Top 25 Athletes of the 21st Century

Back in 2024, ESPN finalized a list featuring the top 100 athletes of the 21st century. This ranking was determined by over 70,000 contributors who focused exclusively on accomplishments from the year 2000 onward. The list spans all genders and sports, showcasing a diverse range of talent worldwide.

Given the vast pool of elite competitors, some prominent names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton, and Rafael Nadal did not make the top 10, despite their remarkable careers. Below are highlights of the top 25, featuring some of the most influential and successful athletes as voted by the fans.

ESPN's Top 100 Athletes (Positions 25-11)

25. Floyd Mayweather - Boxing
24. Albert Pujols - Baseball
23. Kevin Garnett - Basketball
22. Sidney Crosby - Hockey
21. Diana Taurasi - Basketball
20. Aaron Donald - NFL
19. Lewis Hamilton - Formula 1
18. Patrick Mahomes - NFL
17. Shaquille O'Neal - Basketball
16. Tim Duncan - Basketball
15. Katie Ledecky - Swimming
14. Stephen Curry - Basketball
13. Cristiano Ronaldo - Football
12. Rafael Nadal - Tennis
11. Novak Djokovic - Tennis

Top 10 Athletes of the 21st Century

Kobe Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever. Spending his entire NBA career (1996-2016) with the Los Angeles Lakers, he earned five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections, and the 2008 MVP title. Bryant’s tragic death in 2020 cut short a legendary life, but his influence on basketball remains enduring.

Games played: 1,346
Free-throw percentage: .837
Rebounds per game: 5.2
Assists per game: 4.7
Points per game: 25.0

Usain Bolt became an iconic figure in track and field, dominating three consecutive Olympics from 2008 to 2016 and securing eight gold medals. His world records in the 100m and 200m sprints remain unmatched. Bolt is the only sprinter to win gold in both events across multiple Olympics.

2008 Beijing: Gold in 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay
2012 London: Gold in 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay
2016 Rio: Gold in 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay

Tiger Woods transformed golf with a career that started in 1996 and continues to inspire today. He captured 13 Major titles including multiple Masters, PGA Championships, US Opens, and Open Championships. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021, Woods remains a defining figure in golf history.

The Masters Wins: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019
PGA Championship Wins: 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007
US Open Wins: 2000, 2002, 2008
The Open Wins: 2000, 2005, 2006

At just 29, Simone Biles is the youngest athlete in the top 10. She burst onto the scene in 2013 and made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics with four gold medals and one bronze, matching the record for most golds by a female gymnast at a single Games. In Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, she continued adding to her medal tally, solidifying her legacy.

2016 Rio: Gold in Team, All-around, Vault, Floor; Bronze in Balance beam
2020 Tokyo: Silver in Team; Bronze in Balance beam
2024 Paris: Gold in Team, All-around, Vault; Silver in Floor exercise

Roger Federer stands out among men's tennis greats. Starting his pro career in 1998, Federer boasts an 82% winning rate across 1,500 matches. With 20 Major titles, including a record eight Wimbledon championships, his elegant style and sportsmanship earned him the nickname 'gentleman of tennis.' Federer retired in 2022 after an illustrious career.

Australian Open Wins: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018
French Open Win: 2009
Wimbledon Wins: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017
US Open Wins: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Tom Brady is unmatched in Super Bowl success with seven championship rings and five MVP awards. His two-decade career mainly with the New England Patriots was followed by a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady earned three NFL MVPs and made 15 Pro Bowls, cementing his status as football's greatest quarterback.

Games played: 335
Record: 251-82
Passes completed: 7,753
Passes attempted: 12,050
Passing touchdowns: 649

LeBron James ranks as the highest basketball player on the list. At 41 and still active, his career includes stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and soon the Philadelphia 76ers. A four-time NBA champion and 22-time All-Star, he holds the NBA’s all-time scoring record and remains a global icon.

Games played: 1,622
Free-throw percentage: 73.7%
Rebounds per game: 7.5
Assists per game: 7.4
Points per game: 26.8

The only footballer in the top 10, Lionel Messi spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and numerous individual awards. Representing Argentina, Messi claimed two Copa Americas, an Olympic gold, and a World Cup. With eight Ballons d'Or, he holds the record for the most wins. Even near retirement, his performance at the 2026 World Cup final was outstanding.

Argentina caps: 207
Goals for Argentina: 125
Honors: World Cup (1), Copa America (2), Olympic Gold Medal (1)

Serena Williams is the highest-ranked woman on the list and a legend in tennis. She won 23 Major titles—the second most ever—and 73 professional titles overall. Known for her power and determination, Serena changed tennis and inspired countless athletes worldwide.

Australian Open Wins: 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017
French Open Wins: 2002, 2013, 2015
Wimbledon Wins: 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016
US Open Wins: 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014

Michael Phelps tops the list as the most decorated Olympian ever with 28 total medals, including 23 golds. His record-breaking eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics set new standards. Across four Olympic Games, Phelps dominated swimming, setting records in nearly every race he entered.