If we were to make a list of the 50 greatest athletes of all time, who would you plan to add?
An athlete is considered successful by the number of awards they have received or the scores they have earned throughout their career. However, an athlete’s greatness is recognized by their ability to influence and inspire people to participate in their field.
Several sportsmen have been recognized as the greatest athletes of all time in the entire world due to their dynamic, influential skills and unmatched sportsmanship. In this blog, we pay tribute to these extraordinary individuals who have etched their names as the most influential athletes in history.
List Of Successful 50 Greatest Athletes Of All Time
| 1. Michael Jordan | 11. Ted Williams | 21. Bobby Orr | 31. Jerry Rice | 41. Sachin Tendulkar |
| 2. Muhammad Ali | 12. Wayne Gretzky | 22. Mark Spitz | 32. Dhyan Chand | 42. Lin Dan |
| 3. Michael Phelps | 13. Kapil Dev | 23. Walter Payton | 33. Tiger Woods | 43. Lionel Messi |
| 4. Babe Ruth | 14. Jim Brown | 24. Gareth Edwards | 34. Cristiano Ronaldo | 44. Rafael Nadal |
| 5. Usain Bolt | 15. Bill Russell | 25. Nadia Comaneci | 35. Steffi Graf | 45. Lebron James |
| 6. Pele | 16. Sir Garfield Sobers | 26. Martina Navaratilova | 36. Aytron Senna | 46. Billie Jean King |
| 7. Magic Johnson | 17. Jim Clark | 27. Joe Montana | 37. Stephen Hendry | 47. Lindsay Vonn |
| 8. Vivian Richards | 18. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 28. Zico | 38. Brian Lara | 48. Alex Morgan |
| 9. Diego Maradona | 19. Jack Nicklaus | 29. Carl Lewis | 39. Roger Federer | 49. Serena Williams |
| 10. Jim Thorpe | 20. Bo Jackson | 30. Alain Prost | 40. Michael Schumacher | 50. Danica Patrick |
1. Michael Jordan (Basketball)
Voted as the greatest NBA, Michael Jeffrey Jordan always tops the list of the 50 greatest athletes of all time. Most importantly, Jordan is the first person to come to our mind when we speak of Basketball. He has participated in 15 seasons of the NBA, and has won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan popularized the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s—becoming a global cultural icon meanwhile
Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls. He was integral in helping to popularize the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a global cultural icon in the process.
2. Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
If you go through every list of 50 greatest athletes of all times, Muhammad Ali would always be most influential athletes of all time. Popular as a ‘World Champion’, Muhammad Ali has was bestowed with the title of World Heavyweight for 3 consecutive years. He was not just an amateur Olympic gold medalist but an ardent black rights activist.
3. Michael Phelps (Swimming)
Statistically, Michael Phelps is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, with 28 Olympic medals (23 gold) – the most by any athlete in history and 39 world records (4 unbroken). Phelps also won eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics making this one of the most iconic feats in sports history. His dominance in swimming, across various strokes and distances, showcased extraordinary versatility and endurance.
4. Babe Ruth (Baseball)
Babe Ruth has set records for Home Runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage, despite having started his career as a pitcher. He was regarded as a ‘LARGER THAN LIFE’ figure and also one of the most famous athletes of all time. Ruth was part of the famous murderer’s row Yankees team of 1927. His huge hitting made his home-run champion 12 times and helped usher in the “live-ball” era of Baseball.
5. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
Regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt stands tall among the top athletes of all time, boasting world records in various race categories. His global acclaim reached new heights with a stunning double sprint victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting world record times. Remarkably, he became the first person to simultaneously hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory. This solidifies his status as an unparalleled sportsman in the list of 50 greatest athletes of all time.
6. Pele (Soccer)
Pele is hailed as the greatest athlete in the world of football, including over 1,200 career goals and three FIFA World Cup wins—the most by any player. He brought Brazil’s unique “ginga” style of football to the global stage, blending grace, creativity, and skill in a way that mesmerized fans. Pele’s artistry on the field and ability to shine in the biggest moments made him a true icon of the sport.
7. Magic Johnson (Basketball)
In the 1980s, Magic Johnson won 5 NBA titles with the LA Lakers and 3 NBA MVP awards. He is often regarded as the best point guard of all times and has been honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, and surprisingly won the All-Star MVP Award.
8. Vivian Richards (Baseball)
Vivian Richards is one of the most fearless and aggressive batsmen and one of the best athletes of all time. Moreover, he was voted as one of the 5 players of the century. Most importantly, Richards played remarkably during his entire life without wearing a helmet whatsoever. He was also popular for punishing bowlers who insulted him on the field. As a result, it led many opposing captains to enforce silence.
9. Diego Maradona (Soccer)
Maradona is believed to be the soccer player who enhanced the essence of soccer across the globe. Recognized as one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time in the soccer industry, Maradona has been awarded with a plethora of prestigious awards. He was also named as joint player of the century by FIFA and inspired Argentina to World Cup in 1986, winning the best player award.
10. Jim Thorpe (Baseball, American football and Basketball)
Jim Thorpe is celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in history for his extraordinary versatility across multiple sports. He won gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics, showcasing unmatched athleticism. Thorpe also excelled in professional football, baseball, and basketball, embodying the spirit of a true all-around athlete. His dominance in such diverse disciplines cemented his legacy as a pioneer of sporting greatness.
11. Ted Williams (Baseball)
One of the greatest hitters ever, Ted Williams still holds the record for career on-base percentage. He was twice MVP, 6 times batting champion and a 19-time all-star. He put a halt to his career to serve in the US military and holds one of America’s highest civilian awards, the “Presidential Medal of Freedom”. This makes Ted Williams one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
12. Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)
Wayne Gretzky is regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, holding an unmatched 61 NHL records, including the most career points (2,857). Known as “The Great One,” he revolutionized the game with his vision, precision, and playmaking ability. Gretzky’s record of scoring 200+ points in a season—a feat he accomplished four times—remains unparalleled, solidifying his legacy as hockey’s ultimate icon.
13. Kapil Dev (Cricket)
Kapil Dev is worshipped as the GOAT of Indian cricket. He is counted as one of the greatest all-rounders of cricket. He is honored as one of the greatest captains of all time—who led India to win the first Cricket World Cup title in 1983. In 2002, he was named by Wisden as the Indian Cricketer of the Century. Without a doubt, Kapil Dev deserves a spot in the list of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
14. Jim Brown (American Football)
Jim Brown was a fullback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) from 1957 through 1965. He was considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, as well as one of the greatest players in NFL history. In 2002, he was named by The Sporting News as the greatest professional football player ever.
15. Bill Russell (Basketball)
Bill Russell was the ‘Centerpiece’ of the great Boston Celtics team of the 60s. In a period of 13 years, Russell has won 11 NBA championships. He was a 5 time MVP and a 12-time all-star. In 1966, Russell became the first African-American NBA coach. He was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
16. Sir Garfield Sobers (Cricket)
Sir Garfield Sobers is regarded as the greatest all-around cricketer of all times. At the age of 22, he had set the record for the highest test score, which stood for over 40 years. He was also a fearsome bowler—with over 1,000 career wickets. Sir Garfield rightly owns the list of 50 greatest athletes of all time as he was knighted by the Queen of England and was named a Barbados national hero by the Act of Parliament.
17. Jim Clark (F1 Racing)
Jim Clark has set records at the time for most grand-Prix wins and most pole positions. He has been a Two times Formula 1 world champion with Lotus. Clark was also a versatile driver, winning the Indy 500 and the British Touring Car Championship. Till date, he is hailed as one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time and a champion racer.
18. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Basketball)
A 6-times record holder and 19-times All-star, Kareem Abdul Jabbar has won the NBA championship 6 times. He is famous for his “Skyhook” shot and remains as the NBA record holder of all-time point’s scorer. Since retirement, he has appeared in several films, and is currently a cultural ambassador for the US.
19. Jack Nicklaus (Golf)
Nicklaus is more popular by his pet name—Golden Bear. He still holds the record for most major victories just at the age of 18. He had won the grand slam of all majors at just 26 years old (the youngest ever). These achievements make him widely considered the best golfer of all time, and undoubtedly one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
20. Bo Jackson (American Football, Baseball)
Bo Jackson is celebrated as one of the greatest athletes ever for excelling in both professional football and baseball, a feat rarely achieved. As an NFL running back, he showcased explosive speed and power, earning a Pro Bowl selection. In MLB, he was an All-Star, known for his incredible home runs and defensive plays.
21. Bobby Orr (Ice Hockey)
Orr was a 3 time NHL MVP. He was 8 time best defenseman—being the only defenseman to be a leading league scorer. Orr was the highest-paid player in the league as a rookie and gained the first NHL million dollar contract. However, he retired due to injuries at the age of 30.
22. Mark Spitz (Swimming)
Spitz won 9 Olympic gold medals, including 7 in 1972 alone—setting an unbeatable record for over 30 years. He set 35 world records during his career, excelling in butterfly, freestyle, and medley making him one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time. Moreover, after mocking his iconic mustache made his quicker, the Russian Swimming team adopted them.
23. Walter Payton (American Football)
Popular as “sweetness”, Payton held the records for most yards, most touchdowns, and most carries. He finally won the Superbowl with the Chicago Bears in 1985. His motto was “never die easy”, and he refused to ever run out of bounds or to celebrate touchdowns.
24. Gareth Edwards (Rugby)
Gareth Edwards was believed to be the greatest Rugby player ever. He had fantastic all-round skills, including passing, running, and kicking. He scored what many consider to the best try ever in 1973 for the Barbarians.
25. Nadia Comaneci (Gymnast)
Comaneci was the first gymnast ever to be awarded a perfect 10 in the Olympics—a grand achievement just at the age of 15. She won 3 Olympic gold medals in 1976, including the all-round and 2 more in 1980. She won 2 world championship titles when she was just 13. Nadia is popularly recognized as one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time in the entire globe.
26. Martina Navaratilova (Tennis)
Martina is regarded as the greatest tennis players of all time. She won 18 Grand Slam singles and a record 41 doubles titles, including 9 Wimbledon Singles titles. She was number 1 in singles for 7 years in total, whilst being number 1 in doubles for 5 years.
27. Joe Montana (American Football)
Famous for his calmness under pressure, Joe is one of the greatest football players of all time. He has led his teams to over 304th quarter comebacks and famously throw last-minute touchdown passes for the championship and Superbowl in 1981. This makes Joe Montana a 50 greatest athletes of all time.
28. Zico (Soccer)
The Brazilian playmaker is considered one of the most skillful passers and finishers ever. Zico upholds 3 ‘South American footballers of the year’ awards (finishing 2nd twice more) and 4 Brazilian Championships. Zico was also called the “White Pelé”.
29. Carl Lewis (Track and Field)
Carl Lewis went more than 60 competitions unbeaten at Long Jump over 10 years and still holds the indoor world record. He has won 9 Olympic gold medals and 8 World Championship golds, across 100m, 200m, relay, and Long Jump.
30. Alain Prost (Racing)
Prost has won 4 World Drivers Championships, with 2 separate teams. He won a record 51 Grand Prix, a record which stood for 14 years. Prost was nicknamed the “professor” for his intellectual approach to racing. Subsequently, he founded his own F1 “Prost” team.
31. Jerry Rice (American Football)
Rice is generally considered to be the best wide receiver in NFL history, leading the all-time lists in receptions, touchdown receptions, and yards. He is also the highest-scoring non-kicker in NFL history and one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
32. Dhyan Chand (Hockey)
Popularly known as the ‘Magician’ for his incredible ball control, Dhyan Chand is hailed as the best sportsmen of all time. During his entire career, he has scored more than 1,000 career goals. He has represented India for over 20 years and has earned 3 Olympic Gold medals. His birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. Recently, the Government of India has honored his contributions to Indian sports by renaming the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award—the highest sporting honor in India—as the “Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.”
33. Tiger Woods (Golf)
Tiger Woods has won 14 major titles, including each major at least 3 times. Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Most importantly, he is also one of the most famous and greatest athletes of all time in history.
34. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is popularly regarded as the greatest football player of all time. He is a world-famous football player, and has set tremendous records as a football player. He is also the second male to score 100 international goals, and the first European to achieve the feat. No-wonder why Ronaldo is entitles as one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
35. Steffi Graf (Tennis)
Steffi Graf has won 22 major singles titles—the most in the open era for either gender. She is the only person to win at least 4 titles in each major, showing her versatility by surface. She is also the only player to win a calendar grand slam (all titles in the same year) and was a record 377 weeks at world no.1.
36. Aytron Senna (Racing)
Widely considered one of the fastest drivers of all time, Senna won 3 Formula 1 World Championships. He was particularly known for his skill in difficult driving conditions, particularly in the wet or difficult tracks (He won the Monaco Grand Prix a record 6 times).
37. Stephen Hendry (Snooker)
The most successful snooker player ever, Stephen Hendry upheld the World Number 1 for 8 consecutive years. He has won 7 World Championships, the first of which he won at just 21 years old. He also holds records for most ever ranking event wins as well as century breaks.
38. Brian Lara (Cricket)
Lara was a prolific run-scorer. He is the only cricket player ever to score more than 500 runs in an innings. He also holds the record for highest innings score in international test cricket. Moreover, he was bestowed as the ‘Wisden Cricketer of the Year’ twice.
39. Roger Federer (Tennis)
The GOAT of tennis, one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time, Federer has won more singles Grand Slams than any other male tennis player at 20. He has 7 Wimbledon titles and also holds the record for most weeks at world no.1. Federer is remarkably popular and has won fans award for the favorite player for 12 years straight.
40. Michael Schumacher (Racing)
Michael Schumacher holds several all-time records, including most races won, most pole positions. He is the only driver to finish in the top 3 in every race in a season. Schumacher is one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time, with an inspirational career as a racer.
41. Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket)
The 50 greatest athletes of all time across the world of sports, Tendulkar is worshipped as the god of cricket. He is the all-time highest run-scorer in both test and one-day international cricket. He is the only player to score 100 centuries in international cricket, and was the first ever player to hit a double-century in a one-day game.
42. Lin Dan (Badminton)
Lin Dan is a 5-time World Champion, as well as a 5-time All-England Champion. He is the only person to win consecutive singles gold medals at two different Olympics. He is also the only player to win a “Super Grand Slam” winning all 9 major badminton titles in his career.
43. Lionel Messi (Soccer)
Popular for his dribbling skills, Messi is regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. He has won the Balon D’Or greatest player, a joint record 5 times, and won Best Player at the 2014 World Cup. He has scored over 600 league goals and is the 2nd top scorer ever in the European Champions League.
44. Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
The greatest clay-court player ever, Nadal has won 10 French Open titles, amongst 16 grand slams in total (2nd most ever). He reached the Career Grand Slam (winning each) by just 24 years old. He also won his first Grand Slam as a teenager, and is immensely famous for his aggressive baseline style. Therefore, Rafael owns his spot in the listing of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
45. Lebron James (Basketball)
James is the all-time playoff top scorer and all-time all-stars top scorer, gaining 14 All-Star appearances. He has become known as the face of the MBA. He is one of the greatest basketball players. He was named as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world by Times in 2017.
46. Billie Jean King (Tennis)
Former World No. 1 professional tennis player, Billie Jean King is regarded as one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time. King is an advocate for gender equality and social justice. She campaigned for equal pay when the Open Era began in 1968. In 1971, she became the first female athlete to earn over $100,000 in prize money.
47. Lindsay Vonn (Alpine Ski Racer)
Lindsey Vonn is a retired American alpine ski racer, widely regarded as one of the best female ski racers in history. She achieved remarkable success on the World Cup circuit, winning 82 races—more than any other female skier. Vonn is a three-time World Cup overall champion and won a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, along with several other Olympic medals. When it comes to ski racing, Vonn is the greatest athletes of all time.
48. Alex Morgan (Soccer)
In 2012, Morgan recorded 28 goals and 21 assists to become the second American woman to score 20 goals. She was also the sixth and the youngest US player to score 20 goals in a single year. Alex continues to inspire a vast population of football fans as one of the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
49. Serena Williams (Tennis)
Williams is widely acknowledged as one of the best female tennis players of the Open Era, securing her place among the all time greatest athletes. Her victories have solidified her status as a tennis icon and positioned her as an inspirational figure, particularly for young enthusiasts of the sport. Boasting an impressive record, her 23 Grand Slam singles titles stand as a testament to her unparalleled success, setting a record for the most tournament wins during the Open Era. Notably, in 2019, she stood as the sole woman on the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, underscoring her impact as the 50 greatest athletes of all time.
50. Danica Patrick (Racing)
Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. Patrick is the first and only woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. In a predominantly male industry, Patrick is often credited for breaking the gender barrier and inspiring more women to take part in auto racing and motorsports. Therefore, she ranks in the list of best athletes of all time.
FAQs
- Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?
Answer: Muhammad Ali is the greatest sportsman of all time winning 56 of his 61 professional fights. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and became a three-time Heavyweight Champion of the World.
- Who is the most admired sportsperson in the world?
Answer: Lionel Messi is often regarded as the most admired sportsperson in the world due to his exceptional talent, humility, philanthropic efforts, and inspiring journey in football.
- Who is the most influential athlete of all time?
Ans: Michael Jordan is the most influential athlete of all time due to his unmatched success in basketball, his global brand impact, and his role in popularizing the NBA worldwide. Beyond his 6 NBA championships and 5 MVP awards, Jordan revolutionized the sports endorsement industry and became a cultural icon.
- Who are the top 5 Greatest athletes of all time?
Ans:
| Greatest athletes of all time | Sport | Greatest Achievement |
| Michael Jordan | Basketball | Won 6 NBA championships |
| Muhammad Ali | Boxing | 3-time World Heavyweight Champion |
| Michael Phelps | Swimming | 23 Olympic Gold Medals |
| Babe Ruth | Baseball | 714 Home Runs |
| Usain Bolt | Track and field | 8 Olympic Gold Medals |
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