
Years Active
2004–2020
#31 Roger Federer image
#31 Roger Federer
20-time Grand Slam champion; admired for his elegance and all-court game.
Nationality
Switzerland
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1998–2022
#32 Rafael Nadal image
#32 Rafael Nadal
22-time Grand Slam champion; dominant on clay courts; known for his tenacity.
Nationality
Spain
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
2001–Present
#33 Novak Djokovic image
#33 Novak Djokovic
24-time Grand Slam champion; known for his resilience and all-round excellence.
Nationality
Serbia
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
2003–Present
#34 Serena Williams image
#34 Serena Williams
23-time Grand Slam singles champion; one of the greatest female athletes ever.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1995–2022
#35 Pete Sampras image
#35 Pete Sampras
14-time Grand Slam champion; dominated tennis in the 1990s with powerful serve-and-volley.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1988–2002
#36 Steffi Graf image
#36 Steffi Graf
22-time Grand Slam champion; achieved the Golden Slam in 1988.
Nationality
Germany
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1982–1999
#37 Martina Navratilova image
#37 Martina Navratilova
18-time Grand Slam singles champion; excelled in doubles and singles.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1975–2006
#38 Björn Borg image
#38 Björn Borg
11-time Grand Slam champion; dominated Wimbledon and French Open in late 1970s.
Nationality
Sweden
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1973–1983
#39 Andre Agassi image
#39 Andre Agassi
Eight-time Grand Slam champion; known for his charisma and return of serve.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1986–2006
#40 Venus Williams image
#40 Venus Williams
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion; advocate for equal prize money in tennis.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Tennis
Years Active
1994–Present
#41 Tom Brady image
#41 Tom Brady
Seven-time Super Bowl champion; considered the greatest quarterback of all time.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
2000–2023
#42 Joe Montana image
#42 Joe Montana
Four-time Super Bowl champion; known for his clutch performances.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1979–1994
#43 Peyton Manning image
#43 Peyton Manning
Two-time Super Bowl champion; five-time MVP; known for his intelligence and leadership.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1998–2015
#44 Jerry Rice image
#44 Jerry Rice
Widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver; holds numerous NFL records.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1985–2004
#45 Lawrence Taylor image
#45 Lawrence Taylor
Revolutionized defensive play; two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1981–1993
#46 Jim Brown image
#46 Jim Brown
Three-time MVP; dominant running back; retired at the peak of his career.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1957–1965
#47 Brett Favre image
#47 Brett Favre
Three-time MVP; known for his durability and gunslinger style.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1991–2010
#48 Emmitt Smith image
#48 Emmitt Smith
NFL's all-time leading rusher; three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1990–2004
#49 Deion Sanders image
#49 Deion Sanders
Exceptional cornerback and return specialist; also played professional baseball.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1989–2005
#50 Johnny Unitas image
#50 Johnny Unitas
Hall of Fame quarterback; known for his strong arm and leadership in the 1950s–60s.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
American Football
Years Active
1956–1973
#51 Babe Ruth image
#51 Babe Ruth
Legendary slugger; changed the game with his home run hitting; "The Sultan of Swat."
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1914–1935
#52 Jackie Robinson image
#52 Jackie Robinson
Broke MLB's color barrier in 1947; Rookie of the Year; six-time All-Star.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1947–1956
#53 Hank Aaron image
#53 Hank Aaron
Broke Babe Ruth's home run record; Hall of Famer; career 755 home runs.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1954–1976
#54 Willie Mays image
#54 Willie Mays
Exceptional all-around player; 24-time All-Star; 660 career home runs.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1951–1973
#55 Derek Jeter image
#55 Derek Jeter
Five-time World Series champion with the Yankees; known for leadership and clutch plays.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1995–2014
#56 Barry Bonds image
#56 Barry Bonds
All-time home run leader (762); seven-time MVP; career marred by steroid allegations.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1986–2007
#57 Ted Williams image
#57 Ted Williams
Last player to hit over .400 in a season; renowned hitter; Hall of Famer.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1939–1960
#58 Lou Gehrig image
#58 Lou Gehrig
"The Iron Horse"; known for his durability and tragic battle with ALS.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1923–1939
#59 Nolan Ryan image
#59 Nolan Ryan
Record seven no-hitters; all-time strikeout leader; played 27 seasons.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1966–1993
#60 Roger Clemens image
#60 Roger Clemens
Seven-time Cy Young Award winner; known for his power pitching.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Baseball
Years Active
1984–2007
#61 Jonah Lomu image
#61 Jonah Lomu
Revolutionized wing play with size and speed; starred in 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Nationality
New Zealand
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1994–2002
#62 Richie McCaw image
#62 Richie McCaw
Led All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories; most-capped Test player.
Nationality
New Zealand
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
2001–2015
#63 Martin Johnson image
#63 Martin Johnson
Captained England to 2003 Rugby World Cup win; formidable lock forward.
Nationality
England
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1993–2005
#64 Brian O’Driscoll image
#64 Brian O’Driscoll
One of the greatest centers; captained Ireland and British & Irish Lions.
Nationality
Ireland
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1999–2014
#65 Dan Carter image
#65 Dan Carter
All-time leading point scorer in Test rugby; two-time World Cup winner.
Nationality
New Zealand
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
2003–2015
#66 Gareth Edwards image
#66 Gareth Edwards
Regarded as one of the greatest players; famous for his try for the Barbarians in 1973.
Nationality
Wales
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1967–1978
#67 David Campese image
#67 David Campese
Known for his attacking flair; World Cup winner in 1991; scored 64 Test tries.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1982–1996
#68 Jonny Wilkinson image
#68 Jonny Wilkinson
Kicked winning drop goal in 2003 World Cup final; renowned for his accuracy.
Nationality
England
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1998–2014
#69 George Gregan image
#69 George Gregan
Australia's most-capped player; known for his quick passing and leadership.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1994–2007
#70 Francois Pienaar image
#70 Francois Pienaar
Captained South Africa to 1995 World Cup win; symbol of post-apartheid unity.
Nationality
South Africa
Achievements
---
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1989–1996
#71 Wayne Gretzky image
#71 Wayne Gretzky
Holds numerous NHL records; "The Great One"; four-time Stanley Cup champion.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1979–1999
#72 Sidney Crosby image
#72 Sidney Crosby
Three-time Stanley Cup champion; known for his skill and leadership; Olympic gold medalist.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
2005–Present
#73 Alexander Ovechkin image
#73 Alexander Ovechkin
One of the greatest goal scorers; Stanley Cup champion; multiple MVP awards.
Nationality
Russia
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
2005–Present
#74 Bobby Orr image
#74 Bobby Orr
Revolutionized defenseman role; two-time Stanley Cup champion; eight-time Norris Trophy winner.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1966–1978
#75 Mario Lemieux image
#75 Mario Lemieux
Two-time Stanley Cup champion; overcame health issues; owner and player for Penguins.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1984–2006
#76 Jaromír Jágr image
#76 Jaromír Jágr
Second all-time in NHL points; Stanley Cup champion; played into his 40s.
Nationality
Czech Republic
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1990–2018
#77 Mark Messier image
#77 Mark Messier
Six-time Stanley Cup champion; known for leadership; second in all-time playoff points.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1979–2004
#78 Martin Brodeur image
#78 Martin Brodeur
All-time leader in wins for goaltenders; three-time Stanley Cup champion.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1991–2015
#79 Patrick Roy image
#79 Patrick Roy
Four-time Stanley Cup champion; known for clutch playoff performances as a goalie.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1984–2003
#80 Joe Sakic image
#80 Joe Sakic
Two-time Stanley Cup champion; known for scoring ability and leadership with Avalanche.
Nationality
Canada
Achievements
---
Sport
Ice Hockey
Years Active
1988–2009
#81 Tiger Woods image
#81 Tiger Woods
15-time major champion; revolutionized golf with his athleticism and dominance.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1996–Present
#82 Jack Nicklaus image
#82 Jack Nicklaus
Record 18 major championships; known as "The Golden Bear"; considered one of the greatest.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1961–2005
#83 Arnold Palmer image
#83 Arnold Palmer
Seven major titles; popularized golf; known for his charismatic personality.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1954–2006
#84 Gary Player image
#84 Gary Player
Nine major titles; one of only five players to win the career Grand Slam.
Nationality
South Africa
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1953–2009
#85 Phil Mickelson image
#85 Phil Mickelson
Six major titles; known for his left-handed swing and short game.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1992–Present
#86 Rory McIlroy image
#86 Rory McIlroy
Four major titles; known for his powerful driving and all-around game.
Nationality
Northern Ireland
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
2007–Present
#87 Ben Hogan image
#87 Ben Hogan
Nine major titles; known for his ball-striking and comeback after a car accident.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1930–1971
#88 Tom Watson image
#88 Tom Watson
Eight major titles; known for his success in The Open Championship.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1971–2019
#89 Sam Snead image
#89 Sam Snead
Tied for most PGA Tour wins (82); seven major titles; known for his smooth swing.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1934–1987
#90 Seve Ballesteros image
#90 Seve Ballesteros
Five major titles; charismatic player known for his creativity and flair.
Nationality
Spain
Achievements
---
Sport
Golf
Years Active
1974–2007
#91 Michael Phelps image
#91 Michael Phelps
Most decorated Olympian ever with 28 medals (23 gold); dominated multiple events.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2000–2016
#92 Katie Ledecky image
#92 Katie Ledecky
Multiple Olympic golds; dominant in distance freestyle events; holds world records.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2012–Present
#93 Ian Thorpe image
#93 Ian Thorpe
Five-time Olympic gold medalist; known as "The Thorpedo"; excelled in freestyle.
Nationality
Australia
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
1997–2006
#94 Mark Spitz image
#94 Mark Spitz
Won seven gold medals at 1972 Olympics; set world records in each event.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
1965–1972
#95 Ryan Lochte image
#95 Ryan Lochte
12-time Olympic medalist; versatile swimmer across multiple strokes.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2004–2021
#96 Adam Peaty image
#96 Adam Peaty
Olympic gold medalist; world record holder in breaststroke events.
Nationality
United Kingdom
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2014–Present
#97 Pieter van den Hoogenband image
#97 Pieter van den Hoogenband
Three-time Olympic gold medalist; rivaled Ian Thorpe in freestyle events.
Nationality
Netherlands
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
1996–2008
#98 Katinka Hosszú image
#98 Katinka Hosszú
Known as the "Iron Lady"; excels in individual medley; multiple Olympic medals.
Nationality
Hungary
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2004–Present
#99 Missy Franklin image
#99 Missy Franklin
Five-time Olympic gold medalist; excelled in backstroke; retired early due to injuries.
Nationality
United States
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2010–2018
#100 Sun Yang image
#100 Sun Yang
Multiple Olympic golds; dominant in distance freestyle; faced doping controversies.
Nationality
China
Achievements
---
Sport
Swimming
Years Active
2008–2020
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