The 100 Greatest Athletes of the 21st Century: A Definitive Ranking

Determining the greatest athletes of the 21st century is no simple task. Over the past two and a half decades, countless sports stars have dominated their respective fields, redefining excellence and leaving a lasting impact on their games. Some have shattered records, while others have revolutionized the way their sports are played, inspiring generations to come.

This list highlights 100 of the most accomplished athletes since 2000, spanning multiple disciplines and continents. The rankings were determined by a vote from over 70,000 ESPN readers, meaning they reflect the preferences and perspectives of a largely American audience. As a result, the list leans heavily toward American athletes, with some global superstars ranked lower than one might expect.

100. Charles Woodson

One of the most versatile defensive backs in American football history, Woodson excelled as both a cornerback and a safety. His leadership and playmaking ability earned him a Defensive Player of the Year award and a Hall of Fame induction.

99. Ed Reed

A legendary ball hawk in American football, Reed was one of the most feared safeties in NFL history. His intelligence, ability to read the game, and knack for creating turnovers made him a dominant force for over a decade.

98. Connor McDavid

The most electrifying player in modern ice hockey, McDavid’s combination of speed, skill, and vision has redefined the game. A multiple-time MVP and scoring champion, he continues to raise the standard for NHL superstars.

97. Virat Kohli

A generational talent in cricket, Kohli has shattered records with his remarkable batting consistency. With multiple World Cup victories and dominant performances across all formats, he is one of the sport’s greatest-ever players.

96. Darrelle Revis

One of the greatest cornerbacks in American football, Revis earned the nickname “Revis Island” for his ability to shut down elite wide receivers. His dominance in man-to-man coverage made him one of the most valuable defensive players of his era.

95. Zlatan Ibrahimović

A towering presence in football, Ibrahimović combined power, finesse, and incredible technical ability. With over 500 career goals and league titles in multiple countries, he remains one of the sport’s most iconic and charismatic figures.

94. Ronaldinho

A magician with the ball, Ronaldinho brought joy to football fans worldwide with his dazzling dribbles and spectacular goals. The Brazilian legend won a World Cup, multiple league titles, and the Ballon d’Or, leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport.

93. Rory McIlroy

A dominant force in golf, McIlroy has won four major championships and spent over 100 weeks as the world’s number one. His aggressive style and consistent performances have made him one of the sport’s modern greats.

92. Pedro Martinez

One of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, Martinez won three Cy Young Awards and was instrumental in ending the Boston Red Sox’s 86-year championship drought. His electric fastball and pinpoint control made him nearly unhittable at his peak.

91. Aaron Rodgers

A masterful quarterback in American football, Rodgers is known for his incredible arm strength and precision passing. A four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, he has redefined efficiency at the position with his record-breaking touchdown-to-interception ratio.

90. A’ja Wilson

One of the most dominant players in women’s basketball, Wilson has already won multiple MVP awards and WNBA championships. Her scoring ability, rebounding, and leadership make her one of the league’s brightest stars.

89. Annika Sorenstam

A legend in women’s golf, Sorenstam won 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour titles. She also broke barriers by becoming the first woman in over 50 years to compete in a men’s PGA Tour event in 2003.

88. Roy Halladay

One of baseball’s greatest pitchers, Halladay was known for his durability, control, and ability to dominate games. A two-time Cy Young winner, he threw a perfect game and a postseason no-hitter, cementing his place in history.

87. Ronaldo Nazário

One of the most lethal strikers in football history, Ronaldo won two Ballon d’Or awards and led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002. His speed, dribbling, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders.

86. Venus Williams

A trailblazer in women’s tennis, Williams won seven Grand Slam singles titles and played a key role in the fight for equal prize money. Her powerful serve and aggressive playing style changed the sport forever.

85. Kawhi Leonard

One of the best two-way players in basketball, Leonard has won two NBA championships and two Finals MVPs. His legendary 2019 playoff run with the Toronto Raptors solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch performers in NBA history.

84. Lauren Jackson

An all-time great in women’s basketball, Jackson was a three-time WNBA MVP and a two-time champion. Her ability to dominate inside while also shooting from distance made her one of the most complete players in the sport.

83. Chris Paul

One of the greatest point guards in basketball history, Paul has led the NBA in assists five times. His leadership, passing, and defensive ability have made him an elite playmaker for nearly two decades.

82. Kohei Uchimura

Nicknamed “King Kohei,” Uchimura dominated gymnastics, winning multiple Olympic and world all-around titles. His technical brilliance and consistency set new standards in men’s artistic gymnastics.

81. Sheryl Swoopes

A pioneer of women’s basketball, Swoopes was a three-time WNBA MVP and a four-time champion. She was one of the first superstars of the WNBA and helped establish the league’s popularity.

80. Andy Murray

One of the few players to challenge the dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, Murray won three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. His emotional 2013 Wimbledon victory ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a homegrown champion.

79. Bryce Harper

A generational talent in baseball, Harper won two MVP awards and helped lead the Phillies to a World Series appearance. His fierce competitiveness and powerful hitting make him one of MLB’s biggest stars.

78. Bernard Hopkins

A defensive mastermind in boxing, Hopkins became the oldest world champion in history at 49. His strategic brilliance and ability to outthink opponents made him one of the sport’s longest-reigning champions.

77. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

One of the greatest sprinters of all time, Fraser-Pryce has won multiple Olympic and world championship gold medals. Her longevity and dominance in the 100m event make her one of the best female sprinters in history.

76. Georges St-Pierre

A legend in mixed martial arts, St-Pierre held championships in two weight classes and dominated the UFC for over a decade. His well-rounded skill set and unmatched work ethic made him one of the sport’s most complete fighters.

75. Xavi Hernandez

A midfield maestro in football, Xavi was the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation. His precise passing and football IQ helped him win multiple Champions League and LaLiga titles, as well as a World Cup.

74. Lisa Leslie

A pioneer in women’s basketball, Leslie was a two-time WNBA champion and three-time league MVP. She was also the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, helping to elevate the sport’s visibility.

73. Mookie Betts

One of baseball’s most dynamic players, Betts has won multiple Gold Gloves, MVP awards, and World Series titles. His ability to impact the game with his bat, glove, and speed makes him one of MLB’s elite talents.

72. Shaun White

The most decorated snowboarder in history, White won three Olympic gold medals in the halfpipe. His ability to push the boundaries of the sport with innovative tricks cemented his legacy as a snowboarding icon.

71. Manny Pacquiao

One of boxing’s greatest fighters, Pacquiao won world championships in a record eight weight divisions. His aggressive style and legendary fights against Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Márquez made him a global superstar.

70. Andrés Iniesta

A football genius, Iniesta’s dribbling and playmaking ability helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He also played a crucial role in Barcelona’s dominance during the 2010s.

69. Jason Kidd

One of the best point guards in NBA history, Kidd was known for his court vision and leadership. He led the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals and later won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks.

68. Phil Mickelson

A six-time major winner in golf, Mickelson became the oldest major champion ever when he won the PGA Championship at 50. His bold shot-making and thrilling performances made him a fan favorite.

67. James Harden

One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, Harden revolutionized offensive play with his step-back three-pointer. A three-time scoring champion and former MVP, he dominated the league for much of the 2010s.

66. Jon Jones

Arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history, Jones dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade. His unique skill set, reach, and tactical mind made him nearly unbeatable in the octagon.

65. Kylian Mbappé

One of football’s brightest stars, Mbappé won the World Cup at just 19, scoring in the final. His blistering speed and goal-scoring ability have made him the heir to Messi and Ronaldo’s throne.

64. Mia Hamm

One of the most influential figures in women’s football, Hamm won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals. Her legacy helped pave the way for the professionalization of the sport.

63. Allyson Felix

The most decorated U.S. track athlete in history, Felix won 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds. Her longevity and excellence in both the 200m and 400m races set her apart as an all-time great.

62. Shohei Ohtani

A once-in-a-century talent in baseball, Ohtani excels as both a pitcher and a hitter. His dominance in both roles has redefined what’s possible in the modern game.

61. Ray Lewis

A legendary linebacker in American football, Lewis led the Baltimore Ravens to two Super Bowl titles. His leadership and tenacity made him one of the most feared defensive players in NFL history.

60. Candace Parker

One of the greatest players in women’s basketball, Parker has won multiple WNBA titles and MVP awards. Her versatility and dominance in both scoring and rebounding make her a generational talent.

59. Mariano Rivera

The greatest closer in baseball history, Rivera’s devastating cut fastball helped him secure five World Series titles with the New York Yankees. He remains the only player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame.

58. J.J. Watt

One of the most dominant defensive players in American football, Watt won three Defensive Player of the Year awards. His combination of strength, speed, and leadership made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

57. Calvin Johnson

Nicknamed “Megatron,” Johnson was one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in NFL history. His combination of size, speed, and hands allowed him to break multiple records during his career.

56. Alexia Putellas

A dominant force in women’s football, Putellas has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and Champions League titles. She has been instrumental in Barcelona’s rise to becoming the best club team in women’s football.

55. Luka Modrić

A midfield wizard, Modrić led Croatia to a World Cup final and won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. His elegance and vision on the pitch have made him one of the best midfielders of his generation.

54. Alex Ovechkin

One of the greatest goal scorers in ice hockey history, Ovechkin finally won the Stanley Cup in 2018. His powerful shot and relentless scoring ability have made him an NHL legend.

53. Derek Jeter

The face of the New York Yankees for two decades, Jeter won five World Series titles and was known for his clutch performances. His leadership and consistency made him one of baseball’s greatest shortstops.

52. Adrian Beltre

A Hall of Fame third baseman in baseball, Beltre combined elite defense with incredible hitting. His longevity and charisma made him a beloved figure in the sport.

51. Steve Nash

A two-time NBA MVP, Nash was one of the best passers and shooters in basketball history. His leadership of the Phoenix Suns’ high-powered offense changed the way the game is played today.

50. Zinedine Zidane

One of the most elegant midfielders in football history, Zidane led France to the 2006 World Cup final and won multiple league and Champions League titles. His technical brilliance and leadership made him a footballing icon.

49. Aitana Bonmatí

Bonmatí has emerged as one of the best footballers in the world, leading Spain to a World Cup title and winning multiple Champions League trophies with Barcelona. Her vision, dribbling, and leadership set her apart.

48. Thierry Henry

A key figure in Arsenal’s legendary “Invincibles” season and a World Cup winner with France, Henry redefined what it meant to be a striker. His speed, finishing, and intelligence made him one of football’s greats.

47. Jimmie Johnson

One of NASCAR’s most dominant drivers, Johnson won seven Cup Series championships. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing race conditions made him a legend in motorsports.

46. Max Scherzer

A three-time Cy Young Award winner in baseball, Scherzer’s intensity and dominance on the mound made him one of the best pitchers of his generation. His ability to strike out batters at an elite rate defined his career.

45. David Ortiz

“Big Papi” was one of the most clutch hitters in baseball history, leading the Boston Red Sox to multiple World Series titles. His leadership and postseason heroics cemented his legacy as one of MLB’s greatest sluggers.

44. Mikaela Shiffrin

The most successful alpine skier of all time, Shiffrin has won more World Cup races than any skier in history. Her technical mastery and consistency make her a once-in-a-generation talent.

43. Alex Rodriguez

A three-time MVP and World Series champion, Rodriguez was one of baseball’s most complete players. His combination of power, speed, and defense made him a dominant force for over a decade.

42. Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and NBA champion, Giannis transformed himself from an unknown prospect into one of the league’s most dominant players. His athleticism and skill set make him nearly unstoppable.

41. Dirk Nowitzki

One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Nowitzki revolutionized the game for big men. His iconic one-legged fadeaway and 2011 NBA Finals performance secured his status as an all-time great.

40. Justin Verlander

A multiple-time Cy Young winner and World Series champion, Verlander has been one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. His ability to maintain elite velocity deep into games made him a rare talent.

39. Kevin Durant

A two-time NBA champion and one of the most gifted scorers in basketball history, Durant’s length and shooting ability make him nearly impossible to guard. He has won multiple scoring titles and an MVP award.

38. Barry Bonds

The most feared hitter in baseball history, Bonds broke the single-season and all-time home run records. Despite controversy, his dominance at the plate was unmatched.

37. Ichiro Suzuki

A global baseball icon, Ichiro dominated both in Japan and MLB. His record-breaking hit totals, incredible speed, and defensive prowess made him a legend.

36. Maya Moore

One of the greatest winners in basketball history, Moore led her teams to championships at every level. Her impact on and off the court has been unparalleled.

35. Dwyane Wade

A three-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, Wade was one of the most explosive guards of his era. His leadership and clutch performances defined the Miami Heat’s success.

34. Tamika Catchings

A defensive powerhouse and WNBA legend, Catchings won championships, MVP awards, and Olympic gold medals. Her all-around game made her one of the league’s best-ever players.

33. Miguel Cabrera

A two-time MVP and the last player to win baseball’s Triple Crown, Cabrera’s hitting ability ranks among the greatest in MLB history. His consistency and power made him a generational talent.

32. Marta

Regarded as one of the greatest female footballers ever, Marta won six FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Her skill, creativity, and goal-scoring ability inspired millions.

31. Clayton Kershaw

A three-time Cy Young winner and World Series champion, Kershaw has been one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. His pinpoint control and devastating curveball made him nearly unhittable.

30. Mike Trout

One of baseball’s most complete players, Trout has won multiple MVP awards and consistently ranks among the league’s best in hitting, defense, and baserunning.

29. Michael Schumacher

A seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000s redefined the sport. His technical skill and relentless drive made him one of F1’s greatest drivers.

28. Nikola Jokić

One of the most unique players in NBA history, Jokić’s combination of size, passing, and scoring ability has redefined the center position. He has won multiple MVP awards and led the Denver Nuggets to a championship.

27. Randy Moss

One of the most talented wide receivers in NFL history, Moss revolutionized the deep passing game. His athleticism and hands made him a nightmare for defenders.

26. Peyton Manning

A five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, Manning was one of the most cerebral quarterbacks in NFL history. His ability to read defenses and execute made him a legend in American football.

25. Floyd Mayweather

A five-division world champion with a perfect 50-0 record, Mayweather’s defensive mastery and strategic brilliance made him one of the greatest boxers of all time. His ability to outthink and outmaneuver opponents was unmatched.

24. Albert Pujols

A three-time MVP and two-time World Series champion, Pujols was one of baseball’s most feared hitters. His consistency, power, and clutch performances defined an incredible career.

23. Kevin Garnett

An NBA champion and one of the most intense competitors in basketball history, Garnett’s defensive presence, leadership, and all-around skill made him one of the best power forwards ever.

22. Sidney Crosby

A three-time Stanley Cup winner, Crosby has been the face of ice hockey for nearly two decades. His vision, skill, and leadership have kept him at the pinnacle of the sport.

21. Diana Taurasi

The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and a three-time champion, Taurasi’s skill, competitiveness, and leadership have made her one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.

20. Aaron Donald

One of the most dominant defensive players in American football history, Donald’s strength, technique, and relentlessness helped him win multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.

19. Lewis Hamilton

A seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Hamilton holds the record for most race wins in F1 history. His dominance, skill, and advocacy for diversity in motorsports make him a transformative figure.

18. Patrick Mahomes

A three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most exciting quarterbacks in NFL history, Mahomes’ combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ has changed the game.

17. Shaquille O’Neal

A four-time NBA champion and one of the most dominant forces in basketball history, Shaq’s combination of size, power, and agility was nearly impossible to stop.

16. Tim Duncan

A five-time NBA champion, Duncan’s consistency, leadership, and defensive excellence made him one of the greatest power forwards ever. His quiet dominance was legendary.

15. Katie Ledecky

One of the most dominant swimmers in history, Ledecky holds multiple world records and Olympic gold medals. Her endurance and technique have set new standards in the sport.

14. Stephen Curry

A four-time NBA champion and the greatest shooter of all time, Curry revolutionized basketball with his three-point shooting and offensive creativity.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring ability, athleticism, and longevity have made him one of the greatest footballers ever.

12. Rafael Nadal

A 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal’s dominance on clay courts and relentless fighting spirit have made him one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

11. Novak Djokovic

With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic holds the record for most major wins in men’s tennis. His adaptability, endurance, and mental toughness have defined an era.

10. Kobe Bryant

A five-time NBA champion and one of the fiercest competitors in basketball history, Bryant’s work ethic, clutch performances, and scoring ability made him a legend.

9. Usain Bolt

The fastest man in history, Bolt won eight Olympic gold medals and set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints. His dominance and charisma made him a global icon.

8. Tiger Woods

One of golf’s greatest players, Woods won 13 major championships after 2000 and transformed the sport with his dominance and influence.

7. Simone Biles

A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Biles has redefined gymnastics with her power, precision, and innovation, setting new standards in the sport.

6. Roger Federer

A 20-time Grand Slam champion, Federer’s grace, shot-making, and sportsmanship made him one of the most beloved and successful tennis players ever.

5. Tom Brady

A seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady’s leadership, clutch performances, and longevity have made him the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

4. LeBron James

A four-time NBA champion and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron’s versatility, longevity, and dominance make him one of basketball’s greatest players.

3. Lionel Messi

An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, Messi’s dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability have cemented his status as football’s greatest player.

2. Serena Williams

With 23 Grand Slam titles, Williams dominated women’s tennis for two decades. Her power, skill, and resilience made her an inspiration worldwide.

1. Michael Phelps

The most decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps won 23 Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records. His dominance in swimming is unparalleled.