The 10 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Last 25 Years

August 18, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Over the past 25 years, sports have been shaped by a remarkable group of individuals. They didn’t just win championships or break records, they changed the way we play, watch, and talk about sports. From game-changing athletes to voices for justice and innovation, their impact goes far beyond the field. This gallery celebrates the 25 most influential sports figures since the year 2000. Each one has left an undeniable mark on both their sport and their era.

10. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick's influence far outlasted his NFL career. After taking a knee in 2016 to protest racial injustice, he became a global symbol of activism in sports. Though his playing days were short, his legacy is anything but, reshaping conversations around athletes’ rights, patriotism, and the power of silent protest.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo combined elite athleticism with marketability like few others. With over 900 goals and five Ballon d’Or awards, he’s thrived across England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia. Off the pitch, he’s the world’s highest-paid athlete, with his CR7 brand and endorsements spanning the globe. CR7 isn’t just a nickname, it’s a billion-dollar identity.

8. Simone Biles

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history, but her bravery goes beyond medals. After earning four golds in 2016, she returned in 2024, overcoming mental health struggles to win again at age 27. Her advocacy brought mental well-being into the global spotlight, making her one of the most impactful athletes of her time.

7. Serena Williams

Serena Williams didn’t just win, she changed tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic golds, her reign at the top lasted over two decades. Her aggressive style transformed the women’s game, and her advocacy for equality made her a cultural icon. On and off the court, Serena broke barriers and expectations.

6. Kobe Bryant

Kobe_Bryant_2014 — Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kobe Bryant lived and breathed competition. With five NBA titles and an 81-point game under his belt, the “Black Mamba” inspired millions with his relentless work ethic, his famous “Mamba Mentality.” His influence extended beyond basketball into film, philanthropy, and youth sports through the Mamba Sports Academy. Since his tragic passing in 2020, Kobe’s legend has only grown stronger.

5. Lionel Messi

Few athletes have matched Lionel Messi's artistry. With eight Ballon d’Or wins, four Champions League titles, and a long-awaited World Cup in 2022, Messi’s legacy is cemented. His mesmerizing dribbles and precision passing captured hearts across continents. He’s also used his fame for good through the Leo Messi Foundation, proving that greatness can come with humility.

4. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods didn’t just dominate golf, he transformed it. With 15 major wins and 82 PGA Tour victories, Woods brought athleticism, diversity, and global attention to a sport once seen as elitist. His 2005 Masters chip-in is iconic, and his 2019 comeback win at Augusta a storybook ending. Tiger made golf cool, marketable, and impossible to ignore.

3. Tom Brady

Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock.com

With seven Super Bowl wins, three MVPs, and countless clutch moments, Tom Brady’s career reads like myth. His methodical play style and legendary preparation set a new standard for quarterback excellence, and his longevity redefined what’s possible for aging athletes. Whether in New England or Tampa, Brady led through calm, poise, and precision, becoming an enduring symbol of football greatness.

2. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry’s impact on basketball goes far beyond his four NBA titles or two MVP awards. He single-handedly revolutionized the game with his deep three-point shooting, shifting how teams space the floor and structure offenses. His style reshaped how young players approach the sport and how coaches build teams. Off-court, his Under Armour brand and youth-focused charity work make him a leader far beyond the arc.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James isn't just a basketball player, he’s a movement. Since being drafted in 2003, he’s racked up four NBA titles, four MVPs, and become the league’s all-time leading scorer. Beyond stats, LeBron redefined athlete empowerment, using his platform to build schools, fund social causes, and control his own narrative with moves like “The Decision.” With 20 consecutive All-NBA selections and countless cultural contributions, LeBron stands tall as the face of modern sport.