ESPN’s top 25 athletes of the 21st century
Based on combined expertise and rankings from ESPN’s global contributors.
Based on combined expertise and rankings from ESPN’s global contributors.
The top 25 features iconic figures across global sports, with Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James widely recognized for their dominance.
- Michael Phelps (Swimming)
- Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Tiger Woods (Golf)
- LeBron James (NBA)
- Lionel Messi (Soccer)
- Katie Ledecky (Swimming)
- Tom Brady (NFL)
- Roger Federer (Tennis)
- Kobe Bryant (NBA)
- Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- Serena Williams (Tennis)
- Lewis Hamilton (F1)
- Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
- Peyton Manning (NFL)
- Stephen Curry (NBA)
- Shaquille O’Neal (NBA)
- Tim Duncan (NBA)
- Floyd Mayweather (Boxing)
- Michael Schumacher (F1)
- Allyson Felix (Track and Field)
- Mikaela Shiffrin (Skiing)
- Kevin Garnett (NBA)
- Albert Pujols (MLB)
This ranking was compiled by ESPN to highlight the most dominant athletes of the modern era (since 2000), including significant representation from Olympic sports, basketball, and football.
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