The 21st century has arguably been the best period in sports history for creating some of the greatest athletes to ever live. These sportsmen have not just lived up to the expectations in their domains, but they’ve also become global icons with people across corners of the world feed on them. Article Summary Introducing the top 100 athletes of this century, celebrating their amazing accomplishments in sports and how they’ve moulded it Top 100 Athletes of the Last 20 Years.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is more than just a basketball player. LeBron has altered the concept of what an all-around player should do ever since he entered the NBA in 2003. His impact both on and off the court – with multiple MVPs, NBA titles, All-Star appearances – is as grandiose as it gets. No other basketball player in the history of sports has been able to match LeBron’s combination of athleticism, IQ and leadership — turning him into one of the most recognizable athlete names around planet Earth.
2. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the all-time great athletes – perhaps greatest – in tennis. Serena has long been the general in women’s tennis, winning 23 Grand Slam singles crowns. Her strength, her agility and sheer mental toughness have been game changers in the sport. In addition to her tennis accolades, Serena is also an activist for gender and racial equality off the court.
3. Usain Bolt
The man who earned the reputation for being Otis’ fastest human ever. Iconic sprinter with world records in 100m and 200m events along numerous Olympic gold medals. His charismatic personality and scintillating performances have helped elevate Bolt from sprinter to a global superstar who transcends his sport.Top 100 Athletes of the Last 20 Years.
4. Lionel Messi
It is beyond any reasonable doubt that Lionel Messi belongs to the ranks of all-time great footballers. Fans have been dazzled by the dribbles, creative vision as well as goal-scoring instincts of- this a forward from Argentina. Messi, who has won several Ballon d’Or and a lot of trophies with FC Barcelona is unreplaceable so to speak.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best footballers to have ever played and his extraordinary work effort along with goal scoring record keeps him there till this day. His five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous Champions League titles speak to the dedication and talent Ronaldo has poured into his career. But the fact he has continued to play-and by all appearances compete-in his mid-30s attests both a physical acumen and an internal fire virtually unmatched throughout Manchester City’s Top 100 Athletes of the Last 20 Years relatively short history.
6. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is a name that simply shines in the sport of swimming. He is also the most awarded Olympian in history with 23 Olympic golds medals. This has led to new standards in swimming, particularly within the butterfly and individual medley events. Phelps – and his work ethic and determination to win – has inspired a new generation of swimmers.
7. Roger Federer
Roger Federer has legions of fans but how about we add a few million more today! Federer is one of the most famous tennis players worldwide with 20 Grand Slam titles He is known for his effortless style of playing, fair play and consistency – making him a popular figure globally in sports.
8. Tiger Woods
They released an episode all about golf in honor of Tiger Woods and how he changed the very fabric of his sport. Woods has 15 major championships to his name, but his impact goes well beyond that. The 2019 Masters-winner has had to battle back from mental and physical adversity, but his ability is summed up by the way he came out on top with a one-putt at Augusta two years ago.Top 100 Athletes of the Last 20 Years.
9. Tom Brady
Among the landscape of American football, Tom Brady is a well spirited name with opulence. The player that holds the honor as one of best quarterbacks in NFL history with seven Super Bowl titles is Brady. His ability to command respect, remain collected under pressure and endure as a driving force in the sport separated him from his rivals.
10. Simone Biles
Dannielle Pierre Simone Biles is absolutely dominating what perfect looks like in the world of gymnastics. Biles has been a trailblazer in the sport, producing difficult routines with world’s-best execution abilities that have led to numerous Olympic and World Championship medals. She is also an advocate when it comes to making sure people are aware of those in need mental help.
11. Novak Djokovic
Aside from Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic has become one of the “Big Three” in men’s tennis. Having won multiple Grand Slam titles and spending more weeks at world No. 1 than any other male player in the Open Era, Djokovic’s physical and mental fortitude have made him one of tennis’ greatest players. A key trait of his game is how adaptable he can be to various playing surfaces.
12. Rafael Nadal
When it comes to clay-court dominance, Rafael Nadal is the first name that springs into one’s mind. Nadal’s grit and competitive spirit have seen him become a fan favourite worldwide, notching 14 French Open wins to go with his tally of 22 Grand Slam titles. His clashes with Federer and Djokovic have led to some of the most memorable matches in tennis history.
13. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is a basketball legend who will live on after his untimely death. Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest players of his generation, as shown by his five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals due to his ferocious work ethic coupled with a never-back-down competitive spirit (how else would you score 81 points in an entry mamba-style)? His “Mamba Mentality” serves as inspiration for athletes across the sporting spectrum.
14. Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe has been a dominant presence on the field and off of it,_going all over women’s soccer. Rapinoe has been a key figure in U. S Women’s National Team success, with multiple World Cup and Olympic titles thanks to her abilities on the field along with her leadership capabilities. Lyndsy Fonseca is a strong voice against the gender and LGBTQ+ inequality
15. Stephen Curry
Injuries and set-backs but the revolution that is Stephen Curry – been in conversation for six years now, rightly anger both saviour. The two-time NBA MVP and multiple championship winning player has influenced the game, changing how it is played with his range shooting from deep three-point territory. Even off the floor, Curry is choosing a technology beyond it as young stars mimic his long take from downtown.
16. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 living legend in a never before world of excellence Hamilton has multiple World Championship titles under his belt and is considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history for good reason. Secondly, hes crusaded for diversity and inclusion in motorsports as a hallmark of his contribution to the sport.
17. Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka is the hottest property in tennis right nwo. Osaka’s powerful game and mental fortitude, combined with her multiple Grand Slam titles, stands out against the rest. She has been a role model to countless young athletes for her willingness to use her platform and speak out on issues including mental health, racial justice.
18. Mike Trout
Mike Trout is one of the greatest baseball players in his generation. The Los Angeles Angels outfielder is a scoring and fielding machine, making him MVP level. Trout’s steady play and humble demeanor have endeared him to the baseball community.
19. Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn is one of the most accomplished women in alpine skiing just yet. No one comes close to Vonn in terms of World Cup victories or Olympic medals. Her grit, resolve and undeniable comeback from injury has been a beacon for many in the skiing world.
20. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., arguably the best professional boxer of all time and undefeated in his trade. Mayweather is renowned for his defensive ability and technical prowess, winning world championships across five weight classes. Additionally, his business savvy and capacity to raise huge pay-per-view numbers have also separated him in the world of boxing.
Every sport in the 21st century has given us such a wide range of athletes that transcend their field and become larger than life icons. There have been many athletes who recently transcended their sports, including LeBron James in basketball and Serena Williams with her historic career on the tennis court. Looking back on their accomplishments, we are reminded of the unifying force sports provide and greatness they inspire. The legacies of these athletes will affect generations to come, raising the bar for sport performance.
