The Best Athletes Of All Time

David Beckham is a model, football player, and activist. As a model, Beckham has appeared on the covers of Elle, Vogue Paris, and L'Uomo Vogue. He has also walked for Louis Vuitton in 2002 and 2013. As a football player, Beckham played for Manchester United from 1993-2003, Real Madrid from 2003-2007, Los Angeles Galaxy from 2007-2012 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2013. He played for England from 1996-2009. As an activist, Beckham has campaigned for UNICEF since his appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005.

Pelé

Diego Maradona 

His career, primarily with Barcelona FC and later Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been marked by unparalleled skill and numerous accolades. Messi's extraordinary dribbling, precise passing, and scoring ability have earned him multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or awards and made him Barcelona's all-time leading goal-scorer. Off the field, Messi is known for his humility and philanthropy, further enhancing his global popularity. His legacy as a footballing icon is secure, with fans worldwide celebrating his remarkable talent and contributions to the sport.

Throughout his illustrious career with clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo has amassed numerous domestic league titles, Champions League trophies, and individual awards, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or honors. His playing style is characterized by speed, skill, and powerful shooting, and off the field, he is a global icon with a massive social media following. Ronaldo's impact transcends the sport, making him one of the most influential athletes of his generation.

Johan Cruyff 

Zinedine Zidane

Ronaldo Nazario 

Ronaldinho

Franz Beckenbauer

Alfredo Di Stefano

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Tim Duncan

Shaquille O’Neal

Larry Bird

Bill Russell

Oscar Robertson

Wilt Chamberlain

Magic Johnson

His career with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA saw him rise to unparalleled heights, earning him the title of one of the greatest players in basketball history. Jordan's achievements include six NBA championships, five MVP Awards, and numerous scoring titles. Beyond basketball, he has made a significant impact on popular culture through his business ventures, notably the Air Jordan sneaker line with Nike. Jordan's influence extends far beyond the court, inspiring athletes and fans worldwide with his competitive spirit and charisma.

Born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, LeBron is known for his exceptional skill set, basketball IQ, and versatility on the court.

Known for his ferocious punching power and lightning-fast knockouts, Tyson became the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. Throughout his career, he dominated the boxing world, holding multiple titles simultaneously and earning a reputation for his devastating "uppercut" punch. Despite facing personal and legal challenges, Tyson's impact on the sport of boxing remains profound, inspiring generations of fighters and fans. His legacy as a cultural icon and boxing legend endures, symbolizing power, athleticism, and the pursuit of greatness in the ring.

Born in 1977 in Madrid, he spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, where he set numerous records and won multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. Raúl's playing style was marked by his intelligence, positioning, and clinical finishing. He also represented the Spanish national team, earning over 100 caps and participating in major tournaments. After retiring, Raúl ventured into coaching, continuing to contribute to the sport's legacy. He remains an iconic figure in Spanish footbal

He began his career at Sporting Lisbon before moving to Barcelona, where he achieved domestic and international success. In a controversial move, Figo transferred to Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid, where he continued to excel, winning numerous titles. Known for his dribbling and crossing abilities, Figo represented the Portuguese national team in multiple tournaments, including Euro 2004. Following retirement, he remained active in football through coaching and ambassadorial roles. Figo is esteemed as an iconic figure in Portuguese and global football.

He began his career at Dynamo Kyiv before moving to AC Milan in Serie A, where he achieved remarkable success, winning the Serie A title, UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or in 2004. Shevchenko's playing style was characterized by clinical finishing and intelligent movement. He later had a brief stint at Chelsea before returning to Dynamo Kyiv to finish his career. Shevchenko also represented the Ukrainian national team, earning over 100 caps and leaving a lasting legacy as one of Ukraine's greatest footballers. After retiring, he pursued coaching, including leading the Ukrainian national team. Shevchenko remains an iconic figure in football history.

Born in 1980, he emerged from Barcelona's youth academy and spent the majority of his career at the club, forming a legendary midfield trio with Andrés Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. Xavi played a pivotal role in Barcelona's unprecedented success under Pep Guardiola, winning multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. He also contributed significantly to Spain's national team, aiding in their victories at the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Known for his exceptional technical skills and ability to control the game, Xavi is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. Upon retiring in 2019, he transitioned into coaching, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Spending most of his career at Barcelona, he emerged from the club's youth academy and became a pivotal figure known for his exceptional dribbling, passing, and composure. Iniesta won numerous domestic and international titles with Barcelona, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. He also played a crucial role in Spain's national team, winning the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Iniesta's graceful style of play, coupled with his ability to perform under pressure, earned him widespread admiration and individual awards. He retired in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.

With stints at clubs like AS Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and New York Red Bulls, Henry amassed numerous domestic league titles, Champions League trophies, and individual honors, including the FIFA World Cup with France in 1998. Renowned for his speed, skill, and clinical finishing, Henry left a lasting impact at Arsenal, where he helped lead the team to multiple Premier League titles and an unbeaten season in 2003-2004. Since retiring, Henry has pursued coaching, working with the Belgian national team and managing clubs like AS Monaco and Montreal Impact. He remains an icon in the football world, admired for his contributions both on and off the pitch.

He played for clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea, earning accolades such as La Liga and Premier League titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League. Makélélé's playing style, characterized by astute reading of the game and precise distribution, revolutionized his position, earning it the moniker the Makélélé role. He represented the French national team in major tournaments and later transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional football. Makélélé remains revered as one of the finest defensive midfielders in football history.

His career spanned clubs like Olympique de Marseille, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Montreal Impact. Drogba's legacy is most prominent during his time at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012, notably scoring crucial goals. Renowned for his physicality and leadership, Drogba's impact transcends the field, as seen through his philanthropic efforts in Ivory Coast. Since retirement, he remains active in advocacy and football-related initiatives, continuing to inspire both on and off the pitch.

Born in 1976, he began his career at PSV Eindhoven before moving to Manchester United in 2001, where he became renowned for his clinical finishing. Van Nistelrooy won numerous domestic titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as individual awards. He represented the Netherlands national team and participated in major tournaments. Known for his predatory instincts, he retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.

Born in 1991, he began his career in Belgium before moving to Wolfsburg in Germany and eventually joining Manchester City in 2015. De Bruyne's talents include precise passing, vision, dribbling, and long-range shooting. He has won multiple titles with Manchester City and is a key player for the Belgium national team. De Bruyne is considered one of the best midfielders globally, admired for his technical abilities and leadership on the field.

Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He has played a crucial role in the success of the Golden State Warriors, helping them win multiple NBA championships. Curry is known for his exceptional shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and leadership on the court.

Chris Paul is known for his exceptional skills as a playmaker, leadership on the court, and basketball IQ. Over the course of his career, he has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star Games and has been widely recognized as one of the best point guards in the league.

Russell Westbrook is known for his explosive athleticism, triple-double performances, and intensity on the court. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and has been awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2016-2017 season. Westbrook is one of the most dynamic and statistically impressive players in the league.

Goran Dragic is known for his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership on the court. He has been a key player for various teams throughout his NBA career and has been particularly influential during his time with the Miami Heat, where he played a crucial role in their run to the NBA Finals in the 2019-2020 season.

Ricky Rubio is recognized for his exceptional passing ability, court vision, and basketball IQ. He gained prominence in professional basketball at a young age, having played for FC Barcelona in Spain before entering the NBA. Rubio has been an important contributor to his teams and is known for his unselfish playmaking style.

Mike Conley is known for his excellent defensive skills, basketball IQ, and playmaking abilities. He has been a steady and reliable point guard throughout his NBA career and has been a key contributor to the success of the teams he has played for.

Dennis Smith Jr. is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills. He entered the NBA with high expectations after an impressive college career. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent as a dynamic point guard, contributing to various aspects of the game.

Patrick Beverley is widely regarded for his tenacious defense, energy, and leadership on the court. He is known for his ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. While not a prolific scorer, Beverley's impact on the defensive end and his intensity make him a valuable asset to any team.

Patrick Beverley has played for several NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and, as of my last knowledge update, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Derrick Rose gained prominence early in his career, becoming the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the 2010-2011 season while playing for the Chicago Bulls. He has faced challenges with injuries throughout his career but has shown resilience and continued to contribute to his teams.

 Derrick Rose has played for various NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and as of my last knowledge update, the New York Knicks.

Kyle Lowry is known for his leadership, defensive skills, and ability to contribute both as a scorer and playmaker. He played a crucial role in the Toronto Raptors' success, including their NBA Championship win in the 2018-2019 season. Lowry is considered one of the top point guards in the league.

Kyle Lowry has played for various NBA teams, with a significant portion of his career spent with the Toronto Raptors. As of my last knowledge update, he was a member of the Miami Heat.

Dennis Schroder is known for his quickness, scoring ability, and playmaking skills. He has been a valuable contributor to his teams, often serving as a starting point guard. Schröder has had successful stints with various teams in the NBA and has been recognized for his impact on both ends of the court.

Dennis Schroder has played for several NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and as of my last knowledge update, he was with the Boston Celtics.

Marcus Smart is widely recognized for his tenacious defense, versatility, and leadership on the court. He is known for his ability to guard multiple positions, make key plays, and contribute to both ends of the floor. Smart has been a key part of the Boston Celtics' roster, playing a significant role in their defensive schemes.

Marcus Smart has been a consistent member of the Boston Celtics since entering the NBA.

Terry Rozier is known for his scoring ability, quickness, and versatility on the court. He has been a valuable contributor to his teams, showcasing his skills as both a scorer and playmaker. Rozier gained increased recognition during his time with the Boston Celtics, and he continued to be a key player for the Charlotte Hornets.

Terry Rozier has played for the Boston Celtics and, as of my last knowledge update, he was with the Charlotte Hornets.

Lonzo Ball is known for his exceptional passing ability, basketball IQ, and defensive skills. He is recognized for his court vision and has the capability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Ball gained attention during his college career at UCLA and has continued to develop his game in the NBA.

 Lonzo Ball has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and, as of my last knowledge update, he was with the Chicago Bulls.

Ben Simmons is known for his unique skill set, with the ability to handle the ball like a guard despite his size. He is an excellent playmaker, rebounder, and defender. Simmons has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star games and has been a key figure for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Russell Westbrook is known for his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and triple-double performances. He is one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in the NBA, having been selected to multiple NBA All-Star games and winning the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2016-2017 season. Westbrook is recognized for his intensity and passion on the court.

 Russell Westbrook has played for several NBA teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and, as of my last knowledge update, the Los Angeles Lakers.

D'Angelo Russell is known for his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and basketball IQ. He gained recognition during his time with the Brooklyn Nets, where he became an All-Star. Russell has showcased his talent as a dynamic guard capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

D'Angelo Russell has played for several NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and, as of my last knowledge update, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jamal Murray is known for his scoring ability, three-point shooting, and clutch performances. He gained widespread recognition during the NBA Playoffs, particularly in the 2020 postseason, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Denver Nuggets deep into the playoffs.