The 100 Greatest Athletes of 2024
2024 has been a year of standout performances, historic wins, and new stars rising to global fame. From Champions League magic to Super Bowl heroics, the sports world has delivered unforgettable moments.
This list ranks the 100 most influential athletes of the year — but it’s worth noting it was created by an American outlet and shaped by fan voting. That means U.S. sports and athletes are front and center, while global icons from other arenas are sometimes overlooked.
Still, it captures a powerful snapshot of athletic greatness in 2024. From generational talents to enduring legends, here are the 100 athletes who defined the year
100. Sue Bird
Even in retirement, Sue Bird’s influence on women’s basketball remains enormous. As a five-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA legend, her legacy continues to inspire the next generation.
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99. Sandy Alcántara
The Dominican ace remains one of MLB’s most consistent and electrifying pitchers. His powerful presence on the mound keeps him among the top-ranked baseball players.
98. Elena Delle Donne
Despite battling injuries, Delle Donne remains one of the WNBA’s most skilled and graceful scorers. Her leadership and all-around game solidify her place on this list.
97. Francis Ngannou
Whether in MMA or boxing, Ngannou’s raw power and resilience make him a global fighting icon. His move into crossover bouts has expanded his reach beyond the octagon.
96. Dustin Johnson
A two-time major champion, Johnson continues to be a dominant force in golf. His transition to LIV Golf hasn’t dimmed his reputation as one of the sport’s top drivers.
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95. Joey Logano
The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series champion is still among the sport’s best. His aggressive style and consistency keep him at the forefront of American motorsports.
94. Kyle Larson
Known for his fearless driving and versatility, Larson is one of NASCAR’s top talents. His skill across racing formats showcases his elite status in motorsport.
93. Dustin Poirier
Poirier remains a fan favorite in the UFC for his heart, power, and elite striking. His battles against top lightweights have become instant classics.
92. Trinity Rodman
Rodman is one of the brightest young stars in women’s soccer. Her flair, speed, and confidence signal a new era for the USWNT.
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91. Jon Rahm
As one of the best golfers of his generation, Rahm’s consistency and explosive talent make him a mainstay in major contention. His 2023 Masters win elevated him to global stardom.
90. Venus Williams
While past her prime, Venus is still competing at a high level. Her impact on the sport, along with her continued presence, makes her a living legend.
89. Chris Paul
Even in the twilight of his career, CP3 remains one of the smartest point guards in NBA history. His leadership and playmaking continue to influence games.
88. Ons Jabeur
A trailblazer for Arab and African tennis, Jabeur combines elegance and grit. Her historic runs at Grand Slams have made her a global inspiration.
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87. Deontay Wilder
One of the hardest hitters in boxing history, Wilder’s knockout power still strikes fear in opponents. He remains a major draw in heavyweight boxing.
86. Nyjah Huston
The most decorated street skater of his era, Huston’s consistency and technical brilliance have kept him at the top of the skateboarding world.
85. Caleb Williams
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams is seen as a generational quarterback talent. His college stardom has created massive expectations in Chicago.
84. Naomi Osaka
After stepping back from tennis, Osaka’s return has been closely watched. Her candidness about mental health and elite skills continue to shape modern tennis.
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83. Denny Hamlin
A veteran of NASCAR, Hamlin’s consistency and multiple wins keep him relevant. He’s also making waves as a team owner, showing his depth in the sport.
82. Diana Taurasi
The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, Taurasi’s fire and court vision still set her apart. She’s a defining figure in women’s basketball history.
81. Nelly Korda
Korda is the face of American women’s golf. With a major win and incredible consistency, she’s become a global ambassador for the sport.
80. Bryce Young
After a rocky rookie season, Young has shown flashes of brilliance as the new face of the Carolina Panthers. His poise and accuracy have kept fans optimistic for the future.
79. Collin Morikawa
A consistent presence in majors, Morikawa continues to impress with his iron play and mental composure. His early success is evolving into long-term dominance.
78. Nolan Arenado
Known for his defensive wizardry at third base, Arenado remains a cornerstone for the Cardinals. His combination of power and fielding keeps him among baseball’s elite.
77. Cameron Smith
The Australian golfer made headlines with his move to LIV Golf but still shines in global events. His short game is among the best in the world.
76. Gennady Golovkin
Though nearing the end of his career, GGG’s legacy remains intact. His iron chin and punching power have made him one of the most feared middleweights in history.
75. Manny Machado
A two-way star on the field, Machado brings consistency and swagger to the Padres. His leadership and clutch hitting keep him among MLB’s best third basemen.
74. Justin Verlander
Even in his 40s, Verlander defies time with pinpoint control and veteran savvy. The future Hall of Famer continues to thrive in big moments.
73. Bryson DeChambeau
Known for his scientific approach and power game, DeChambeau remains one of golf’s most polarizing figures. His bold style keeps him in the spotlight.
72. Samantha Kerr
Australia’s top football star, Kerr continues to score at an elite rate. Her athleticism and leadership have elevated both club and country.
71. Zion Williamson
When healthy, Zion is one of the NBA’s most unstoppable forces. His explosiveness and strength make him a matchup nightmare.
70. Daniil Medvedev
The Russian star remains a threat in any tournament with his unorthodox style and elite defense. He’s a staple in the ATP’s top 5.
69. Casper Ruud
Ruud’s rise in men’s tennis continues with multiple Grand Slam finals. His calm demeanor and consistency make him a fan favorite.
68. James Harden
Though past his prime, Harden’s playmaking ability and offensive instincts still shine. He remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards.
67. Paul Goldschmidt
A veteran slugger with a smooth swing, Goldschmidt continues to produce for the Cardinals. His discipline and power earn him perennial All-Star nods.
66. Minjee Lee
One of the steadiest players in women’s golf, Lee’s consistency in majors sets her apart. Her quiet dominance speaks volumes.
65. Stefanos Tsitsipas
With flair and powerful groundstrokes, Tsitsipas remains a staple in the tennis elite. He’s always a threat deep in Grand Slam draws.
64. Max Scherzer
Scherzer’s intensity and strikeout ability have defined his career. Even as he ages, he remains one of MLB’s most respected pitchers.
63. Anthony Joshua
A former heavyweight champ, Joshua is still in the title mix. His global appeal and physical tools keep him relevant in the boxing world.
62. Kamaru Usman
Once the UFC’s most dominant welterweight, Usman remains a tactical and powerful presence. His grappling and fight IQ are still elite.
61. Marta
A true icon of women’s soccer, Marta’s legacy spans decades. Her creativity, passion, and leadership continue to inspire on and off the pitch.
60. Jonathan Taylor
Despite injuries, Taylor remains one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs. His power and vision make him a game-changer in the Colts' offense.
59. Mitchell Marner
A silky playmaker for the Maple Leafs, Marner’s creativity and work rate are second to none. He’s a core piece of Toronto’s hopes for a deep playoff run.
58. Lydia Ko
The New Zealander continues her steady excellence on the LPGA Tour. Her all-around game and humility have made her one of golf’s most admired players.
57. Yordan Álvarez
Álvarez is a wrecking ball at the plate, combining power with clutch hitting. He’s become the offensive engine for the Houston Astros.
56. Jonas Vingegaard
Back-to-back Tour de France titles have made Vingegaard a household name in cycling. His endurance, strategy, and climbing dominance set him apart.
55. Rory McIlroy
A veteran with plenty left in the tank, McIlroy remains one of golf’s brightest stars. His consistency and advocacy for the game have defined his legacy.
54. Charles Oliveira
The former UFC lightweight champ is still one of the most dangerous submission artists in MMA. His comeback stories are as thrilling as his fighting style.
53. Alex Morgan
One of the faces of U.S. women’s soccer, Morgan continues to deliver on the big stage. Her finishing, leadership, and charisma remain top-tier.
52. Christian Pulisic
The poster boy of American men’s soccer, Pulisic blends creativity and tenacity. His form at AC Milan has reignited hopes for U.S. success at the next World Cup.
51. Karim Benzema
Though now in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s class and vision remain undiminished. His Ballon d’Or-winning 2022 season still echoes in 2024.
50. Julián Álvarez
Nicknamed “The Spider,” Álvarez is emerging as one of the most efficient and versatile forwards in the game. His work rate and instincts shine at both club and international levels.
49. Joel Embiid
The reigning NBA MVP is a dominant two-way force. His size, shooting touch, and defensive presence make him a matchup nightmare for any team.
48. Brock Purdy
“Mr. Irrelevant” turned franchise quarterback, Purdy’s poise and precision led the 49ers to new heights. His rise is one of the NFL’s best stories.
47. Auston Matthews
A scoring machine for the Maple Leafs, Matthews is redefining American excellence in hockey. His shot and presence command respect on every shift.
46. Aaron Donald
Though recently retired, Donald remains a defining defensive figure of his era. His dominance as a pass rusher reshaped how the position is played.
45. Ja Morant
When on the court, Morant dazzles with his speed and creativity. His highlight-reel plays and explosiveness make him one of the most entertaining NBA stars.
44. N'Golo Kanté
Still a tireless workhorse, Kanté’s ability to disrupt plays and recover possession is unmatched. He remains beloved for his humility and effectiveness.
43. Joe Burrow
Cool under pressure and armed with pinpoint accuracy, Burrow is the heart of the Bengals. His leadership and clutch performances are second to none.
42. Cooper Kupp
One of the NFL’s most reliable receivers, Kupp’s precise routes and chemistry with his quarterback make him a constant threat.
41. Iga Świątek
Świątek has dominated women’s tennis with precision and mental strength. Her rise to World No. 1 has been both methodical and inspiring.
40. Canelo Álvarez
Canelo remains one of boxing’s most complete and decorated champions. His discipline, defensive mastery, and ring IQ make him a global icon in the sport.
39. Tyson Fury
With his size, skill, and showmanship, Fury is the heavyweight division’s most captivating figure. His undefeated record and charisma keep fans glued to every bout.
38. Scottie Scheffler
Currently the world’s most dominant male golfer, Scheffler’s consistency, clutch putting, and mental strength have made him the man to beat in every major.
37. Katie Ledecky
Ledecky continues to dominate distance swimming like no one else in history. Her medal collection and relentless training set her apart from the rest.
36. Nathan MacKinnon
A blend of speed, power, and intensity, MacKinnon is the heartbeat of the Colorado Avalanche. He’s one of the NHL’s most impactful and driven players.
35. Derrick Henry
The “King” of power running backs, Henry remains a nightmare for defenders. His ability to carry an offense has made him a modern NFL legend.
34. Mike Trout
Though injuries have slowed him, Trout’s peak performance level remains unmatched. He’s still considered one of the best all-around talents in baseball history.
33. Jon Jones
A UFC legend, Jones returned in 2023 to capture the heavyweight title and cement his status as the GOAT. His skill set remains ahead of its time.
32. Sidney Crosby
The longtime Penguins captain is still producing at a high level. Crosby’s leadership, vision, and complete game continue to define excellence in hockey.
31. T.J. Watt
A sack machine and defensive game-changer, Watt dominates with relentless energy and technique. He’s a cornerstone of the Steelers’ identity.
30. Mookie Betts
Betts brings elite defense, speed, and batting precision to the Dodgers. His all-around play and leadership keep him among MLB’s most valuable stars.
29. Jayson Tatum
The Celtics' go-to scorer and two-way threat, Tatum is firmly entrenched among the NBA’s elite. His ability to lead and elevate in big moments defines his rise.
28. Neymar
Even after injuries and a move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar’s flair and creativity remain captivating. His talent and personality keep him in the global spotlight.
27. Freddie Freeman
A model of consistency and professionalism, Freeman continues to be one of MLB’s most reliable hitters. His smooth swing and team-first mentality are unmatched.
26. Rafael Nadal
Injuries may limit his appearances, but Nadal’s legacy and grit endure. Every match he plays is a masterclass in intensity and heart.
25. Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s talisman remains one of the world’s most dangerous forwards. His pace, balance, and goal-scoring instincts have only sharpened with time.
24. Virat Kohli
India’s cricket icon combines technical mastery with superstar presence. Kohli’s form and passion captivate a nation and cricket fans worldwide.
23. Kevin De Bruyne
A midfield magician, De Bruyne’s passing and vision are unmatched. He remains the creative heartbeat of Manchester City’s juggernaut.
22. Robert Lewandowski
Even in his mid-30s, Lewandowski continues to score at a relentless pace. His positioning and finishing are the stuff of striking legend.
21. Tyreek Hill
Arguably the fastest man in football, Hill’s game-breaking speed and agility make him a threat every time he touches the ball. A true highlight machine.
20. Lewis Hamilton
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion continues to inspire with his resilience and precision. Even in a highly competitive grid, Hamilton’s legacy and impact remain enormous.
19. Kevin Durant
One of the purest scorers in NBA history, Durant’s silky shot and veteran leadership still shine. He remains a top-tier talent well into his 30s.
18. Carlos Alcaraz
The young Spanish phenom has taken men’s tennis by storm with a rare mix of flair, speed, and power. His Grand Slam wins are just the beginning of a historic career.
17. Aaron Judge
The Yankees’ captain is a towering figure in baseball—literally and figuratively. His home run power and leadership define the modern slugger.
16. Josh Allen
A dynamic quarterback with a rocket arm and a fearless playing style, Allen has become the centerpiece of Buffalo’s title hopes. He’s redefining the modern NFL QB.
15. Caitlin Clark
A generational talent in women’s basketball, Clark shattered NCAA scoring records and brought unprecedented attention to the women’s game. She’s a cultural force on and off the court.
14. Erling Haaland
The Norwegian powerhouse continues to break records for goals scored in the Premier League and Champions League. His physical dominance is rewriting the striker playbook.
13. Patrick Mahomes
Already a two-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, Mahomes leads the NFL with unmatched creativity and calm under pressure. He’s building a legacy that rivals the all-time greats.
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The “Greek Freak” combines length, agility, and heart in a way the game has never seen. He remains one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball.
11. Novak Djokovic
With a record number of Grand Slam titles, Djokovic’s iron will and unmatched consistency make him a living tennis legend. Even in his late 30s, he’s still the man to beat.
10. Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s speed, flair, and finishing ability keep him at the summit of world football. Whether at PSG or for France, he is always the difference-maker.
9. Steph Curry
The greatest shooter in NBA history keeps defying age. Curry’s range and off-ball movement have transformed basketball forever.
8. LeBron James
Still going strong at 40, LeBron’s longevity, versatility, and leadership are unprecedented. He continues to compete at an elite level in his 21st NBA season.
7. Max Verstappen
Dominant in Formula 1, Verstappen’s tactical brilliance and raw speed have led to back-to-back titles. He’s the face of the sport’s current generation.
6. Connor McDavid
McDavid’s combination of speed, hands, and hockey IQ puts him in a league of his own. He’s often called the fastest mind and body in hockey history.
5. Luka Dončić
Now starring for the Lakers, Dončić blends European finesse with NBA toughness. His court vision and scoring make him one of basketball’s brightest superstars.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Even in his late 30s, Ronaldo’s dedication to fitness and competition remains unmatched. He continues to score and lead at a high level in Saudi Arabia and for Portugal.
3. Lionel Messi
Messi’s artistry on the field is as magical as ever. Whether in MLS or for Argentina, he continues to dazzle with his vision, dribbling, and clutch performances.
2. Nikola Jokić
The reigning NBA champion and MVP is redefining what a center can be. His passing, scoring, and unselfish style have made him a basketball unicorn.
1. Shohei Ohtani
No athlete blends power, precision, and history-making versatility like Ohtani. As both a top pitcher and slugger, he’s changing how the world sees baseball—and athletic greatness.
