The 25 Greatest UK Athletes of the 21st Century – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The United Kingdom has produced some of the world’s most extraordinary athletes across a wide range of sports. From Olympic champions to football legends and motorsport icons, these individuals have defined greatness in their respective disciplines.
Achieving success at the highest level is an incredible feat, especially in an era where competition has never been tougher. Many of these athletes have overcome immense challenges, defied expectations, and left a lasting impact on their sports.
We’ve taken a closer look at the 25 greatest UK athletes of the 21st century, ranking them based on their achievements, influence, and lasting legacy. This ranking was compiled by ESPN, recognizing the most outstanding British athletes of the modern era.
25. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill (Athletics)
A dominant force in heptathlon, Ennis-Hill captured the world’s attention with her gold medal-winning performance at the 2012 London Olympics. Her remarkable versatility and consistency in multiple events made her one of Britain’s most celebrated track and field athletes.
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24. Tom Daley (Diving)
One of the most recognizable figures in British diving, Daley won his first world title at just 15 years old. He went on to claim multiple Olympic medals, including a long-awaited gold at Tokyo 2020, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest divers in UK history.
23. Lucy Bronze (Football)
As one of the best female footballers of her generation, Bronze has been a key figure for both club and country. A multiple-time UEFA Women’s Champion League winner and a vital player in England’s international success, she has redefined the role of a full-back in women’s football.
22. Alfie Hewett (Wheelchair Tennis)
A dominant force in wheelchair tennis, Hewett has won multiple Grand Slam singles and doubles titles. His relentless fighting spirit and skill have helped elevate the profile of the sport in the UK and beyond.
21. Jonny Wilkinson (Rugby)
Wilkinson’s iconic drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final secured England’s first and only title. His precision kicking and dedication to the sport made him one of the most respected players in rugby history.
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20. Lennox Lewis (Boxing)
The last undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Lewis dominated boxing in the early 2000s. With victories over legends like Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko, he cemented his place among the greatest heavyweights of all time.
19. Dame Ellen MacArthur (Sailing)
MacArthur became a global sensation when she broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005. Her incredible resilience and endurance at sea made her a pioneer in British sailing.
18. Joe Root (Cricket)
As one of England’s finest batsmen, Root has been a consistent run-scorer in Test cricket for over a decade. His leadership as England captain and his prolific performances with the bat make him a modern legend of the sport.
17. Wayne Rooney (Football)
Rooney became Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer and played a crucial role in England’s national team for years. His combination of skill, power, and finishing ability established him as one of the best strikers of his era.
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16. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (Paralympic Athletics)
One of the most decorated Paralympians in history, Grey-Thompson won 11 gold medals across five Games. Her impact on disability sports and advocacy for greater inclusivity make her a true sporting icon.
15. Sir Mark Cavendish (Cycling)
Cavendish is one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history, with 34 Tour de France stage wins, tying the all-time record. His incredible finishing speed and longevity in the sport have made him a British cycling legend.
14. Joe Calzaghe (Boxing)
Calzaghe retired undefeated after 46 professional fights, including victories over legends like Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. His dominance in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions solidified his place in boxing history.
13. Chris Froome (Cycling)
Froome won four Tour de France titles and became one of the greatest stage racers in cycling. His resilience, climbing ability, and tactical intelligence set him apart as one of the most successful British cyclists ever.
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12. Dame Sarah Storey (Paralympic Cycling)
A Paralympic legend, Storey has won 17 gold medals across cycling and swimming. Her ability to dominate in multiple disciplines showcases her extraordinary athletic ability and determination.
11. Rory McIlroy (Golf)
McIlroy has been one of the most consistent golfers of his generation, winning multiple major championships. His aggressive playing style and dominance on the PGA and European Tour make him a standout British golfer.
10. Dame Kelly Holmes (Athletics)
Holmes overcame injuries and setbacks to achieve a historic double gold in the 800m and 1500m at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Her perseverance and tactical brilliance made her one of Britain’s greatest middle-distance runners.
9. Gareth Bale (Football)
Bale was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, winning five Champions League titles and scoring some of the most memorable goals in football history. His contributions to the Welsh national team, including leading them to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, cement his legacy.
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8. Sir Mo Farah (Athletics)
Farah’s dominance in the 5,000m and 10,000m saw him win four Olympic gold medals. His unforgettable victories at London 2012 and Rio 2016, combined with his famous “Mobot” celebration, make him one of the greatest long-distance runners ever.
7. Sir Chris Hoy (Cycling)
With six Olympic gold medals, Hoy is one of the most successful track cyclists in history. His speed and power revolutionized sprint cycling, and his dominance spanned multiple Olympic Games.
6. Sir AP McCoy (Horse Racing)
McCoy won over 4,300 races, including the Grand National, and was named Champion Jockey a record 20 times. His relentless pursuit of victory and fearless riding style made him a legend in National Hunt racing.
5. Dame Laura Kenny (Cycling)
The most successful British female Olympian, Kenny has won five gold medals across three Games. Her dominance in endurance track cycling events has made her a trailblazer for female athletes in the UK.
4. Sir Jason Kenny (Cycling)
Kenny is the most decorated British Olympian with seven gold medals. His longevity and ability to adapt across different cycling disciplines make him one of the sport’s all-time greats.
3. Sir Andy Murray (Tennis)
Murray broke Britain’s 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men’s singles champion, winning in 2013 and again in 2016. With three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, he became one of the greatest tennis players of his generation.
2. James Anderson (Cricket)
Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and the most successful fast bowler in Test history. His mastery of swing bowling and incredible longevity have made him one of cricket’s greatest players.
1. Sir Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)
Hamilton is the most successful driver in Formula One history with 105 race wins and seven world championships. His dominance, consistency, and influence in motorsport make him the greatest British athlete of the 21st century.
