Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Dafne_Schippers

The 10 Most Influential Athletes in the World Today (2025)

August 28, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Influence in sports isn’t just about winning—it’s about shifting culture, inspiring fans, and creating meaningful change. These ten athletes go beyond the stat sheet to shape how the world sees sports today.

10. Maria Sharapova

Sharapova’s career combined power, grace, and marketing savvy. A Grand Slam champion across all surfaces and a global icon off the court, she’s proof that athletic influence can extend far beyond competition—even after retirement.

9. Manuel Neuer

Neuer transformed what it means to be a goalkeeper. His “sweeper-keeper” style redefined defensive play in football, while his leadership at Bayern Munich and with Germany continues to inspire a generation of shot-stoppers.

8. Sebastian Vettel

Vettel is known not just for F1 titles but also for standing up for environmental and human rights causes. His thoughtful interviews and strong ethical stances make him one of motorsport’s most respected figures.

7. Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid — By nhayashida - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhayashida/15342140309/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46982068

The most decorated driver in F1 history, Hamilton isn’t just fast—he’s fearless in his activism. From pushing for racial equality to environmental sustainability, he has used his platform to make real change outside the paddock.

6. Dafne Schippers

One of Europe’s most decorated sprinters, Schippers is a force in both sprinting and the heptathlon. Her influence goes beyond medals—she’s become a role model for female athletes in power events worldwide.

5. Tiger Woods

Woods remains one of the most influential athletes of the 21st century. His comeback victories, business ventures, and efforts to grow golf’s reach across communities ensure his legacy will endure for generations.

4. Serena Williams

With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena broke barriers in tennis and fought for gender and racial equity across sports. Her advocacy, style, and business acumen have made her one of the most iconic figures in athletic history.

3. Caitlin Clark

Clark has taken women’s basketball to new heights with record-breaking games and viral moments. Her massive impact on attendance, viewership, and youth participation is already being dubbed the "Caitlin Clark effect."

2. Simone Biles

Biles continues to lead with unmatched dominance and grace. She’s not only the most decorated gymnast in history—she’s also a leading voice on mental health and athlete empowerment, setting a new standard for sports icons.

1. Breanna Stewart & Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart — WNBA Press Photo, WNBA Press Photo

This duo is reshaping the future of women’s sports. As elite WNBA players and co-founders of a new off-season league, they’re creating opportunities for athletes and changing the business model of professional women’s basketball.