Top 20 Greatest Athletes of All Time (All Sports)
These 20 athletes changed the history of sports with their skill, achievements, and impact.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
This list honors the 20 greatest athletes across all sports. Each athlete stood out not just for talent, but for breaking records and shaping their game. Their influence reaches beyond the field, court, or track.
20. Jackie Joyner-Kersee — Track and Field
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Jackie Joyner-Kersee won three Olympic gold medals and is widely seen as the greatest female heptathlete. She held world records in the heptathlon for decades. Her achievements in both the long jump and heptathlon showed her range and ability. She raised the profile of women’s track and field.
19. Martina Navratilova — Tennis
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Martina Navratilova won 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed competitions. She was known for her fitness, power, and consistency. Her career lasted over three decades with top-level performances. She also stood for equality and fair treatment in sport.
18. Bo Jackson — Baseball / American Football
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Bo Jackson played both Major League Baseball and professional American football at the highest level. He was named an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler. His rare combination of speed and strength impressed fans and athletes alike. Injuries shortened his career, but his talent remains legendary.
17. Novak Djokovic — Tennis
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Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any male player. He has spent more weeks ranked world No. 1 than any other tennis player in history. His game is based on precision, endurance, and mental strength. Djokovic has consistently outperformed his top rivals over time.
16. Jim Thorpe — Track and Field / American Football / Baseball
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Jim Thorpe won Olympic gold medals in both the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Olympics. He also played professional baseball and football. His all-around athletic ability was unmatched in his era. He later became a symbol of Native American strength and resilience.
15. Kobe Bryant — Basketball
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Kobe Bryant won five NBA championships and scored over 33,000 career points. He was known for his focused work ethic and competitive spirit. He played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
14. Carl Lewis — Track and Field
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Carl Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals in sprinting and the long jump. He dominated track and field across four different Olympic Games. His discipline and physical control made him a consistent winner. Lewis became a global face of Olympic excellence.
13. Joe Louis — Boxing
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Joe Louis held the heavyweight boxing title for nearly 12 years, longer than anyone else. He defended his title 25 times and helped bring boxing to a wider audience. His win over Max Schmeling was seen as a major cultural moment. Louis is remembered for his dominance and dignity.
12. Wilt Chamberlain — Basketball
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Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA game and holds many league records. He averaged over 30 points and 20 rebounds across his career. His size and athleticism changed the way basketball was played. Chamberlain’s statistics are still among the most impressive in the sport.
11. Diego Maradona — Football (Soccer)
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Diego Maradona led Argentina to a World Cup title in 1986 with legendary performances. His control, creativity, and dribbling made him nearly impossible to stop. He played for top clubs like Napoli and Barcelona. Maradona’s influence is still felt across world football.
10. Roger Federer — Tennis
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Roger Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and was ranked No. 1 for 310 weeks. His game was known for balance, variety, and calm under pressure. He remained at the top for over 15 years, despite facing strong competition. Federer earned global respect for both his skill and sportsmanship.
9. Tiger Woods — Golf
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Tiger Woods has won 15 major golf championships and changed how golf is viewed worldwide. He broke many records early in his career with dominant performances. He also played through injuries and setbacks to stay competitive. Woods helped bring younger and more diverse fans into the sport.
8. Lionel Messi — Football (Soccer)
May 31, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10)
Lionel Messi has won numerous titles with FC Barcelona and Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup. He holds the record for most Ballon d’Or wins. His control, vision, and passing make him a complete forward. Messi has remained at the top level for nearly two decades.
7. Michael Phelps — Swimming
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Michael Phelps holds the all-time record for Olympic gold medals with 23. He won medals in multiple strokes and distances. His training methods and race strategies were highly advanced. Phelps brought new attention and respect to the sport of competitive swimming.
6. Tom Brady — American Football
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Tom Brady won seven Super Bowl titles as a starting quarterback. He holds several career records, including most passing touchdowns and wins. His leadership and decision-making were key to his team’s success. Brady played at an elite level well into his 40s.
5. Pelé — Football (Soccer)
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Pelé scored over 1,000 professional goals and won three World Cups with Brazil. He was known for his movement, creativity, and finishing. Pelé became a global ambassador for football during and after his career. His name is still one of the most recognized in the sport.
4. Usain Bolt — Track and Field
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Usain Bolt holds the world records for the 100m and 200m sprints. He won eight Olympic gold medals, demonstrating clear dominance in each of his finals. His celebrations and speed made him a global icon. Bolt lifted track and field’s profile on a worldwide scale.
3. Muhammad Ali — Boxing
1971; USA: FILE PHOTO; Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali works with a jump rope
Muhammad Ali was a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion. He had speed, timing, and intelligence in the ring. Outside the ring, he stood for civil rights and refused to fight in the Vietnam War. Ali became one of the most respected figures in and out of sports.
2. Serena Williams — Tennis
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Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era. She changed the pace and style of women’s tennis with her strength and focus. Her career lasted more than two decades at the highest level. Serena also became a symbol of equality and resilience.
1. Michael Jordan — Basketball
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Michael Jordan won six NBA titles and five MVP awards with the Chicago Bulls. He changed how basketball was played and marketed around the world. His mindset, performances, and leadership made him a global icon. Jordan’s influence is still present in today’s sports culture.