Rating the highest 100 skilled athletes since 2000

The best athlete of the Twenty first century? That is simple. It must be Tom Brady, the quarterback of the best dynasty America’s favourite sport has ever seen, a seven-time Tremendous Bowl champ and five-time Tremendous Bowl MVP. Yep. Tom Brady.

Besides. Besides it must be Lionel Messi, the very best participant on the earth’s favourite sport, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner because the footballer of the 12 months. Yep, undoubtedly Messi.

Besides … no … LeBron James, proper? 4-time NBA champ, four-time Finals MVP, four-time regular-season MVP, 20-time All-NBA, most factors scored in NBA historical past. No athlete has dominated the general public dialog like LeBron has. He must be No. 1.

Besides, what about Serena Williams? Winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, the Serena Slam (holding all 4 main titles on the similar time) and 4 Olympic gold medals. And she or he obtained her last Grand Slam occasion win whereas pregnant, placing her profession on maintain whereas she was at her most dominant.

Besides, if you will choose a tennis participant, what about Roger Federer? He reworked a whole sport along with his artistry, his chess recreation on the court docket, his blazing forehand. He gained 20 Grand Slam titles and have become probably the most beloved tennis participant of all time. Gotta be Fed.

Yeah, besides Rafael Nadal gained 22 Grand Slam titles and Novak Djokovic has gained 24. It’s a must to choose one in every of them over Federer.

Hmm. Possibly this is not really easy. We did not even point out the Olympians: Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles. Or Kobe. Gotta throw Kobe Bryant into the dialogue. Or Lewis Hamilton. Or Peyton Manning. Or Floyd Mayweather. Or Tiger. Geez, virtually forgot about Tiger Woods.

Sure, rating the highest 100 most completed athletes since 2000 wasn’t fairly really easy in any case — but it surely positive was enjoyable. Twenty-five years in the past, the ESPN SportsCentury challenge ranked the highest 100 North American athletes of the twentieth century. Michael Jordan got here in first, adopted by Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and Wayne Gretzky. (Ruth ought to have been No. 1, however hey, I am a baseball author.) We additionally ranked a horse: Secretariat got here in at No. 35.

With so many transcendent athletes over the previous 25 years, we thought it was time to do one other rating. I promise you there aren’t any horses this time (sorry, American Pharoah). In contemplating the very best athletes of the Twenty first century, nevertheless, we’ve expanded our decisions past North America. ESPN editions from across the globe contributed to the nominations and voting course of, in addition to the person sport record rankings that may observe.

Voters have been instructed to contemplate solely an athlete’s efficiency since 2000. So, for Barry Bonds: He gained seven MVP awards, however solely 4 of these got here after 2000, as did 317 of his 762 house runs. Or Ken Griffey Jr.: He performed till 2010, however all of his finest seasons got here within the Nineties. Tiger gained 13 of his 15 majors from 2000 on, so he is in good condition. Different athletes, corresponding to Patrick Mahomes or Nikola Jokic or Shohei Ohtani, clearly have extra greatness forward of them, so we’ll see how excessive their accomplishments to date get them on the record.

Ultimately, we acquired greater than 70,000 votes from ESPN contributors to create our prime 100. We’ll reveal 25 athletes day-after-day this week till we attain our No. 1 athlete of the Twenty first century.

Let the arguments start. — David Schoenfield, ESPN senior author

1. Michael Phelps, swimming

Key accomplishments: File 28-time Olympic medalist, 23-time Olympic gold medalist, most gold medals at a single Olympics when he gained eight at Beijing in 2008

On the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Phelps earned a historic eight gold medals, greater than any athlete in a single Olympics, whereas breaking world information in seven of his eight races. All through the Video games, followers and members of the media tried to crack the code on what made Phelps — who finally gained 23 Olympic gold medals and have become probably the most embellished Olympian of all time — so unbeatable. His mom, Debbie Phelps, was in Beijing, and sometimes fielded their questions. Was it his size-14 ft? His extra-long arms? His breakfast routine? “No,” Debbie answered repeatedly. “It is his arduous work.” — Alyssa Roenigk

Key accomplishments: 23-time main champion (second most by any participant all time), ladies’s file 365 main match wins, 73 profession titles are fifth most by a girl within the Open period

There’s little that Williams did not obtain throughout her record-setting profession, together with successful 23 main titles. Nevertheless it may need been her final one which was probably the most unbelievable. She wanted to win yet another Grand Slam to interrupt the tie with Steffi Graf for many within the Open period (which started in 1968) — a mark Williams stated she had been “chasing for a very very long time” — and remained within the 2017 Australian Open draw even after discovering out she was pregnant shortly earlier than competitors started. She was in peak Serena kind, by no means dropping a set en path to a last showdown along with her sister Venus. She defeated Venus to take sole possession of the file.

Williams performed in 4 extra main finals after her return from maternity go away and a sophisticated childbirth. She did not win one other title. “The way in which I see it, I ought to have had 30-plus Grand Slams,” Williams wrote in Vogue in a 2022 essay asserting her impending retirement. “I did not get there … However I confirmed up 23 instances, and that is effective. Really it is extraordinary.” — D’Arcy Maine

Key accomplishments: 10-time LaLiga champion, seven-time Copa del Rey winner, four-time Champions League winner, six-time Champions League prime scorer, 17-time FIFA FIFPRO World 11, World Cup winner, Copa America winner, two-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, file objective scorer for Barcelona and Argentina

Messi successful the World Cup in Argentina in 2022 was maybe the most important Hollywood ending that soccer has ever seen. After dropping the 2014 last, it appeared like it will by no means occur for Messi, who had gained the whole lot else within the recreation for membership and nation, however the crowning second of his profession lastly arrived at age 34. He scored twice within the last as Argentina beat France on penalties, sparking an outpouring of emotion and celebrations across the globe. “This man transcends rivalries — even between Brazil and Argentina,” Brazil legend Ronaldo stated. “I noticed Brazilians and folks all around the world rooting for Messi. It is a becoming finale for a genius who has marked an period.” — Sam Marsden

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, NBA’s all-time scoring chief, 20-time All-Star, 19-time All-NBA choice, six-time All-Protection, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, four-time NBA champion, three-time All-Star Sport MVP

The “48 particular” recreation occurred 17 years in the past this spring. That is when James scored 29 of the final 30 factors for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a double-overtime upset Sport 5 street win towards the Detroit Pistons within the Japanese Convention finals. The 48-point recreation was a mesmerizing efficiency that stands as one of many traditional video games of this century … and it in all probability does not even rank within the prime 10 of James’ playoff performances. It may not be one in every of his prime three convention finals video games. That is what James’ greatness rests on: Nobody has ever been this good for this lengthy. That long-ago evening within the Palace of Auburn Hills is merely one in every of 29 40-point video games James has within the playoffs alone.

That win paved the best way to his first Finals, beginning a run of 10 appearances in 14 years. Throughout that stretch he gained 4 NBA titles, 4 MVPs and 4 Finals MVPs with three totally different groups, in addition to two Olympic gold medals. He additionally gained at the least one street recreation in 29 consecutive playoff collection. He has scored in double figures in 1,222 consecutive regular-season video games — the final time he did not, his son Bronny, now his Laker teammate, was 2 years outdated. Quantity is not a vogue solution to measure achievement within the NBA anymore, and it lends credence to those that need to push James down all-time lists. It is the one aspect of the argument to take towards James, who has primarily renamed the NBA’s file guide for himself. — Brian Windhorst

5. Tom Brady, soccer

Key accomplishments: Seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time Tremendous Bowl MVP, three-time NFL MVP, two-time AP Offensive POY, 15-time Professional Bowler, three-time first-team All-Professional, NFL file for profession passing yards/TDs

When Brady was requested which of his seven Tremendous Bowl rings was his favourite, he was keen on answering: “The following one.” That sums up the participant whom Invoice Belichick known as the “final winner” who usually performed his finest when the stakes have been highest. Belichick famous how Brady entered the NFL as a sixth-round choose “with little to no fanfare” and left “as probably the most profitable participant in league historical past.” Stated Belichick: “His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him each day. His work ethic and want to win have been each motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike.” — Mike Reiss

Key accomplishments: 20-time main champion, 369 majors wins and eight Wimbledon titles are most by a person all time, 103 tour singles titles (second most by man in Open period)

It is commonplace for an expert athlete to really feel emotional throughout their last match or recreation earlier than retiring. However what’s uncommon is when everybody else within the competitors is equally emotional about it. Such was the case for Federer over the last match of his profession on the Laver Cup — an occasion he co-founded — in 2022. Having beforehand introduced a doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal could be his swan track, Nadal — his fiercest of rivals for practically 20 years — cried proper alongside him when it was over, as did Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, the remainder of their European teammates and even Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, their opponents from the World workforce. “I believe we’re all going to be endlessly grateful to be part of the GOAT’s last match,” Sock stated later. — D’Arcy Maine

7. Simone Biles, gymnastics

Key accomplishments: Seven-time Olympic medalist (tied for many by American gymnast), 4 Olympic gold medals (2016, tied for many by feminine gymnast at single Video games)

Since successful her first nationwide title in 2013, Biles has gone undefeated in all-around competitors in each meet she has competed in, a staggering achievement in a sport that used to age-out athletes of their teenagers. Now 27, Biles punctuated her return to gymnastics after taking two years off following the Tokyo Video games by successful U.S. trials by an astounding 5.5 factors. In her third Olympics in Paris, Biles can turn out to be the primary gymnast to win all-around gold in nonconsecutive Olympics. She additionally has 5 abilities that bear her identify — together with a vault with the best issue degree in ladies’s gymnastics. — Alyssa Roenigk

Key accomplishments: 13 main wins (most of any participant throughout span), 11 main wins as world No. 1 golfer (9 greater than every other participant all time)

Even after a record-breaking profession wherein Woods gained 82 instances on the PGA Tour, together with 15 main championships, and was ranked the No. 1 golfer on the earth for 281 consecutive weeks and 683 total, golf followers are nonetheless left questioning what the Corridor of Famer may need completed had accidents and self-inflicted issues off the course not hampered him over the previous 15 years. That is a testomony to Woods’ greatness on the course, the place he gained 131 instances world wide. He gained his first main at age 21 and introduced youth and power to a sport that desperately wanted it along with his fist pumps and membership twirls. — Mark Schlabach

9. Usain Bolt, observe

Key accomplishments: Eight-time Olympic gold medalist, 100m world-record holder, solely sprinter to win Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics

Their legs are a blur. What’s in focus is Bolt’s expressive mug as he surges forward within the 100-meter semifinal on the 2016 Rio Olympics, his fourth and last Video games. Within the photograph, the now 37-year-old Jamaican is trying again, smiling, virtually taunting the three males giving chase. The race shouldn’t be over — and but it’s. The picture was a sensation on the time and has endured as one of the indelible of Bolt’s profession, which noticed him set his first world file within the 100 at 21. His 2009 world file within the 100 (9.58 seconds) nonetheless stands as we speak. — Alyssa Roenigk

10. Kobe Bryant, basketball

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, five-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2007-08 MVP, 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA choice, 12-time All-Protection, four-time All-Star Sport MVP

For all the accomplishments Bryant amassed, the 5 championships chief amongst them, and all the otherworldly scoring feats — 9 straight 40-point video games in 2003, 4 straight 50-point video games in 2007, the 81-point evening towards Toronto, the 60-point send-off towards Utah — his lasting achievement was inspiration. The Lakers legend’s self-described “Mamba mentality” has transcended basketball, and sports activities for that matter, a branded lifestyle that followers and admirers of Bryant aspire to succeed in. It guarantees that with sufficient drive, sufficient work, sufficient will and sufficient focus, you can also form your existence the best way Bryant did.

After a horrific helicopter crash in 2020 killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna and 7 others, Bryant’s impression continues to be felt posthumously. His identify is as related as ever within the NBA, with numerous gamers paying homage to the taking pictures guard by carrying Nos. 8 and 24 and the league renaming the All-Star MVP trophy in his honor. “He is like our era’s Jordan,” Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas informed ESPN final season. “How the opposite guys appreciated Jordan, that is how we’re with Kobe.” — Dave McMenamin

11. Novak Djokovic, tennis

Key accomplishments: 24-time Grand Slam singles champion; file 422 weeks as No. 1; 375 Grand Slam match wins; third in males’s singles titles (98), wins (1,110) in Open period

Lower than two months after being surprised within the Wimbledon last by Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic refused to postpone historical past once more and earned his record-breaking twenty fourth males’s main title on the 2023 US Open. After escaping a five-set problem within the third spherical, Djokovic did not lose one other set and defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 within the last. At 36, he turned the oldest man to win the US Open, and tied Margaret Court docket’s file for probably the most main titles in historical past. To many, the feat secured his place as the game’s best of all time, however, like a real competitor, he was removed from glad. “I do not put any quantity proper now in my thoughts on what number of Slams I need to win,” he stated hours later. — D’Arcy Maine

12. Rafael Nadal, tennis

Key accomplishments: 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, ATP Tour title in 19 straight seasons, 209 weeks as world No. 1, fourth-most males’s singles wins in Open period

Whereas Nadal has had success on all surfaces all through his profession, he was rightfully deemed the “King of Clay” due to his dominance on the dust. From 2005 to 2007, he had an 81-match win streak on the floor — nonetheless the longest stretch on a single floor by any man within the Open period. Nobody in historical past has gained extra singles titles at a person Slam than Nadal, the winner of 14 French Open titles, in Paris. He has an undefeated file within the last on the match, and his reign has been so legendary and unprecedented {that a} statue was erected in his honor in 2021 — whereas he was nonetheless enjoying on the occasion. Federer referred to as Nadal’s supremacy on the French Open “one of many best achievements in sport.” — D’Arcy Maine

Key accomplishments: 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, five-time Champions League winner, three-time Premier League winner, two-time LaLiga winner, two-time Serie A winner, file for many worldwide targets

Ronaldo’s story is one in every of a supremely proficient athlete, however with a drive and can to win to match. His profession is finest summed up by one in every of his personal quotes: “When you do not imagine you’re the finest, then you’ll by no means obtain all that you’re able to.” Ronaldo has proven that perception all through greater than twenty years on the prime of world soccer and sometimes proved it to be true. “He’s the very best,” stated his former Actual Madrid supervisor Jose Mourinho. “I noticed Maradona a few instances. I by no means noticed Pele. However Cristiano is superb. This man is the very best. Cristiano is a objective machine. There’ll by no means be one other Ronaldo.” — Rob Dawson

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, four-time NBA champion, 2022 Finals MVP, 10-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2022 All-Star Sport MVP, two-time scoring chief, profession chief in 3-pointers made

Curry had been reluctant to name himself the best shooter of all time till he broke the profession 3-point scoring file. As soon as he achieved that milestone in December 2021, he wasn’t so shy about it anymore. Curry has modified the best way basketball is performed — at each degree of the game. These days you may discover youngsters in highschool gyms going via the identical pregame taking pictures routine Curry does. And within the NBA, offenses are constructed round 3-point taking pictures like by no means earlier than.

If the best way he revolutionized the sport is not sufficient to solidify his standing within the NBA — and amongst nice athletes world wide — his résumé is. After successful his first Finals MVP in 2022, to go together with his 4 titles, 10 All-Star appearances, 9 All-NBA groups and two MVPs, Curry requested: “What are they going to say now?” — Kendra Andrews

15. Katie Ledecky, swimming

Key accomplishments: 10-time Olympic medalist, seven-time Olympic gold medalist, file 21 world championship gold medals, world information in 800m free and 1,500m free

“I used to be anticipating quite a bit sooner.” That was Ledecky’s response to successful the 1,500-meter freestyle by 20 seconds at Olympic trials in June, within the quickest time clocked this 12 months. For greater than a decade, Ledecky has owned the race often known as the “swimmer’s mile,” which was added to the Olympic lineup in 2020. The 27-year-old is predicted to win gold once more in Paris, the place she can be the favourite within the 400 free, 800 free and 4×200-meter relay. Since first breaking the world file within the 1,500 free in 2013, she has shaved 16 seconds off her time whereas additionally successful extra Olympic and world championship gold than any girl in historical past. — Alyssa Roenigk

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, four-time NBA champion, 13-time All-NBA choice, 13-time All-Protection, 14-time All-Star, two-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP

The primary 2½ seasons of Duncan’s stellar profession got here earlier than the flip of the century, however that did not cease him from cementing his spot close to the highest of this record. Even with out a Rookie of the Yr and his first NBA title, Duncan’s run within the early 2000s banked him each of his MVP awards. He earned the primary in 2001-02 with a career-best common of 25.5 factors, together with 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a pair of.5 blocks per recreation. The Large Basic was additionally among the finest defenders the league has seen, incomes his last All-Defensive workforce nod in 2015 at 38 years outdated. — Andrew Lopez

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, four-time champion, three-time Finals MVP, 1999-2000 MVP, nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time All-Protection

When Phil Jackson took a then 27-year-old O’Neal out to dinner throughout coaching camp forward of the 1999-2000 Lakers season, the Zen Grasp challenged the middle with a lofty goal. “I informed him that he ought to make it his objective to be the MVP,” Jackson wrote in 2016. “In truth, I advised to him that, by the point he retired, they need to rename the trophy the Shaq Award!”

O’Neal went on to win three MVPs through the ensuing marketing campaign: He was named co-MVP of the All-Star Sport together with Tim Duncan for posting 22 factors, 9 rebounds and three blocks in a win for the West; he was regular-season MVP after averaging 29.7 factors, 13.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and three.0 blocks; and he was NBA Finals MVP after averaging 38 factors on 61.1% taking pictures, 16.7 rebounds and a pair of.7 blocks in a six-game collection win over the Indiana Pacers to seize the primary of his three titles with the Lakers and 4 total. The league by no means named the trophy after O’Neal, however he did choose up the moniker “Most Dominant Ever,” which is not a nasty comfort prize. — Dave McMenamin

Key accomplishments: Three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP, two-time NFL MVP, two-time First Crew All-Professional, six-time Professional Bowler

Mahomes not solely had one of many NFL’s finest passing seasons ever in 2018, however he did it in his first 12 months as a starter. That season he turned solely the second quarterback to throw for five,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, becoming a member of the Broncos’ Peyton Manning, who did it in 2013. Mahomes put himself on a reasonably simple tempo in each statistical classes with a scorching begin. He had 13 landing passes within the first three video games and threw for greater than 300 yards in eight of the primary 9. He had two six-TD video games that season and hasn’t had one since. — Adam Teicher

Key accomplishments: Seven-time Formulation One champion (joint file with Michael Schumacher), 104 race victories (file), 104 pole positions (file), 199 podiums (file)

He’s probably the most profitable driver in Formulation One historical past, however Hamilton’s story is about a lot greater than numbers. The primary and solely Black driver to race in F1, Hamilton has described his path to the highest as a “lonely journey,” however continues to commit his power, money and time to growing variety in his sport. “I am successful all of those races, but it surely does not really imply something until you do one thing with the platform it offers you,” he stated after securing his seventh title in 2020. The following chapter in his outstanding story begins in 2025 when he strikes to F1’s most well-known workforce, Ferrari. — Laurence Edmondson

Key accomplishments: 10-time Professional Bowler, eight-time first-team All-Professional, three-time Defensive POY (tied for many all time), HOF All-2010s Crew, 2014 Defensive ROY

Donald went into his eighth NFL season with many important achievements on the sphere for the Rams: Defensive Rookie of the Yr, three NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr awards and 7 Professional Bowls to begin his profession. The one factor he was lacking? A Tremendous Bowl ring. He and the Rams gained that through the 2021 season, beating the Cincinnati Bengals in a recreation that went all the way down to the wire. On fourth down in a three-point recreation, Donald pressured Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and compelled an incomplete move to primarily finish the sport. Donald’s celebration will likely be remembered, too: He ran round along with his arms outstretched after which pointed at his left ring finger, the place his first Tremendous Bowl ring would go. — Sarah Barshop

Key accomplishments: Three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, five-time Olympic gold medalist, 2009 WNBA MVP, 10-time All-WNBA first workforce, 2004 Rookie of the Yr, WNBA’s main profession scorer and 3-point shooter, three-time NCAA champion, two-time Closing 4 Most Excellent Participant, 2003 Wade Trophy winner

Taurasi was born in 1982, when the NCAA match started for ladies. Twenty years later, she gained the primary of three consecutive NCAA titles with UConn. Now, 22 years after that, she’s nonetheless going at 42 because the oldest lively participant within the WNBA. The one participant within the league to hit 10,000 factors, Taurasi has spent her whole profession with the Phoenix Mercury and has led the WNBA in scoring 5 instances. Taking part in in her sixth Olympics this summer time, she is revered for her longtime management of Crew USA in addition to the Mercury, and for her unwavering swagger. — Michael Voepel

Key accomplishments: NHL 100 Best, two-time Richard Trophy, two-time Ross Trophy, two-time Hart Trophy, three-time Lindsay Award, three-time Stanley Cup champion (two-time Conn Smythe), 1,596 factors (tenth all time)

Crosby’s teammate Kris Letang recalled how, in Sport 6 of the Stanley Cup Closing towards the San Jose Sharks, Crosby vowed that he and Letang would workforce up on the “greatest objective” of the evening. They wound up connecting for a recreation winner that secured Pittsburgh’s fourth Cup in franchise historical past. Letang was understandably surprised by Crosby’s fortune-telling prowess on such a big stage. However Crosby impresses within the smaller moments, too. Former linemate Conor Sheary recalled Crosby assuring him once they have been paired collectively that Sheary was “there for a purpose and to play my recreation.” It was the form of calming presence Sheary wanted from Crosby and a gesture he has by no means forgotten. — Kristen Shilton

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, 2008 NBA champion, 2003-04 MVP, 2007-08 Defensive Participant of the Yr, 13-time All-Star, 12-time All-Protection workforce, eight-time All-NBA choice, 2003 All-Star Sport MVP

Garnett was famously loyal to Minnesota, main the Timberwolves to their first playoff collection victories when he piloted them to the 2004 Western Convention finals. However regardless of successful his lone MVP award that season, it was in Boston the place he would cement himself in historical past. He and Ray Allen teamed up with Paul Pierce to usher in a brand new huge three period within the NBA and lead the Celtics to the 2008 title, plus one other NBA Finals look two seasons later. Garnett bellowing “Something is feasible!” within the aftermath of the Celtics’ Sport 6 victory over their archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, has turn out to be an indelible championship second. — Tim Bontemps

Key accomplishments: Three-time MVP, 2001 Rookie of the Yr, 11-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, six-time Silver Slugger, two-time World Collection champion, 703 HR (fourth)

They referred to as him The Machine. Pujols’ swing was direct and to the purpose: energy emanating from his decrease half, firing via palms he used with the precision of a surgeon, his bat a weapon that positioned him among the many recreation’s best right-handed hitters ever. Rogers Hornsby, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Albert Pujols. He belongs. A Thirteenth-round draft choose who will likely be a first-ballot Corridor of Famer in 2028, Pujols’ lone ding is an end-of-career fade with the Angels. In 12 seasons with the Cardinals, he was simple. — Jeff Passan

25. Floyd Mayweather, boxing

Key accomplishments: 50-0 file (27 KOs) from 1996 to 2017, five-division world champion, longtime pound-for-pound No. 1

Mayweather gained world titles in 5 weight lessons and dominated the pound-for-pound rankings from 2005 to 2015. His immaculate protection, with a trademark shoulder roll method to dam punches, together with elegant footwork, blurring hand velocity and pinpoint accuracy helped him beat the very best of his period — Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez, amongst others.

His resolution win over Pacquiao generated greater than $600 million in 2015 and stays the most important struggle in many years. Mayweather’s bout towards former MMA champion Conor McGregor in 2017 additionally generated greater than $600 million, second most all time. Mayweather’s wealth of boxing expertise made him the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018 (in keeping with Forbes). — Nick Parkinson

26. Peyton Manning, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2021), two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time NFL MVP (most all time), 14-time Professional Bowler, seven-time First Crew All-Professional.

Manning already had a Corridor of Fame profession when he arrived in Denver in 2012 — 11 Professional Bowl choices, 5 first-team All-Professional choices, 9 4,000-yard passing seasons and a Tremendous Bowl win in his 14 years with the Colts. He signed with the Broncos after a missed season in 2011, his fourth neck surgical procedure and a little bit of uncertainty about whether or not bodily he may play on the degree he wished. His 4 years in Denver answered these questions with 4 AFC West titles, two Tremendous Bowl journeys and a Tremendous Bowl win.

His masterpiece may need been the 2013 season, when the Broncos broke the league’s scoring file with 606 factors and Manning set information with 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns, together with seven within the season opener. The Broncos topped 40 factors six instances and 50 factors thrice. Present Dolphins affiliate head coach and former Broncos assistant Eric Studesville stated: “I’ve by no means seen something like Peyton and people guys that 12 months. I do not suppose anyone has. That was simply an all-time nice with the ball in his palms doing all-time nice issues at a degree no person else has been to.” — Jeff Legwold

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2018), six-time Professional Bowler, four-time First Crew All-Professional, 156 profession TD receptions (second all time).

At 6-foot-4 and with a 47-inch vertical bounce, Moss may attain or bounce over the tallest defensive backs who tried to cowl him — therefore the phrase “You bought Mossed.” However with velocity that was measured beneath 4.3 seconds within the 40 throughout a personal exercise earlier than the 1998 draft, Moss additionally may run away from the quickest defenders, be it on deep routes and even on what would now be referred to as “bubble screens.” Different elements contributed to his success as effectively, however the league had by no means earlier than seen a participant like Moss. — Kevin Seifert

Key accomplishments: 2023 NBA champion, 2023 Finals MVP, three-time MVP, six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA choice, 2023 Western Convention finals MVP.

Earlier than the Clippers would blow a 3-1 lead within the second spherical towards Denver contained in the bubble in 2020, Doc Rivers was requested who Jokic reminded him most of. Rivers could not choose only one legendary huge man. “He has all of the footwork and the strikes of an [Hakeem] Olajuwon,” Rivers stated. “The lanky and goofy intelligence of Kevin McHale. … He is the very best passing huge that I’ve seen, I believe, ever. [And] I do know [Bill] Walton was one in every of [the best ever].” Rivers may need really undersold Jokic. This was earlier than the Nuggets famous person gained three MVP awards, a championship and a Finals MVP. At 29, Jokic continues to yearly put up numbers the league hasn’t seen from a giant man since Wilt Chamberlain, and he is removed from finished. — Ohm Youngmisuk

29. Michael Schumacher, auto racing

Key accomplishments: Seven-time Formulation One champion (joint file with Hamilton), 91 race victories, 68 pole positions, 155 podiums (all second all time).

“The hardest rival I ever had,” Fernando Alonso stated of Schumacher, voicing a sense shared by most who raced towards him. In the beginning of the brand new millennium Schumacher had no equal. Ruthless and unforgiving on observe, his ardour and drive off it helped flip Ferrari into probably the most dominant workforce F1 had ever seen. The mix of his generational racing expertise and his blinding want to win in any respect prices made him enthralling and controversial in equal measure and helped him finish a 21-year await a championship at Ferrari, successful 5 straight to kick off the 2000s. — Nate Saunders

Key accomplishments: Three-time MVP (tied for second most all time), 11-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger, 2012 AL Rookie of The Yr, lively profession chief in WAR (86.1 per Baseball-Reference).

Solely three hitters have piled up extra WAR for the reason that century started than Trout, and all of them had greater than a decade head begin on him when he launched, absolutely shaped, into the majors at age 19, two years after going twenty fifth within the 2009 draft. That is how shortly Trout leaped into the dialog in regards to the recreation’s historic elite. As maybe the primary star whose greatness was sharpened by modern analytics, Trout’s all-around dominance was on show from the beginning.

At 32, Trout has gained three MVP awards and completed within the prime 5 of balloting seven different instances. Accidents have slowed his momentum, but when Trout can string collectively just a few extra wholesome campaigns, the child from Millville, New Jersey, may but transcend his standing as the very best of his era and problem for the crown of finest ever, interval. — Bradford Doolittle

Key accomplishments: Three-time Cy Younger winner, 2014 MVP, 10-time All-Star, 5 ERA titles, Triple Crown winner, Gold Glove winner, 2020 World Collection champion, no-hitter in 2014.

Early within the 2016 season, then-San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner stated of his nice West Coast rival: “Are we watching the very best ever at his finest?” Possibly so. Throughout his peak from 2011 to 2017, Kershaw went 118-41 with a 2.10 ERA. At the same time as he has battled accidents, he has remained efficient: His profession 2.48 ERA is the bottom for a beginning pitcher since 1920 and his successful share is the best since 1900 for a pitcher with 2,000 innings. The Los Angeles Dodgers lefty has by no means been the toughest thrower, however he’s a perfectionist who as soon as went practically 4 seasons with out permitting a house run on his curveball. — David Schoenfield

32. Marta, soccer

Key accomplishments: Six-time FIFA World Participant of the Yr, Brazil’s prime objective scorer all time, file World Cup objective scorer, Golden Ball winner at 2007 Girls’s World Cup, Golden Boot winner at 2007 Girls’s World Cup.

There could be a temptation for Marta to remain on for one final crack on the World Cup on house floor in 2027, however because it stands the Paris Olympics will likely be her final attempt at a world title with the Brazilian nationwide workforce. Not having such an honor doesn’t put the slightest dent in her legacy. Marta is sort of merely a very powerful participant within the historical past of ladies’s soccer. There’ll by no means be one other Marta. Gliding previous opponents, beating keepers with a wand of a left foot, Marta got here from nowhere — a poor household in a distant a part of Brazil — to legitimize the game in locations the place it struggled to be taken significantly. The inspirer of tens of millions of desires, the one who confirmed that the ladies’s recreation may be an artwork kind. — Tim Vickery

Key accomplishments: Two-time MVP (2012-13, final participant to win consecutive MVPs), Triple Crown winner in 2012, 12-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger, 4 batting titles, 2003 World Collection champion.

Cabrera arrived within the main leagues at 20, discovered himself batting cleanup within the World Collection, whacked an opposite-field house run off Roger Clemens and charted a course that will finish twenty years later with 3,174 hits. Cabrera’s spray chart was a factor of magnificence, with dots denoting his hits in all corners of the stadium — and 511 over the fence. He managed to hit for energy with out sacrificing his innate bat-to-ball ability, and he peaked in 2012, when he turned the primary hitter in 45 years to win batting, house run and RBI titles in the identical season. — Jeff Passan

Key accomplishments: 2012 WNBA champion and Finals MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, 2011 WNBA MVP, five-time WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, 10-time WNBA All-Defensive first workforce, seven-time All-WNBA First Crew, WNBA profession steals chief, 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Yr, Basketball Corridor of Famer.

Expert as Catchings was, she is probably going remembered for her motor greater than every other nice ladies’s basketball participant. That is evident in her fixed presence on WNBA All-Defensive groups. Catchings was the No. 3 draft choose in 2001 as a result of she was coming off a knee harm that reduce brief her senior season at Tennessee. She sat out that WNBA season however rewarded the Indiana Fever for his or her endurance by changing into the face of the franchise. Nothing exhibits Catchings’ impression greater than this: The Fever missed the playoffs simply twice in her 15-season profession however have not been again to the postseason since she retired in 2016. — Michael Voepel

35. Dwyane Wade, basketball

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, three-time NBA champion, 2006 Finals MVP, 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA choice, three-time All-Protection, 2010 All-Star Sport MVP.

Who may overlook that four-game Finals run Wade had? He averaged 30 factors, 8 rebounds and 4 assists on 60% taking pictures … within the 2011 NBA Finals the Miami Warmth misplaced to the Dallas Mavericks. The brilliance of Wade’s profession was maybe dimmed a tad as a result of he teamed up with LeBron James and Chris Bosh on the peak of his powers. And the 2011 Finals will at all times be remembered for James’ stumbles and never Wade’s singular brilliance that was primarily wasted. However his profession was spectacular and his 2006 Finals four-game run — 39.3 factors and eight.3 rebounds on 50% taking pictures (and 73 free throws) — to guide the Warmth to the primary of three titles is known.

Within the two seasons earlier than James arrived in Miami, Wade gained the scoring title and twice completed within the prime 5 of the MVP voting. He willingly took a step again for James, an act that undoubtedly helped the Warmth jell and win back-to-back titles even when it meant the tip of his time on the prime of these lists. It was a team-first act he paired with a willingness to return off the bench within the 2008 Olympics for the Redeem Crew. He nonetheless stands as one of many best taking pictures guards of all time, the very best shot-blocking guard in NBA historical past and a flag-carrying member of the enduring 2003 draft class. — Brian Windhorst

36. Maya Moore, basketball

Key accomplishments: 4-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 2014 WNBA MVP, 2013 Finals MVP, five-time All-WNBA First Crew, 2011 WNBA Rookie of the Yr, two-time NCAA champion, 2010 Closing 4 Most Excellent Participant, three-time Wade Trophy winner.

Moore was a part of a 90-game successful streak and two good seasons at UConn. Then because the WNBA’s No. 1 choose in 2011, she helped the Minnesota Lynx turn out to be a dynasty. Moore was identified for her clean shot, her clutch play and the truth that successful adopted wherever she went. In six of her eight WNBA seasons, the Lynx reached the Finals. However Moore’s profession ended earlier than anticipated as she stopped enjoying at age 29 following the 2018 season to deal with social justice points. She labored tirelessly to assist free her future husband, Jonathan Irons, whose jail conviction was reversed in 2020. Moore formally retired in January 2023. — Michael Voepel

37. Ichiro Suzuki, baseball

Key accomplishments: 2001 AL Rookie of the Yr and AL MVP, 10-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, AL batting titles in 2001 and 2004.

His most well-known play is his “Star Wars” throw from his rookie season. His most well-known file is the 262 hits he registered in 2004. He was 27 when he got here to Seattle and he nonetheless completed with greater than 3,000 hits — certainly, extra profession hits, for those who embody his Japanese totals, than Pete Rose. The long-lasting Ichiro hit begins with the pull of the sleeve within the batter’s field, the bat held excessive in entrance of him, then comes outracing the ball to first base. “No single quantity may ever clarify a human as thrilling, as uncommon, and as great as Ichiro,” wrote sports activities columnist Joe Posnanski. — David Schoenfield

38. Barry Bonds, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: 317 house runs (MLB-record 73 in 2001), 1,128 walks, 4 consecutive MVPs (2001-04), six-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles.

Bonds is the very best dwelling baseball participant, and by no means was he higher than the eight seasons he performed this century. In that point, he smashed the single-season house run file, obtained on base at a 51.7% clip — a determine final reached in a person 12 months by Ted Williams in 1957 — and got here as shut as anybody to mastering the artwork of hitting. Bonds’ steroid use has stored him out of the Corridor of Fame, however those that witnessed him play know: Twenty first-century Bonds was the closest we have seen to Babe Ruth. — Jeff Passan

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, two-time All-Star Sport MVP, 2013-14 MVP, 10-time All-NBA, four-time scoring chief, 2007-08 Rookie of the Yr.

“I am Kevin Durant. You realize who I’m. Y’all know who I’m.” That was Durant’s conclusion to a prolonged reply about pesky Patrick Beverley’s protection towards him (with a complete lot of assist, as Durant famous) early in a 2019 playoff collection. Durant’s level: He had proved himself as among the finest scorers to ever play the sport, a four-time scoring champion who had gained the earlier two NBA Finals MVPs, a mix of measurement and ability that had by no means been seen earlier than. Then he averaged 41.5 factors the remainder of that collection because the Warriors completed off the Clippers. As he has bounced from workforce to workforce, there was one fixed about KD’s id: When he is wholesome, he has at all times been inconceivable to protect. — Tim MacMahon

Key accomplishments: 2011 AL MVP, three-time Cy Younger winner, nine-time All-Star, two-time World Collection champion, 2006 AL Rookie of the Yr, prime 15 in profession strikeouts, three no-hitters.

Will Verlander be baseball’s final 300-game winner? He’ll must coax 40 extra wins out of his Corridor of Fame-bound arm, but when it is ever going to occur once more, it will be Verlander who does it. A real throwback to the times when ace pitchers held sway within the huge leagues, Verlander has mixed dominance and sturdiness in a means that harkens again to the times of Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan. With 260 wins and three,300-plus strikeouts below his belt and extra on the best way, that is what Verlander at all times needed to be. “I really like being a pitcher,” Verlander stated in 2018. “After I first began enjoying baseball, I at all times envisioned myself as a pitcher. I idolized Nolan Ryan, that old-school grit.” — Bradford Doolittle

41. Dirk Nowitzki, basketball

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, 2011 NBA champion, 2011 Finals MVP, 2006-07 MVP, 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA choice.

Nowitzki revolutionized the best way the NBA recreation is performed, a pioneer as a sweet-shooting 7-footer who thrived as a fringe risk. However the huge German is finest remembered for an iconic publish transfer he developed halfway via his profession. It was his most deadly weapon when Nowitzki shattered “tender Euro” stereotypes by main the Dallas Mavericks to their lone title. His one-legged fadeaway is captured on the statue that stands exterior the American Airways Heart and has the inscription “Loyalty by no means fades away” — a nod to Nowitzki’s record-setting 21-year run with one franchise. “The Dirk fade,” because it’s generally referred to as, is recreated by stars all through the league frequently. — Tim MacMahon

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth anniversary workforce, 2021 NBA champion, 2021 Finals MVP, two-time MVP, 2019-20 Defensive Participant of the Yr, eight-time All-Star, 2021 All-Star Sport MVP, seven-time All-NBA choice, five-time All-Protection, 2016-17 Most Improved Participant.

When the Milwaukee Bucks chosen a thin child from Greece who had been enjoying basketball for less than two years with the fifteenth choose within the 2013 draft, it was inconceivable to foretell how his arrival would alter the franchise’s trajectory for the subsequent decade. Antetokounmpo reworked himself from an unknown however promising prospect into one of the dominant energy forwards in historical past at each ends of the ground — culminating in a 50-point recreation within the 2021 NBA Finals to clinch the franchise’s first championship in 50 years. The truth that he ordered 50 hen nuggets the subsequent day to rejoice solely endeared him to Milwaukee followers much more. — Jamal Collier

43. Alex Rodriguez, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Three-time AL MVP (2003, 2005, 2007), 11-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger, 2009 World Collection champion, 548 HR (second most since 2000).

A-Rod helped usher within the golden period of the jumbo-sized shortstop, a place lengthy reserved for expert fielders who could not hit. A gifted batsman, Rodriguez mashed for energy and common to all fields. His abundance of expertise was unassailable. He additionally drew the longest steroid suspension in baseball historical past, coloring his achievements and cooking his repute. Historical past will see Rodriguez as one of the proficient gamers ever, however as is the case with all performance-enhancing drug customers, the excellence comes with an invisible asterisk. — Jeff Passan

44. Mikaela Shiffrin, snowboarding

Key accomplishments: Three-time Olympic medalist, two-time Olympic gold medalist, file 96 World Cup wins, 59 World Cup slalom victories (most in a single self-discipline).

On March 11, 2023, Shiffrin chased down a file that, for 34 years, consumed the minds and careers of numerous ski racers and have become the winningest alpine skier in historical past. She gained her 87th World Cup race that day, eclipsing the longstanding file held by Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark, which many thought-about to be unbreakable. She did it, in fact, shortly, reaching 87 wins practically three years faster than Stenmark and by successful at the least one race in all six World Cup disciplines — the one girl or man ever to take action.

However what’s most outstanding about Shiffrin’s feat is that she gained 24 races and two of her 5 World Cup total titles after snowboarding probably the most disappointing races of her profession on the 2022 Beijing Olympics and having individuals query whether or not her finest years have been behind her. — Alyssa Roenigk

45. David Ortiz, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Corridor of Famer, three-time World Collection champion, 2013 World Collection MVP, 10-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger, 531 HR (third most since 2000).

Above the whole lot, Large Papi will likely be remembered for feasting within the greatest of moments. As the sport’s best designated hitter, Ortiz had Cooperstown numbers — 541 profession homers and a .931 OPS — however that is solely the tip of Papi’s boisterous iceberg. He had 17 profession playoff homers as a part of three championship Boston Crimson Sox golf equipment and hit .455 over 14 World Collection video games. That features 2013, when, at age 37, he went 11-for-16 with two homers and eight walks within the Fall Traditional towards a St. Louis Cardinals workforce that would not get him out.

After Ortiz was elected to the Corridor of Fame, longtime teammate Dustin Pedroia stated of him, “From day one, in a giant second, the whole lot was in sluggish movement. He discovered a solution to come via in moments the place you dream of as a child. He did it each single time.” — Bradford Doolittle

Key accomplishments: Three-time Cy Younger winner, two-time World Collection champion, eight-time All-Star, prime 10 all time in strikeouts, threw two no-hitters in 2015.

Scherzer pitched probably the most dominant back-to-back video games in MLB historical past. On June 14, 2015, he pitched a 16-strikeout one-hitter, permitting solely a bloop single. In his subsequent begin, he misplaced an ideal recreation when he hit the twenty seventh batter. He has had a record-tying 20-strikeout recreation, postseason heroics and one of many best months ever in June 2019 (6-0, 1.00 ERA, 68 strikeouts) — which he completed with a damaged nostril. He threw 98 mph whereas mixing in 4 different pitches. Most of all, although, the lasting picture will likely be his depth, notably his stomping round on the mound after recording one other strikeout. — David Schoenfield

Key accomplishments: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Collection champion (tied for many all time with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty), solely driver to win 5 straight titles (2006-10).

The problem on the subject of masking Johnson’s profession is having to constantly discover new methods to precise, “Hey y’all, this man, he is actually nice at racing inventory vehicles, is not he?!” And that is solely the second-best praise I may give to the person who gained seven NASCAR Cup Collection titles, equaling Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, together with 5 in a row, a mark of which The King and The Intimidator by no means got here shut.

However Johnson’s most mind-bending accomplishment is that he gained these Cups even because the system that awarded them was seemingly and repeatedly rigged towards him. The paddock referred to as it “Jimmie Proofing” as his septet of titles have been earned by way of three totally different factors techniques and 4 postseason format variations, all whereas steering three wildly totally different generations of race vehicles. In the meantime, he one way or the other has remained true to his SoCal desert city, trailer park roots — as form and humble as he was quick and unbeatable. — Ryan McGee

48. Thierry Henry, soccer

Key accomplishments: 2000 Euros winner, two-time Premier League winner, LaLiga winner, two-time FA Cup winner, Champions League winner, Copa del Rey winner, Membership World Cup winner.

Henry revolutionized the function of the No. 9 in soccer. Tall, fast, bodily, clever, decided, conceited and charismatic, he represented a brand new form amongst strikers. One of many best sportsmen of his era, he gained just about the whole lot doable and scored unforgettable targets throughout his profession. However his most superb feat is undoubtedly going the entire Premier League season unbeaten with Arsenal in 2004. He was excellent in that marketing campaign, main his workforce to an achievement by no means repeated since in fashionable English soccer.

“I imagine Thierry was on the identical degree as Pele and Maradona, undoubtedly. He was an distinctive soccer participant, however as effectively a mixture of a contemporary participant, big bodily expertise, technical expertise, however as effectively particular intelligence. He was one of many best gamers I’ve ever seen,” his former coach Arsène Wenger stated. — Julien Laurens

Key accomplishments: 5-time Liga F champion, six-time Copa de la Reina winner, six-time Champions League winner, two-time Champions League last MVP, World Cup winner, World Cup last MVP, World Cup Golden Ball, Ballon d’Or winner, the Finest FIFA Girls’s Participant winner.

Bonmatí’s 2022-23 marketing campaign is unequalled in ladies’s soccer. She gained the highest prizes in membership and worldwide soccer — the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain — and was named the MVP in each finals. She’s a midfielder who can do the whole lot: dictate video games, beat gamers, create possibilities and rating. That success with Barça and Spain noticed her topped the very best participant on the earth as she was awarded each the Ballon d’Or trophy and named the Finest FIFA Girls’s Participant for the primary time in her profession. — Sam Marsden

50. Zinedine Zidane, soccer

Key accomplishments: European Championship winner, Champions League winner, LaLiga winner, Intercontinental Cup winner.

Zidane reworked soccer right into a type of artwork. His class with the ball, his unbelievable technical potential and his abilities made him a magician. He will even be remembered endlessly for netting two targets within the 1998 World Cup last, in fact, however in all probability much more for scoring probably the most lovely objective in a Champions League last ever. His volley with Actual Madrid towards Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 was the purest you’ll ever see, and along with his weak foot as effectively.

“Taking part in alongside him was simply unbelievable. There have been video games the place opponents couldn’t get near him, couldn’t get the ball off him. The ball was glued to ft. Even at coaching, he could be unplayable at instances!” his former teammate Robert Pires stated. — Julien Laurens

51. Steve Nash, basketball

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer, two-time MVP, eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, five-time assists chief.

Earlier than phrases like “effectivity” and “tempo” turned as widespread a part of the NBA parlance as “slam dunk” and “pick-and-roll,” there was a diminutive guard from Canada who, as a up to date of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal within the late Nineties via early 2000s, ended up with as many regular-season MVPs as the 2 of them mixed. Below the revolutionary tutelage of coach Mike D’Antoni with the Phoenix Suns, Nash gained the award in 2005 and 2006 as the purpose guard on the heralded “7 Seconds or Much less” groups that made it to a few Western Convention finals in six years. Whereas Nash by no means gained a hoop, he maximized his skills as a 6-foot-3 level guard, taking pictures 50% total, 40% from 3 and 90% from the free throw line in 4 seasons and main the league in assists 5 instances. — Dave McMenamin

52. Adrian Beltré, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: five-time Gold Glove winner, two-time Platinum Glove winner, four-time All-Star, 455 HRs in profession (fifth most since 2000); Corridor of Famer.

The lore of Beltre has grown since his retirement following the 2018 season and positioned him alongside Mike Schmidt and Brooks Robinson among the many recreation’s finest third basemen. Nobody at third performed extra video games than Beltre, a testomony to his willingness to grit via ache. He manned the place with grace and consistency, two tenets that apply to the remainder of his recreation. Beltre’s counting stats by no means screamed famous person, he by no means gained an MVP and his allergy to walks restricted his ceiling. However that is all ancillary to the reality of who Adrian Beltre was: the final word ballplayer’s ballplayer. — Jeff Passan

53. Derek Jeter, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: two-time World Collection champ, 2000 World Collection MVP, Corridor of Famer, 2,658 hits (fifth-most since 2000), 141 postseason hits (most since 2000), 12-time All-Star.

Few gamers have had as many iconic moments: The Jeffrey Maier house run final century, the flip, the dive, Mr. November, the house run for hit No. 3,000, the walk-off single in his last recreation. He did all of it within the stress cooker of New York, enjoying for the game’s most fabled franchise. Jeter’s legend can’t be separated from the pinstripes he wore: Earlier than he joined the Yankees, they hadn’t gained a World Collection in 18 years; with him, they gained 5. He has been retired 10 years now and we nonetheless hear Yankee Stadium PA announcer Bob Sheppard: “Now batting for the Yankees … No. 2 … Derek … Jeter.” — David Schoenfield

Key accomplishments: NHL 100 Best, Stanley Cup champion (Conn Smythe), second all time with 853 targets, NHL-record 312 power-play targets, nine-time Richard Trophy, three-time Hart Trophy and Lindsay Award, 2006 Calder Trophy, 2008 Artwork Ross Trophy.

There is not a participant within the NHL who has commanded a slap shot like Ovechkin in his profession. Even when Father Time has begun catching up in some areas, the pure energy behind his signature shot stays. Ovechkin’s success scoring 853 targets (so far) has come largely due to how he makes use of a giant body (6-foot-2) so as to add velocity and energy behind a shot that may exceed 100 mph. When Ovechkin places his weight behind a puck — notably from his favourite right-circle spot — it is a howitzer for any goalie to cease. No marvel so many have didn’t hold Ovi from lighting the lamp. — Kristen Shilton

Key accomplishments: Ballon d’Or winner, six-time Champions League winner, four-time LaLiga winner, World Cup finalist, Croatia’s most-capped participant, joint-most trophies gained with Actual Madrid.

“I would wish to ask you to by no means retire.” As information convention questions go, it was unconventional, however the Italian journalist’s plea — after Modrić’s Croatia was eradicated from Euro 2024 — was met with applause, echoing the sentiment. Everyone loves Modrić. “In addition to being a prime participant, among the finest on the earth, he is much more spectacular as an individual,” Actual Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated. Greater than every other participant, Modrić was elementary in creating Madrid’s relentless successful tradition over the previous decade. There is no one standout second — bar, maybe, main underdogs Croatia to a World Cup last in 2018 — however moderately 12 months after 12 months of constant excellence. — Alex Kirkland

Key accomplishments: Eight-time Liga F champion, eight-time Copa de la Reina winner, three-time Champions League winner, Champions League Participant of the Season winner, World Cup winner, two-time Ballon d’Or winner, two-time The Finest FIFA Girls’s Participant winner.

Putellas’ profession has been a battle on and off the pitch. On the pitch, she has reworked Spanish soccer, enjoying a component in Barça successful three Champions Leagues in 4 years and Spain changing into world champions. Off the pitch, she led the struggle towards the Spanish Soccer Federation for improved working situations. She has turn out to be an icon in Barcelona, the place her picture has crammed big promoting boards within the metropolis centre, and she or he is named La Reina. “She is the captain and the queen of Barcelona for a purpose,” teammate Lucy Bronze stated after Putellas’ objective within the 2024 Champions League last. “She confirmed as we speak why she is a back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner.” — Sam Marsden

57. Calvin Johnson, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer, six-time Professional Bowler, three-time first-team All-Professional, HOF All-2010s Crew, single-season receiving yards file.

Often known as Megatron, Johnson was on the peak of his powers in 2012. That is when he set an NFL single-season file with 1,964 receiving yards, breaking Jerry Rice’s file of 1,848 that had stood since 1985. “It was an unbelievable factor to play with a man like that. I believe from day one, I knew that I used to be throwing to a Corridor of Famer so long as he stayed wholesome,” Matthew Stafford, Johnson’s quarterback through the receiver’s final seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, informed ESPN in 2021. “He was a particular participant and a fantastic individual, a fantastic teammate.” At 6-foot-5 and 237 kilos, Johnson possessed a 42½-inch vertical leap that allowed him to outjump defenders in online game style. — Eric Woodyard

58. J.J. Watt, soccer

Key accomplishments: 5-time Professional Bowler, five-time first-team All-Professional, three-time Defensive POY (tied for many all-time), HOF All-2010s Crew, solely participant with 20-plus sacks in a number of seasons.

Watt gained three NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr awards in his profession, however his most dominant season got here in 2014. He had 20.5 sacks, the second time he’d finished that in his profession, in addition to 59 solo tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 4 compelled fumbles and an 80-yard interception return for a landing. Watt had one other defensive landing that season, and he had three offensive touchdowns. He gained his second NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr award that season and completed second to quarterback Aaron Rodgers in MVP voting. Watt acquired 13 of fifty MVP votes that season, probably the most by a defender since Lawrence Taylor gained the award in 1986. — Sarah Barshop

59. Mariano Rivera, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Corridor of Famer, two-time World Collection winner, 11-time All-Star, 523 saves and 29 postseason saves (each most since 2000).

Rivera was inevitability personified. Thriving in baseball’s most mercurial of roles — the ninth-inning reliever — he emerged from the bullpen to the pounding tones of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” evening after evening, 12 months after 12 months. Each time he did so, dread-filled Yankees opponents knew the bell was tolling — for them. Armed with one pitch — a cutter that righty hitters waved at and lefty hitters couldn’t barrel up — Rivera turned New York’s nearer in 1997 and by no means put up something however stellar seasons on his solution to a 2.21 lifetime ERA and file 652 saves. For all of that, he was higher than anybody within the postseason, posting a 0.70 ERA and 42 saves over 96 playoff video games. — Bradford Doolittle

60. Candace Parker, basketball

Key accomplishments: Three-time WNBA champion, 2016 Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time WNBA MVP, seven-time All-WNBA First Crew, 2008 WNBA Rookie of the Yr, 2020 WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, two-time NCAA champion, two-time Closing 4 Most Excellent Participant, 2007 Wade Trophy winner.

Parker was identified for having the ability to play any place, however at 6-foot-4 she was deadly as a publish participant with a various ability set. In faculty, Parker led Tennessee to educate Pat Summitt’s final two NCAA titles, in 2007 and 2008. The No. 1 WNBA draft choose by the Sparks in 2008, Parker had an epic first professional season: She was MVP and Rookie of the Yr (no different participant has finished that) and gained Olympic gold. She spent 13 of her 16 WNBA seasons with the Sparks, however gained WNBA titles with Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas. — Michael Voepel

61. Ray Lewis, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2018), 12-time Professional Bowler, eight-time first-team All-Professional, solely participant with 40 sacks and 30 interceptions since sacks turned official in 1982.

Lewis redefined the center linebacker place as a three-down defender who made performs from sideline to sideline. His potential to make teammates round him higher established a storied custom of protection in Baltimore. From 2000 to ’12, the Ravens’ protection ranked among the many prime three within the NFL in seven of the ten seasons wherein Lewis performed at the least six video games. “Earlier than we get to his play, Ray is the best chief in workforce sports activities historical past,” stated Shannon Sharpe, a Corridor of Fame tight finish who gained a Tremendous Bowl with Lewis in 2000. “Nobody is even shut.” — Jamison Hensley

Key accomplishments: Two-time MVP, 2018 Rookie of the Yr, three-time All-Star, two 40-HR seasons, 38-19 file as pitcher (3.01 profession ERA), top-five Cy Younger end.

When ESPN runs the sequel to this train in 2050, Ohtani is the likeliest candidate from baseball to fee worthy of the highest 10. His first seven years in MLB have been transcendent. What earlier than him was taken as reality — that no person can hit and pitch at a excessive sufficient degree to warrant doing each — is now null. Ohtani arrived from Japan with a freighter of hype and solely exceeded it, stretching the definition of what a baseball participant may be. “Shohei,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated, “is arguably probably the most proficient participant who’s ever performed this recreation.” — Jeff Passan

63. Allyson Felix, observe

Key accomplishments: 11-time Olympic medalist, seven-time Olympic gold medalist, file 18-time world championship medalist.

5 Olympics. Eleven medals. Best U.S. runner in Olympic historical past. However a more in-depth have a look at Felix’s seven Olympic gold medals reveals one other aspect to her success. In a sport outlined by particular person success, she may also be the best teammate in historical past. Felix gained six of her seven Olympic gold medals as a part of relays: two within the 4×100 meters and 4 within the 4×400. Her solely particular person gold got here on the 2012 London Video games within the 200 meters after taking silver within the earlier two Olympics. That Felix skilled a lot of her success whereas supporting her teammates comes as no shock.

Within the years since she retired from the game, she has been an outspoken advocate for Black ladies’s maternal well being care and pay fairness and protections for ladies athletes after childbirth. — Alyssa Roenigk

64. Mia Hamm, soccer

Key accomplishments: Two-time World Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA Division I champion, three-time ESPYS winner, U.S. Soccer Corridor of Famer.

Hamm is maybe the primary international famous person to emerge out of ladies’s soccer, and she or he was a reluctant one at that. However on the sphere, in distinction, she performed with the boldness and killer intuition you’d anticipate from one of many world’s best objective scorers. She had a knack for distinctive ball management and precision in her pictures. That is why she nonetheless is the No. 2 targets chief for the USWNT, with 158 worldwide targets. — Caitlin Murray

Key accomplishments: World Cup winner, seven-time Ligue 1 winner, four-time French Cup winner.

At the moment the very best soccer participant on the earth, Mbappé has adopted the trail of an absolute prodigy of the sport. He made his skilled debut at 16, scored his first objective at 17, performed for France at 18 and gained the World Cup at 19! His transfer from PSG to Actual Madrid this summer time will take him to new heights and can strengthen much more his standing because the inheritor of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In 2018, he took the world by storm and have become the second teenager in historical past alongside Pelé to attain in a World Cup last. In 2022, he made extra World Cup historical past along with his hat trick within the World Cup last loss towards Argentina. “He’s only a phenomenon. He’s such a generational expertise. You simply do not see many gamers like him. He’s solely 25, however his profession is already superb,” Thierry Henry stated about his compatriot. — Julien Laurens

Key accomplishments: UFC gentle heavyweight and heavyweight champion, youngest fighter to win a UFC championship, most wins in UFC gentle heavyweight historical past (20), most wins in UFC title fights (15), tied for many profitable title defenses in UFC historical past (11), longest unbeaten streak in UFC historical past (19), UFC Corridor of Famer.

There is a purpose UFC president Dana White calls Jones the best combined martial artist to ever dwell. In a sport the place the margin between victory and defeat is razor skinny, Jones has managed to go 16 years with out being defeated by an opponent (his solely “loss” got here by way of controversial DQ to Matt Hamill in 2009).

After changing into the youngest fighter to win a UFC championship in 2011, Jones went dominant on a litany of Corridor of Fame caliber fighters for the subsequent 4 years, with spectacular wins over the likes of Daniel Cormier, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort and Rashad Evans. Not solely did he beat them, however he did so by enjoying to his opponent’s strengths after which operating roughshod over them. The résumé is simple, and the accolades are nonetheless piling up. — Andreas Hale

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, 2017-18 MVP, 10-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA choice, three-time scoring chief, two-time assists chief, 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Yr.

Harden will go down as one of the prolific scorers in NBA historical past, however The Beard and his step-back have been practically unstoppable from 2017 to 2020. He began his scoring spree with an MVP season in 2017-18, averaging 30.4 factors, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds. And he was even higher the next season, averaging 36.1 factors in 2018-19 — the eighth-highest common in NBA historical past. Solely Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Michael Jordan have averaged extra factors in a single season. He then averaged 34.3 factors in 2019-20 to win his third consecutive scoring title. His scoring overshadows his different elite ability as a passer. Harden is the one participant in NBA historical past to win three scoring titles and two help titles. — Ohm Youngmisuk

Key accomplishments: Six main victories, turned oldest main champion all-time at 2021 PGA Championship (first to win main after turning 50).

Whereas historical past continues to outline Mickelson’s legacy after he recruited golfers to the Saudi Arabian-funded LIV Golf League, there is not any denying he was as soon as among the many hottest gamers on the earth. The golfer often known as Lefty broke an 0-for-46 drought in majors when he captured the 2004 Masters. He mesmerized followers along with his unbelievable brief recreation and gained them over with a shy grin and thumbs-up gestures. He turned the game’s oldest main champion at age 50 when he gained the 2021 PGA Championship — and was a pariah in his sport lower than a 12 months later. — Mark Schlabach

69. Jason Kidd, basketball

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary Crew, Basketball Corridor of Famer, 2011 NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-Protection, five-time All-NBA choice, four-time assists chief.

If not for Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan and the Lakers and Spurs dynasties of the early 2000s, Kidd may’ve had one other championship and an MVP on his illustrious résumé. Throughout his first two seasons in New Jersey, Kidd was on the peak of a profession that noticed him end as one of many recreation’s most elite passers and versatile triple-double threats. Kidd made teammates higher in all places he went, which was by no means extra evident than throughout his first season in New Jersey in 2001-02, when he turned the Nets round from 26 wins the season earlier than to 52 wins, resulting in the franchise’s first Finals look.

Kidd, although, completed second in MVP voting to Duncan earlier than being swept within the Finals by O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The next season, Kidd obtained the Nets again to the Finals solely to lose in six video games to Duncan and the Spurs. He would lastly get a championship ring enjoying alongside Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas in 2011. — Ohm Youngmisuk

70. Andrés Iniesta, soccer

Key accomplishments: World Cup winner, two-time European Championship winner, four-time Champions League winner, nine-time LaLiga winner, Ballon d’Or runner-up.

On July 11, 2010, Iniesta modified Spanish soccer endlessly. Within the 116th minute of the World Cup last in Johannesburg, South Africa — the sport, tied at 0-0, had gone to additional time — Iniesta collected a move from Cesc Fabregas contained in the penalty field, and coolly fired the bouncing ball low previous Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Cue euphoria. Spain gained the sport 1-0, lifted the World Cup for the primary time, and Iniesta immediately turned the most well-liked man within the nation. A sublime, skillful playmaker, he was additionally a key member of among the finest membership sides of the trendy period, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. — Alex Kirkland

71. Manny Pacquiao, boxing

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: 35-6-2 professional file, multidivision world champion, held world titles in 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.

Pacquiao was unknown when he first fought within the U.S in 2001, however he turned a file eight-division world champion. His all-attack, buzz noticed fashion, with punches thrown from all angles, overwhelmed ring greats corresponding to Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto.

His struggle towards Floyd Mayweather took 5 years to lastly occur, and whereas it did not ship the leisure boxing followers have been anticipating, it generated greater than $600 million in complete income. Pacquiao additionally had a memorable feud with Juan Manuel Marquez, successful the primary three fights and dropping the fourth by KO. Pacquiao recovered from that defeat in 2012 to win six extra welterweight title fights by 2019. — Nick Parkinson

72. Shaun White, snowboarding

Key accomplishments: Three-time Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe (2006, 2010, 2018), 15-time X Video games medalist.

White stood on the prime of the halfpipe on the 2018 Olympics and ready to take his third and last run. He was in second place behind two-time silver medalist Ayumu Hirano, who had simply landed back-to-back 1440s. White knew he wanted to land the combo to finest Hirano, however 4 months earlier, he’d crashed making an attempt to be taught a cab double cork 1440 and suffered horrific accidents that required 62 stitches in his face and landed him in intensive care.

White hadn’t tried the trick since, and he’d by no means landed back-to-back 14s. However in a transfer that embodied White’s aggressive nature and the spirit of motion sports activities, he went for the combo, rode away clear and gained his third Olympic gold within the occasion. “Earlier than my final run, I used to be like, ‘OK, I can dwell with second,'” White stated that evening. “However I noticed at that second, I did not must.” — Alyssa Roenigk

Key accomplishments: 2018 MVP, two-time World Collection winner (2018 with the Boston Crimson Sox, 2020 with the Los Angeles Dodgers), seven-time All-Star, six-time Gold Glove, six-time Silver Slugger, gained batting title in 2018.

It was a scorching, sweltering day early in spring coaching. The Crimson Sox have been coming off a 2018 World Collection title and the coaching workers had gamers operating a cone drill. Most took it sluggish and leisurely. One didn’t. Possibly that helps clarify why Betts is maybe the proper ballplayer — a outstanding hitter for common and energy, a proper fielder who can execute the inconceivable throw (ask Tony Kemp), an athlete who can transfer to shortstop mid-career. A Harvard evaluation from 2021 named Betts the very best all-around participant in MLB historical past: Sure, Betts is sweet at the whole lot. — David Schoenfield

74. Lisa Leslie, basketball

Key accomplishments: Two-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, three-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, seven-time All-WNBA First Crew, Basketball Corridor of Famer.

Leslie was a highschool phenom in Inglewood, California, who performed collegiately at USC and professionally for the Los Angeles Sparks. However she made a worldwide impression on the sport, successful 4 Olympic gold medals (three since 2000) and was the nationwide workforce’s mainstay within the publish her whole USA Basketball profession. Leslie led the Sparks to the 2001 and 2002 WNBA titles and the 2003 Finals. Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes and Lauren Jackson are the WNBA’s solely three-time MVPs. She is the trendy mannequin for her place; fittingly, the Corridor of Fame/WBCA honor for ladies’s faculty facilities was named the Lisa Leslie Award in 2018. — Michael Voepel

75. Xavi Hernandez, soccer

Key accomplishments: World Cup winner, two-time European Championship winner, two-time Champions League winner, eight-time LaLiga winner.

Xavi had so many profession highs that it is inconceivable to choose only one. You may select Barcelona’s well-known 6-2 win at rivals Actual Madrid, Xavi enjoying a component in 4 of the targets. Or his efficiency within the 2009 Champions League last, supplying the move for Lionel Messi’s headed opening objective. You might choose Barcelona’s dominant 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2011. For a recreation that summed up an period, you’d spotlight Spain’s 4-0 demolition of Italy at Euro 2012, the apotheosis of their tiki-taka short-passing fashion, which Xavi personified. However let’s select a whole season: Xavi’s imperial 2008-09, when the midfielder — arguably the sport’s best-ever passer — registered a staggering 20 assists in 35 LaLiga matches. — Alex Kirkland

76. Georges St-Pierre, MMA

Key accomplishments: UFC Corridor of Famer, UFC welterweight and middleweight champion, 9 UFC welterweight title defenses.

Arguably no fighter in UFC historical past bridged the hole higher from the game’s “older days” to its fashionable kind. Significantly from 2006 to 2013, St-Pierre represented the whole lot combined martial arts was in search of. He was primarily good in these years, successful 14 of 15 bouts, together with 12 title fights. At one level, he gained 33 consecutive rounds. He was solely accountable for an explosion of fan curiosity in Canada and was one of many promotion’s greatest stars globally. His fashion was forward of its time, identified for mixing a wide range of abilities seamlessly collectively. He’s additionally remembered as one of the outspoken critics of performance-enhancing medication throughout his period. — Brett Okamoto

77. Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, observe

Key accomplishments: Eight-time Olympic medalist, three-time Olympic gold medalist, file 5 100-meter world titles, oldest sprinter (35 in 2022) to win world title.

Someday after Usain Bolt’s win within the 100 meters on the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Fraser-Pryce turned the primary girl from the Caribbean to win Olympic gold within the occasion. 4 years later, she defended her title within the 100 (as did Bolt), additional cementing Jamaica’s repute as a sprinting powerhouse. Solely 5 ft tall and usually sporting rainbow locks, the “Pocket Rocket” has medaled in observe and area’s quickest race up to now 4 Video games. In Paris, her fifth and last Olympics, Fraser-Pryce will line up as soon as extra with the objective of reclaiming her title because the quickest girl alive. — Alyssa Roenigk

78. Bernard Hopkins, boxing

Key accomplishments: 55-8-2 file (32 KOs) from 1988 to 2016, oldest ever boxing world champion at age 49, 20 middleweight title defenses, two-division world champion

Hopkins’ otherworldly longevity noticed him fittingly name himself “The Alien” late in a 28-year skilled profession. He made a file 20 world middleweight title defenses (1996-2005) and stopped Oscar De La Hoya with a physique shot to turn out to be undisputed champion in 2004. The Philadelphia native’s ring IQ and distinctive conditioning allowed him to win world titles effectively into his 40s. In 2011, Hopkins outpointed Jean Pascal for the sunshine heavyweight title to turn out to be the oldest boxing world champion at 46 years outdated. Two years later, Hopkins gained again a light-weight heavyweight title, and in 2014, at age 49, he defeated gentle heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov. — Nick Parkinson

Key accomplishments: Two-time MVP (2015 and 2021), 2012 NL Rookie of the Yr, seven-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, 2022 NLCS MVP, 2018 HR Derby champion at Nationals Park

He was on the duvet of Sports activities Illustrated at 16 with the headline “Baseball’s Chosen One” and has one way or the other managed to dwell as much as the hype, together with among the finest postseason numbers of all time. He even helped make baseball enjoyable once more — from his all-out fashion of play to his inexperienced Phillie Phanatic cleats. Not often has there been a extra good match between ballplayer and metropolis than Harper and Philadelphia. “He brings you into his recreation along with his expertise and grit. That resonates with the fan base,” stated former Phillies nice Chase Utley. — David Schoenfield

80. Andy Murray, tennis

Key accomplishments: Three-time Grand Slam singles champion, completed in prime 10 for 9 consecutive years (2008-16), two-time Olympic gold medalist in singles.

As soon as part of the game’s Large 4, Murray was primarily faraway from the dialog as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic emerged in a league of their very own. However even whereas his tally of three main championships pales compared to these of his prime friends, there was maybe no victory extra memorable than Murray’s first title at Wimbledon in 2013. A 12 months after coming devastatingly near successful his house Slam, a decided Murray held off Djokovic in three convincing units to win his maiden main title. By no means one to have the ability to conceal his feelings, Murray brazenly sobbed on the court docket after the victory, proving simply how a lot it meant to him. The BBC referred to as the achievement “the Holy Grail” for British sport. — D’Arcy Maine

81. Sheryl Swoopes, basketball

Key accomplishments: 4-time WNBA champion, three-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA MVP, three-time WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, five-time All-WNBA First Crew, Basketball Corridor of Famer.

Swoopes, a key a part of the Houston Comets’ dynasty, gained the final of her 4 WNBA titles in 2000 and was the league’s MVP in 2000, 2002 and 2005. Identified for three-level scoring, she was additionally among the finest disrupters of passing lanes in ladies’s hoops historical past, which helped result in her being honored because the WNBA’s finest defensive participant in 2000, 2002 and 2003. Two of her three Olympic golds got here in 2000 and 2004, and she or he performed within the WNBA till age 40. — Michael Voepel

82. Kohei Uchimura, gymnastics

Key accomplishments: Seven-time Olympic medalist, three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time particular person all-around world champion.

Over an eight-year interval from 2009 to 2016, Uchimura dominated males’s gymnastics, going undefeated in all-around competitors, successful back-to-back Olympic titles and main the Japanese workforce to gold on the Rio Video games. He retired from the game in 2022 with a repute for pairing excessive issue with unmatched consistency and flawless execution and is broadly thought-about to be the GOAT of males’s gymnastics.

In one in every of his most memorable all-around performances, Uchimura averaged greater than a 9.0 execution rating on each equipment to take the all-around title on the 2011 world championships in Tokyo, which have been held seven months after an earthquake and tsunami devastated northeast Japan. — Alyssa Roenigk

Key accomplishments: NBA seventy fifth Anniversary workforce, 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA choice, nine-time All-Protection, 2013 All-Star Sport MVP, 2005-06 Rookie of the Yr, six-time steals chief, five-time assists chief.

Paul has run 1000’s of pick-and-rolls to perfection and dished the ball out for practically 12,000 assists, however his best accomplishment may need been reworking the LA Clippers from annual punching luggage to perennial playoff contenders whereas orchestrating the unforgettable Lob Metropolis groups. Earlier than Paul’s arrival in Los Angeles, the franchise had made the postseason simply seven instances in its historical past.

Paul’s Clippers made the playoffs six consecutive instances as he delivered among the most scintillating alley-oops in NBA historical past to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Clippers followers will not overlook Paul’s Sport 7-winning operating financial institution shot that capped off a 27-point efficiency towards the defending champion San Antonio Spurs within the first spherical in 2015. — Ohm Youngmisuk

84. Lauren Jackson, basketball

Key accomplishments: Two-time WNBA champion, 2010 Finals MVP, three-time Olympic silver and one-time bronze medalist, three-time WNBA MVP, 2007 WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, seven-time All-WNBA first workforce, two-time WNBA All-Defensive first workforce, Basketball Corridor of Famer.

Jackson is the very best ladies’s basketball participant from Australia, and among the finest from wherever. Drafted No. 1 by the Seattle Storm at age 19 in 2001, she is one in every of three gamers to be a three-time WNBA MVP. She led the Storm to the 2004 and 2010 league titles, and her 2007 and 2006 seasons are the highest two in participant effectivity score in WNBA historical past. Jackson was identified for her highly effective inside presence offensively and defensively. Her WNBA profession ended after the 2012 season due to harm points, however she later resumed her profession in Australia and has made her fifth Olympic workforce this 12 months at age 43. — Michael Voepel

Key accomplishments: Two-time Finals MVP, two-time NBA champion, six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA choice, two-time Defensive Participant of the Yr.

Not even an LA Clippers tenure marred by accidents can diminish a legacy that solely a handful of gamers in historical past can match or prime. Leonard is one in every of 12 gamers to ever win two NBA Finals MVP trophies. None of them, nevertheless, led a Canadian workforce to the nation’s first NBA championship. In main Toronto to the title in 2019, Leonard cemented himself as one of many recreation’s most clutch gamers when wholesome within the playoffs. He delivered one of the legendary buzzer-beaters in playoff historical past when his twisting nook jumper softly bounced on the rim 4 instances and in to get rid of Philadelphia in Sport 7 of the Japanese Convention semifinals that season.

Even throughout his five-year Clippers tenure, Leonard has proven indicators of dominance when wholesome. He simply has to complete a postseason wholesome once more, one thing he hasn’t finished for the reason that 2020 bubble. — Ohm Youngmisuk

Key accomplishments: Seven-time main singles champ, five-time Wimbledon champ, 270 main match wins (fifth most by a girl within the Open period), a file 89 profession main appearances in singles.

The elder Williams sister burst onto the tennis scene as an enthusiastic and joyful teenager, and certain would have gained many extra titles if not for the arrival of Serena. Whereas Williams’ outcomes have been outstanding, and she or he has probably the most main titles amongst lively ladies on tour, she has been equally influential off the court docket as a champion for gender equality in tennis and past.

Whereas advocating for equal pay at Wimbledon, Williams requested match officers at a gathering a easy query: “Would you need your daughter or your sister or your mom or your spouse or a liked one to be a girl paid much less?'” Wimbledon began providing equal prize cash for women and men in 2007. Williams referred to as the achievement “the very best second of my profession” in 2023. — D’Arcy Maine

87. Ronaldo Nazário, soccer

Key accomplishments: Two-time FIFA World Cup winner, two-time Ballon d’Or winner, two-time Copa América winner, three-time FIFA World Participant of the Yr, Golden Ball winner 1998 males’s World Cup, Golden Boot winner 2002 males’s World Cup.

The unique Ronaldo was in all probability the quickest, strongest striker operating with the ball within the historical past of the sport, able to variations at tempo and capable of decelerate, hold his head nonetheless and shoot at objective with cool precision. All of those virtues have been finest seen within the twentieth century — however the Twenty first got here up with the very best storyline. Twice his knee collapsed beneath him and he was left howling in grotesque ache. Many thought the second time was the tip of his profession.

Within the buildup to the 2002 World Cup, Inter Milan, his Italian membership, couldn’t get him match. Brazil took cost, and he took the match by storm, carrying a aspect that almost didn’t qualify all the best way to a memorable triumph. It is without doubt one of the nice comeback tales within the historical past of sport. — Tim Vickery

88. Roy Halladay, baseball

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Corridor of Famer, two-time Cy Younger winner (one in every of seven gamers to win Cy Younger in each American and Nationwide leagues), eight-time All-Star, two no-hitters.

Halladay was the product of a bygone period wherein a pitcher endeavored to complete what he began. By no means gifted with overwhelming velocity, Halladay killed with paper cuts. He walked hitters at an virtually similar fee to Greg Maddux and logged 220-plus-inning seasons like they have been nothing. His proper arm obtained the glory, but it surely was Halladay’s mind — his innate sense of learn how to pitch to each hitter — that gained him 203 video games. When he died in a airplane crash in 2017, a profound unhappiness unfold via the game. The good pitching artisan was gone, by no means to be replicated. — Jeff Passan

89. Annika Sorenstam, golf

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Eight main wins (most throughout span); earned 54 of her 72 profession LPGA Tour victories, competed in PGA Tour occasion in 2003.

It isn’t solely that the Swedish-born golfer gained 97 instances world wide, captured 10 main championships and is the one girl to card a 59 in an expert match. Or that Sorenstam gained 11 instances in 2002 — probably the most on the LPGA Tour in practically 40 years — and have become the primary girl to play in a PGA occasion in additional than a half-century when she competed within the Financial institution of America Colonial Event in 2003. It is that when Sorenstam retired from full-time aggressive play at age 38 in 2008, she nonetheless had a few of her finest golf in entrance of her. Throughout her Corridor of Fame profession, Sorenstam set scoring information for 72- and 54-hole tournaments. — Mark Schlabach

Key accomplishments: Two-time WNBA champion, 2023 Finals MVP, 2020 Olympic gold medalist, two-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr, 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Yr, three-time All-WNBA first workforce, two-time WNBA All-Defensive first workforce, 2017 NCAA champion and Closing 4 Most Excellent Participant, 2018 Wade Trophy winner.

Wilson helped lead her hometown South Carolina Gamecocks to their first Closing 4 in 2015 and first NCAA title in 2017. The No. 1 choose in 2018, she was drafted by the newly relocated Las Vegas Aces and has been an ideal match there. She just lately turned the franchise’s main profession scorer and can take part in her second Olympics. She is favored to win a 3rd WNBA MVP award and is on observe to have the very best participant effectivity score in league historical past. She turns 28 in August however already has a statue exterior her faculty enviornment. — Michael Voepel

Key accomplishments: 4-time NFL MVP, 10-time Professional Bowler, four-time first-team All-Professional, HOF All-2010s workforce, Tremendous Bowl XLV MVP, 475 move TDs (Packers’ profession chief).

Of all of the superlatives and milestones that can be utilized to elucidate Rodgers’ greatness, this is one that usually will get ignored. He is the NFL’s profession chief in touchdown-to-interception ratio (475 TDs, 105 INTS). In that means, he was the anti-Brett Favre, but he carried on Favre’s outstanding run of success in Inexperienced Bay earlier than getting traded to the Jets. Packers coach Matt LaFleur maybe described Rodgers’ impression finest when he stated close to the tip of Rodgers’ run with the Packers: “Lots of people have been rewarded, fairly frankly, due to his potential to go on the market and play.” — Rob Demovsky

Key accomplishments: Since Jan. 1, 2000: Corridor of Famer, 2000 Cy Younger Winner, four-time All-Star, three-time ERA title, 2004 World Collection winner, 2000 and 2002 strikeout chief.

Earlier than Martinez and his 2004 Boston teammates ended the franchise’s epic World Collection title drought, each Crimson Sox star needed to area countless questions in regards to the “Curse of the Bambino.” Considered one of Martinez’s solutions summed up how a brief, skinny righty may turn out to be one of the dominant hurlers ever: “I do not imagine in rattling curses. Get up the rattling Bambino and have me face him. Possibly I will drill him within the a–.” From 1997 to 2003, the peak of one in every of baseball’s most explosive offensive eras, Martinez was pretty much as good as any pitcher has ever been, going 118-36 with a 2.20 ERA, 213 ERA+ and over 250 strikeouts per season and successful three Cy Younger Awards. — Bradford Doolittle

Key accomplishments: 122 weeks spent as world No. 1 golfer, 26 PGA Tour victories (together with 4 main wins), a Masters victory shy of finishing profession Grand Slam.

After McIlroy gained his first two main championships, the 2011 U.S. Open and 2012 PGA Championship, by eight strokes after which added two extra majors in a three-week span in 2014, The Guardian of London declared that it was “the dawning of a brand new period.” There is no query McIlroy has been one of the constant and widespread golfers of his era. He has gained 40 instances, together with 26 instances on the PGA Tour. He’s a three-time PGA Tour Participant of the Yr and a five-time winner of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai. Nevertheless, McIlroy’s practically 10-year drought within the 4 majors since capturing the 2014 PGA Championship leaves him a step beneath legends corresponding to Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and others. Except, in fact, McIlroy nonetheless has just a few extra victories coming. — Mark Schlabach

94. Ronaldinho, soccer

Key accomplishments: FIFA World Cup winner, Ballon d’Or winner, Copa América winner, two-time FIFA World Participant of the Yr, two-time LaLiga winner.

If longevity weren’t a think about defining the best of all time, then Ronaldinho will surely be a candidate for his feats in his first three years with Barcelona. Between 2003 and 2006, there was no higher present in soccer. There have been few, if any, extra proficient gamers within the historical past of the worldwide recreation, and all too briefly Ronaldinho captivated along with his childlike glee at his personal achievements, reminding so a lot of why they fell in love with the game within the first place. A disappointing 2006 World Cup was a turning level, and he appeared to develop weary of the sacrifices wanted to remain on the prime degree. However these three years have been unforgettable. — Tim Vickery

95. Zlatan Ibrahimović, soccer

Key accomplishments: 511 profession targets, scored at the least one Champions League objective with six groups, 12 league titles with 5 European golf equipment, named to UEFA’s workforce of the 12 months 4 instances, Sweden’s main profession scorer, represented Sweden at six main tournaments.

“I can not assist however chortle at how good I’m.” There has by no means existed an athlete who was pretty much as good as Zlatan Ibrahimović stated he was, however the 6-foot-5 striker did in addition to anybody may — and for so long as anybody may — at approaching that degree. He was the purest scorer this aspect of Cristiano Ronaldo; he put the ball within the internet at the least as soon as in 4 totally different many years, and he stored bettering into his 30s. He scored at the least 30 targets in all competitions six instances between 2011 and 2019, peaking with an unbelievable 50-goal marketing campaign with PSG in 2015-16. He was the personification of artistry and brute power on the similar time. — Invoice Connelly

96. Darrelle Revis, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2023), seven-time Professional Bowler, four-time first-team All-Professional, HOF All-2010s workforce.

Revis took man-to-man protection to a brand new degree in 2009 when the Jets’ teaching workers made the unconventional resolution to place him on the opponents’ prime receiver with no security assist. He was on his personal island, so to talk, spawning the “Revis Island” moniker. The consequence was among the finest cornerback seasons in historical past. Revis held Andre Johnson, Randy Moss (twice) and Terrell Owens (twice) — all Corridor of Famers — below 35 receiving yards. He did the identical to Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., Reggie Wayne and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. He completed with six interceptions and a staggering 31 passes defended, incomes the primary of 4 first-team All-Professional choices. — Wealthy Cimini

97. Virat Kohli, cricket

Key accomplishments: ODI World Cup champion, T20 World Cup champion, two-time T20 World Cup Participant of the Event, 2023 ODI World Cup Participant of the Event, two-time ICC Cricketer of the Yr, most centuries in ODI historical past (50), second-highest scorer in T20Is, third-highest scorer in ODIs, India’s most profitable Take a look at captain.

Kohli gained the World Cup early in his profession, however he was liable to fading away into mediocrity within the early 2010s. A fierce fitness-driven method — the sort that was unusual in cricket then — coupled with unrelenting drive catapulted him from “expertise” to titan. The hearth inside interprets onto the sphere. The Indian batter is the final word competitor and has gained video games on willpower alone. The depth of his ardour sparks concern within the opposition and bedlam within the stands. Kohli wasn’t born to be the very best; he simply willed himself to be. — Shubi Arun

Key accomplishments: 5-time Artwork Ross Trophy winner, three-time Hart Trophy winner, seven 100-point seasons in first 9 NHL seasons, 2024 Conn Smythe winner.

It could possibly be formidable to be touted as The Subsequent One behind Edmonton Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky. McDavid is not like the remainder, although. Edmonton’s captain has embraced that highlight as Gretzky’s inheritor obvious. It was becoming when McDavid broke a file Gretzky set in 1987-88 along with his thirty second help of the 2024 postseason throughout Edmonton’s run to a Stanley Cup Closing. McDavid had lengthy been an distinctive playmaker in his personal proper, however the best way he carried the Oilers again from a 3-0 collection deficit within the Closing to power a decisive Sport 7 was spectacular. And it rightly earned McDavid a Conn Smythe Trophy within the dropping effort. — Kristen Shilton

99. Ed Reed, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2019), nine-time Professional Bowler, five-time first-team All-Professional, HOF All-2000s workforce, 2004 Defensive Participant of the Yr.

Reed was the final word defensive recreation changer of his era. In 2004, he set an NFL file by returning an interception 106 yards for a landing towards the Browns. 4 years later, he broke his personal file with a 107-yarder towards the Eagles. Reed is the one participant in NFL historical past to attain touchdowns off a punt return, blocked punt, interception and fumble restoration.

“You see the protection’s out in the course of the sphere and have a wide-open throw on the proper. The following factor you realize he is intercepting it,” former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stated. “The place did he come from? It is inconceivable. That is what made it such a problem. He made the inconceivable doable.” — Jamison Hensley

100. Charles Woodson, soccer

Key accomplishments: Corridor of Famer (2021), nine-time Professional Bowler, three-time first-team All-Professional, HOF All-2000s workforce, 2009 Defensive Participant of the Yr.

Woodson’s profession was a three-act play. In Oakland, as a Heisman Trophy-winning No. 4 choose, he was a hard-partying, hard-playing Corridor of Fame expertise. In Inexperienced Bay, he turned a Corridor of Famer. And along with his return to the Raiders, he turned a legend, making the change from wild teenager at cornerback to sage vet at free security. And if he misplaced a step, it was one treasured few others ever had. “It was a phenomenal transition,” Woodson stated, “if you’ll.” And his first NFL coach, Jon Gruden, most actually would. The slower-paced life-style of Inexperienced Bay helped Woodson, effectively, decelerate and heart himself. “And he met and married the proper girl and had youngsters,” Gruden stated. — Paul Gutierrez

Methodology

Specialists in particular person sports activities have been requested to vote to rank the highest athletes of their sport since Jan. 1, 2000 (no accomplishments earlier than this date have been to be thought-about). These votes pared down swimming pools in every sport to lists of 10 to 25 athletes every, which constituted the general candidate pool for the highest athletes of the Twenty first century to date. Every voter was offered two randomly chosen names and requested to choose which one has had the higher profession within the Twenty first century. Throughout repeated, randomized head-to-head matchups, greater than 70,000 votes have been forged at this stage, and utilizing an Elo score system, the record was pared down from 262 to 100. That record was then evaluated by a panel of consultants for any inconsistencies or oversights, ensuing within the prime 100 rating seen right here.