40 Most Famous Athletes of All Time

40 Most Famous Athletes of All Time

The world of athletics has been forever changed by some people who have pushed the limits of their respective disciplines all through the history of sports. They have cemented their status as sporting legends with their extraordinary abilities, unwavering commitment, and unmatched accomplishments.

They have gained widespread recognition in the world of sports as a result of their contributions to the sport. These athletes stand out as legendary figures on the playing field thanks to their unmatched consistency, tactical genius, and leadership abilities.

Their accomplishments changed the way the game is played for all time and motivated countless athletes to strive for greatness. This has also led to them acquiring a massive following across the globe with fans going to the extent of idolizing them.

As we list the most famous athletes of all time below, their legacies remain etched into the fabric of sporting history forever. Here are the top 40 most famous athletes of all time.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo 

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Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese football icon, is undoubtedly one of the most globally recognized athletes. Throughout his remarkable career, Ronaldo has earned countless honors and distinctions, including five Ballon d’Or titles. Presently, he represents Al-Nassr FC, and he holds the remarkable distinction of being the individual with the largest number of Instagram followers worldwide, exceeding 591 million.

2. Lionel Messi

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Lionel Andrés Messi, an Argentine professional footballer, showcases his talent as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, while also leading the Argentina national team as their captain. Universally acknowledged as one of the most exceptional players in history, Messi has earned an unprecedented seven Ballon d’Or accolades and an unmatched six European Golden Shoes.

In 2020, he was recognized for his exceptional skills by being included in the prestigious Ballon d’Or Dream Team. Additionally, Messi amasses an astonishing following of 473 million on Instagram.

Read More: Top 20 Facts About Lionel Messi

3. Neymar Jr.

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Neymar Júnior is a Brazilian football prodigy who showcases his skills as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, alongside his contributions to the Brazil national team. With his remarkable ability to score goals and create plays, he is widely recognized as one of the finest players globally, as well as one of the most legendary footballers Brazil has produced.

Neymar has achieved the impressive milestone of scoring over 100 goals for three different clubs, placing him among an elite group of four players who have accomplished this feat. Additionally, he stands as one of the most renowned athletes worldwide, amassing a staggering following of over 210 million on Instagram.

4. Michael Jordan 

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Michael Jordan, an American retired professional basketball player, and entrepreneur, had an illustrious career spanning fifteen seasons in the NBA, during which he achieved great success. He notably secured six NBA championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan currently holds the positions of principal owner and chairman for both the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA and 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. His impact on the sport of basketball and the NBA itself was immense, as he played a crucial role in popularizing the game on a global scale during the 1980s and 1990s.

Jordan’s influence transcended basketball, propelling him to become a revered cultural icon worldwide. With an extensive global following, his popularity extends well beyond the boundaries of the basketball world.

5. LeBron James

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LeBron Raymone James Sr., an American professional basketball athlete, currently represents the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Affectionately known as “King James,” he is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional players in basketball history and is frequently part of discussions comparing him to Michael Jordan for the title of the greatest basketball player of all time.

James holds the esteemed title of being the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and stands fourth in career assists. Throughout his illustrious career, he has achieved four NBA championships (two with the Miami Heat, one each with the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers) and has participated in an impressive 10 NBA Finals.

His immense popularity has spread worldwide, evident in his massive social media following, where over 155 million individuals have chosen to follow him on Instagram.

6. Muhammad Ali

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Muhammad Ali, an American boxer and advocate, earned the nickname “The Greatest” and is widely recognized as one of the most influential sports icons of the 20th century.

Considered by many as the finest heavyweight boxer ever, he received notable accolades such as being named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated in 1999 and the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Century. Furthermore, Ali enjoys immense global popularity, boasting an enormous fan base across multiple continents.

7. Virat Kohli

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Virat Kohli, the esteemed cricketer from India, has represented his nation as a key player and served as the former captain of the Indian national cricket team. He showcases his exceptional skills as a right-handed batsman for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, as well as for Delhi in domestic cricket.

Widely recognized as one of the most exceptional batsmen in the history of the sport, Kohli holds multiple records for scoring the highest number of runs in T20 internationals and in the IPL. In 2020, his remarkable achievements led to the International Cricket Council honoring him as the male cricketer of the decade.

Kohli has also played a pivotal role in India’s triumphs, including their victories in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His extraordinary success on the cricket field has garnered him immense popularity, reflected in his substantial following of over 253 million on Instagram.

8. Conor McGregor

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Conor Anthony McGregor, a professional mixed martial artist hailing from Ireland, has made a significant impact in his field. He achieved notable success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously, making him the first UFC fighter to accomplish this feat.

McGregor also boasts previous championships in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of Cage Warriors. Known for his larger-than-life persona, he has earned the nickname “The Notorious MMA.” McGregor’s charisma and reputation have allowed him to amass a substantial following on social media platforms, including over 46 million followers on Instagram, solidifying his status as one of the most prominent figures in the world of mixed martial arts.

9. Usain Bolt 

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Usain Bolt, a retired sprinter from Jamaica, is widely recognized as the greatest sprinter of all time. He holds the world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay.

With a total of eight Olympic gold medals, Bolt achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Olympic titles in the 100 meters and 200 meters at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). Additionally, he secured two gold medals in the 4 × 100 relay. 

Bolt gained global prominence for his extraordinary double victory in record-breaking times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first person to hold both records since fully automatic timekeeping was made mandatory. He enjoys immense popularity worldwide, boasting a massive following of over 12.5 million on Instagram and standing as one of the most revered athletes globally.

10. Roger Federer

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Roger Federer, a former professional tennis player from Switzerland, has left an indelible mark on the sport. He held the prestigious world No. 1 ranking in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for an extraordinary 310 weeks, including an unmatched record of 237 consecutive weeks. Federer also claimed the year-end No. 1 position five times.

His remarkable career includes a staggering 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second-highest in history. Among his achievements are 20 major men’s singles titles, including a record-breaking eight Wimbledon titles and an impressive five US Open titles, which is a joint record in the Open Era. Federer also clinched six year-end championships, another joint record.

 In his home country, he is revered as the “greatest and most successful” Swiss sportsperson in history, solidifying his legendary status in the world of tennis. He is one of the most famous athletes in the world with millions of followers on social media boasting over 11.6 million followers on Instagram.

11. Rafael Nadal

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Rafael Nadal, a professional tennis player from Spain, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. He held the coveted world No. 1 ranking in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for an impressive 209 weeks and has secured the year-end No. 1 position five times.

Nadal’s consistency is exemplified by his record for the most consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings, having maintained a Top 10 position from April 2005 to March 2023, spanning a remarkable total of 912 weeks. Notably, Nadal’s remarkable prowess on clay courts is evident through his record-breaking 81 consecutive wins on the surface, which stands as the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era.

His achievements have garnered him a massive following worldwide, establishing him as one of the most renowned athletes in the world, with over 18 million followers on Instagram.

12. John Cena

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John Cena, an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper, is currently affiliated with WWE. Alongside Ric Flair, he holds the record for the most world championship reigns in WWE history. Cena is widely acclaimed as one of the most exceptional professional wrestlers to have graced the industry.

His remarkable accomplishments have earned him an immense global following, solidifying his status as one of the most esteemed athletes worldwide. With over 19 million followers, Cena’s popularity transcends the realm of wrestling.

13. Tiger Woods

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Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods, an American professional golfer, has established an extraordinary legacy in the sport. He shares the top spot for most PGA Tour wins and holds a prominent second position in men’s major championships.

Woods possesses a multitude of golf records and is widely revered as one of the greatest golfers to have ever played the game. His influence extends beyond golf, as he is recognized as one of the most famous athletes in modern history.

His exceptional achievements have led to his induction into the esteemed World Golf Hall of Fame. With a substantial global following exceeding 3.2 million, Woods’ popularity extends far beyond the confines of the golfing world.

14. James Rodriguez

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James Rodríguez, a professional football player from Colombia, represents his country as an attacking midfielder or winger. He has garnered acclaim for his exceptional technique, remarkable vision, and impressive playmaking abilities, often being regarded as the heir to his fellow countryman Carlos Valderrama.

James has cultivated a large and dedicated fan base on a global scale. Presently, he enjoys the support of over 50.9 million followers on Instagram, further cementing his substantial popularity and significant impact within the realm of football.

15. Serena Williams 

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Serena Williams, a retired professional tennis player from the United States, is widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players in history. She held the prestigious world No. 1 ranking in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for a remarkable total of 319 weeks, including an impressive record of 186 consecutive weeks. Williams finished as the year-end No. 1 player on five occasions.

Her illustrious career boasts an impressive tally of 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles, the highest number in the Open Era and the second-highest of all time. She stands as the sole player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.

Serena’s exceptional contributions to tennis have garnered her a vast global fan base. Currently, she enjoys over 16.7 million followers on Instagram, which further highlights her enduring popularity and the significant impact she has made on the sport of tennis.

16. Kevin Durant

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Kevin Durant, a professional basketball player from the United States, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before his NBA career, he spent one season playing college basketball for the Texas Longhorns. In the 2007 NBA draft, Durant was chosen as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics. He played nine seasons with the franchise, which later became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.

 In 2016, Durant made a move to the Golden State Warriors, where he achieved great success, winning consecutive NBA championships in 2017 and 2018 and earning the NBA Finals MVP Awards for both years.

Durant has amassed a substantial and devoted fan base worldwide. Currently, he boasts over 13.3 million followers on Instagram, solidifying his significant popularity and influence in the world of basketball.

17. Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic, a professional tennis player from Serbia, currently holds the top spot in the singles rankings according to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

Djokovic has achieved an unprecedented record of 389 weeks at the world No. 1 position, spread across 12 different years, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 player a remarkable seven times. His outstanding career includes a record of 23 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, with ten of those victories specifically at the Australian Open, setting yet another record.

 In total, Djokovic has secured 94 singles titles, which encompass 67 Big Titles, including his 23 majors, an unmatched 38 Masters titles, and a shared record of six year-end championships. With his extraordinary success, Djokovic has become one of the most renowned athletes globally, amassing millions of followers on social media. Notably, he boasts an impressive fan base of over 13 million followers on Instagram.

18. Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant, an American professional basketball player, dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Renowned as one of the greatest players and scorers in the history of the sport, Bryant achieved remarkable feats, including winning five NBA championships.

He was a highly regarded figure, having been selected as an All-Star 18 times, a member of the All-NBA Team 15 times, and a member of the All-Defensive Team 12 times. In 2008, he was honored as the NBA Most Valuable Player, and he also received the NBA Finals MVP award on two occasions. 

Bryant additionally claimed the NBA scoring title twice and currently holds the fourth position in all-time scoring for both the regular season and postseason games. Despite his untimely passing, Bryant continues to have an extensive and devoted global following.

19. Michael Phelps 

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Michael Fred Phelps, a former competitive swimmer from the United States, holds the distinction of being the most accomplished and decorated Olympian in history, having earned a remarkable total of 28 medals. Phelps’s record-breaking achievements include holding records for Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16).

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, he secured four gold medals and two silver medals, followed by an outstanding performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he clinched five gold medals and one silver medal.

This extraordinary accomplishment solidified his position as the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth consecutive Olympics. With such an extraordinary reputation, Phelps has garnered a significant following across the globe, evident from his over 3.4 million followers on Instagram.

20. Diego Maradona

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Diego Armando Maradona, an Argentine football player, and manager, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His exceptional abilities in vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling, combined with his small stature and low center of gravity, set him apart from other players.

Maradona’s influence extended beyond his skills, as he demonstrated strong leadership and had a significant impact on his team’s overall performance. His exceptional talent garnered admiration and respect from fans worldwide, and he was often a target of particular attention from opponents. Even after his passing a few years ago, Diego’s remarkable legacy lives on.

 His immense following serves as a testament to the enduring impact he had on the sport and the deep connection he formed with his fans.

21. Wayne Rooney

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Wayne Rooney, an English football manager and former player, currently serves as the manager of the Major League Soccer club D.C. United in the United States. Throughout his illustrious playing career, Rooney primarily played as a forward but also showcased his versatility in various midfield positions.

Widely regarded as one of the outstanding talents of his era, Rooney holds the record for the most goals scored for Manchester United and was the leading goal scorer for the England national team from 2015 to 2023.

Additionally, he has represented England in more matches than any other outfield player. Rooney’s immense popularity is evident through his extensive global fanbase, as demonstrated by his remarkable following of 16 million on Instagram.

22. Pelé 

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Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more commonly known by his nickname Pelé, was a Brazilian forward who excelled as a professional footballer. He is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and emerged as one of the most accomplished and beloved sports figures of the 20th century.

In 1999, the International Olympic Committee honored him with the title of Athlete of the Century, and he was also recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th century.

Pelé’s remarkable talent and skill on the football field earned him admiration and adoration worldwide, which continues to endure even after his passing a few months ago. His legacy lives on through his immense following, showcasing the lasting impact he had on the sport and the hearts of his fans.

23. Babe Ruth 

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 George Herman “Babe” Ruth, an American athlete, had an impressive Major League Baseball (MLB) career that spanned 22 seasons from 1914 to 1935. Initially known for his skills as a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he gained fame as a powerful outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Ruth is widely regarded as the greatest baseball player of all time and holds a special place as a beloved sports icon in American culture. His exceptional contributions to the sport earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its inaugural members in 1936.

 Throughout his time in the MLB, he established a profound and enduring legacy, making him one of the most revered athletes in the world. Even years after his passing, he continues to have a dedicated fan base that cherishes his memory.

Related:  15 Amazing Facts About Babe Ruth

24. Tom Brady 

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Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, an American retired football quarterback, had an illustrious career spanning 23 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). For the majority of his career, Brady played for the New England Patriots, contributing significantly to the team’s dynasty from 2001 to 2019.

In his final three seasons, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady’s impact on the sport is highly revered.

His remarkable success and achievements have garnered him a massive following on social media platforms, exemplified by his over 13.9 million followers on Instagram. This serves as a testament to the immense influence he holds worldwide.

25. Jackie Robinson 

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Jack Roosevelt Robinson, an American professional baseball player, achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the modern era. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made history by starting at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

This pivotal moment marked the breaking of the baseball color line, which had enforced racial segregation in professional baseball since the 1880s and confined black players to the Negro leagues. The Dodgers’ signing of Robinson marked a significant step towards ending racial discrimination in the sport.

In recognition of his remarkable career and impact, Robinson was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Even long after his time in sports, he continues to enjoy a massive and devoted fan base, highlighting the enduring admiration for his pioneering achievements and the lasting legacy he left behind.

26. Lewis Hamilton

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Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE HonFREng, a racing driver from the United Kingdom, is presently participating in Formula One as a member of the Mercedes team.

In his Formula One career, Hamilton has achieved an impressive feat of winning a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, a record he shares with Michael Schumacher. He also holds several remarkable records, including the most race wins (103), pole positions (103), and podium finishes (194), among others.

Hamilton’s remarkable achievements on the track have earned him a well-deserved reputation and a significant global fan base. This is evident from his commanding presence on social media, with an astonishing 33.7 million followers on Instagram, underscoring the immense popularity and influence he wields in the world of motorsports.

27. Wayne Gretzky 

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Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC, a former professional ice hockey player and head coach from Canada, had an illustrious career spanning 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with four different teams from 1979 to 1999.

Widely known as “the Great One,” Gretzky has been hailed as the greatest ice hockey player of all time by numerous sportswriters, players, The Hockey News, and even the NHL itself. This recognition is based on extensive surveys involving hockey writers, former players, general managers, and coaches.

Gretzky holds several remarkable records in NHL history, including being the leading goal scorer, assist producer, and point scorer. He has accumulated more career assists than any other player, ultimately achieving the highest total points in NHL history. Notably, he remains the sole NHL player to have exceeded 200 points in a single season, accomplishing this extraordinary feat four times.

Gretzky’s exceptional tenure in the NHL earned him a widespread fan base across the globe. He currently has over 231,000 followers on Instagram, further demonstrating his enduring popularity and impact on the sport of ice hockey.

28. Roger Bannister

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Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister CH CBE Fthe RCP, an English neurologist, and middle-distance athlete, made history by being the first person to complete a mile run in under four minutes. In the 1952 Olympics held in Helsinki, Bannister not only set a British record in the 1500 meters but also secured a fourth-place finish. This accomplishment fueled his determination to break the elusive four-minute barrier in the mile run. 

On May 6, 1954, at the Iffley Road track in Oxford, Bannister achieved this extraordinary feat with the support of pacemakers Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher. It’s noteworthy that Bannister accomplished this record-breaking achievement with limited training while working as a junior doctor.

Although his record stood for only 46 days before being surpassed, Bannister continues to inspire a devoted fan base long after he retires from sports. This enduring admiration reflects the profound impact of his pioneering accomplishments and the lasting legacy he has left behind.

29. Simone Biles 

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Simone Biles Owens, an American artistic gymnast, has achieved remarkable success in her career. With seven Olympic medals, she shares the record for the most Olympic medals won by an American gymnast with Shannon Miller and ranks ninth overall.

Additionally, Biles is the most decorated gymnast in the history of the Gymnastics World Championships, having won an impressive 25 medals. Her exceptional achievements have solidified her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, as acknowledged by numerous sources.

Alongside her accolades, Biles has garnered a significant global fan base, as evidenced by her impressive following of 6.8 million on Instagram. This serves as a testament to her immense popularity and influence within the gymnastics community.

30. Jesse Owens 

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James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, an American track and field athlete, achieved remarkable success by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.

Owens specialized in sprints and the long jump and was widely recognized during his lifetime as one of the greatest and most famous athletes in the history of track and field. His extraordinary talent was evident when he set three world records and tied another, all within less than an hour, at the 1935 Big Ten track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This exceptional feat remains unparalleled and has been hailed as “the greatest 45 minutes ever in sport.” Even long after his death, Owens continues to maintain a substantial and dedicated fan base, underscoring the enduring admiration for his groundbreaking achievements and the lasting legacy he has left behind

31. Nadia Comăneci 

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Nadia Elena Comăneci Conner, a retired Romanian gymnast, achieved extraordinary success in her career, winning a total of five Olympic gold medals, all in individual events. At the young age of 14, Comăneci made history by becoming the first gymnast to receive a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games in 1976.

During the same Games in Montreal, she went on to earn six more perfect 10s in various events, leading to three gold medals. In the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Comăneci secured two additional gold medals and achieved two more perfect 10s. Throughout her career, she amassed a total of nine Olympic medals and four World Artistic Gymnastics Championship medals.

In addition to her remarkable accomplishments, Nadia has cultivated a significant global fan base, evident from her impressive Instagram following of 158,000. This serves as a testament to her immense popularity and influential presence within the gymnastics community.

32. Carl Lewis 

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Frederick Carlton Lewis, known as Carl Lewis, is a retired American track and field athlete renowned for his remarkable achievements. Throughout his career, which spanned from 1979 to 1996, Lewis secured an impressive collection of nine Olympic gold medals, along with one Olympic silver medal and 10 World Championships medals, eight of which were gold. Notably, he holds the distinction of being one of only six Olympic athletes to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games.

Lewis’s exceptional performances on the track have earned him a widespread and devoted fan base across the globe. As evidence of his fame, he currently enjoys an impressive following of 27,000 on Instagram, further highlighting his iconic status in society.

33. Ronda Rousey 

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Ronda Jean Rousey, an American professional wrestler, actress, and former judoka and mixed martial artist, currently showcases her talents in WWE as a member of the Raw brand.

She has made a significant impact in the WWE by holding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Shayna Baszler in their first reign and earning the prestigious title of the eighth Women’s Triple Crown Champion. Before her venture into WWE, Rousey gained recognition for her successful career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Her remarkable achievements and widespread fame have garnered her a massive following on social media platforms. With an impressive fan base, she currently boasts 17.2 million followers on Instagram, further highlighting her status as one of the most renowned athletes worldwide.

34. Kelly Slater 

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Robert Kelly Slater, an American professional surfer, has established himself as a legend in the sport, having won the World Surf League championship a record 11 times. With 56 victories on the Championship Tour, he is widely recognized as the greatest professional surfer of all time.

Despite his longevity in the sport, Slater continues to compete at a high level and holds the distinction of being the oldest active surfer on the World Surf League circuit. At the age of 49, he secured his 8th Billabong Pipeline Masters title, further solidifying his status as a surfing icon. 

Alongside his remarkable achievements, Slater has garnered a substantial fanbase worldwide. This is evident from his impressive following of 3.3 million followers on Instagram, showcasing the immense popularity and influence he holds within the surfing community and society at large.

35. Michael Schumacher 

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Michael Schumacher, a former racing driver from Germany, had an illustrious career in Formula One, competing for teams such as Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Schumacher’s accomplishments include a remarkable seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, which he shares with Lewis Hamilton.

At the time of his retirement in 2012, he held several records, including the most wins (91), pole positions (68), and podium finishes (155). Although these records have since been surpassed by Hamilton, Schumacher still retains the record for the highest number of total fastest laps (77), among others.

 Even long after his retirement, Schumacher continues to maintain a substantial global fanbase. This is evident from his significant following of 1.3 million followers on Instagram, who choose to stay connected and support him, showcasing his enduring admiration for his achievements and his enduring impact on the world of racing.

36. Maria Sharapova 

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Maria Sharapova, a former tennis player from Russia, held the prestigious title of world No. 1 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings for a cumulative total of 21 weeks. Competing on the WTA Tour from 2001 to 2020, Sharapova achieved remarkable success throughout her career.

She joined an elite group of only ten women, and was the sole representative from Russia, to accomplish the career Grand Slam. In addition to her achievements in professional tennis, she also earned an Olympic silver medal in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics. Sharapova has been widely recognized as one of the most formidable competitors of her generation.

Her outstanding accomplishments and widespread recognition have cultivated a substantial following on social media platforms. With an impressive fan base, she currently enjoys the support of 4.5 million followers on Instagram, further solidifying her status as one of the most celebrated and influential athletes worldwide.

37. Ayrton Senna 

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Ayrton Senna da Silva, a Brazilian racing driver, achieved remarkable success in Formula One by winning the World Drivers’ Championship in 1988, 1990, and 1991. He holds a prominent place among the three Brazilian drivers who have claimed the World Championship title.

With a total of 41 Grand Prix victories and 65 pole positions, Senna established himself as a dominant force on the track, setting a pole position record that stood until 2006. Tragically, his life was cut short during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix when he suffered a fatal accident while leading the race for the Williams team.

Despite his untimely demise, Senna’s legacy endures. His widespread following and devoted fanbase around the world, comprising Formula One enthusiasts and individuals from all walks of life, stands as a testament to his enduring admiration for his talent and impact on the sport.

38. Magic Johnson 

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Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., a revered figure in American basketball, is a former professional player who is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson showcased his exceptional skills and basketball IQ throughout his 13-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Following his triumph in winning a national championship with Michigan State in 1979, he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. During the Lakers’ Showtime era, Johnson played a pivotal role in leading the team to five NBA championships.

 Even long after his retirement from the NBA, Magic Johnson remains a beloved figure with a global fanbase. His enduring fame is evident from his impressive following of 3.4 million followers on Instagram, further highlighting his status as one of the most renowned and cherished athletes worldwide.

39. Larry Bird 

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Larry Joe Bird, an American basketball legend, is a retired professional player, coach, and executive who made his mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Bird is universally recognized as one of the greatest basketball players to have ever graced the sport.

His illustrious career is highlighted by the unique distinction of being the only individual in NBA history to have received accolades such as Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

Bird’s influence transcends the basketball court, as his widespread popularity and support have garnered a global fanbase from all walks of life.

40. Venus Williams 

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Venus Ebony Starr Williams, an American tennis prodigy, is a seasoned professional in the sport. As a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, Williams has triumphed with seven Grand Slam singles titles, including an impressive five victories at Wimbledon and two at the US Open.

Regarded as one of the all-time greats in tennis, her remarkable achievements have earned her widespread acclaim. Additionally, her immense popularity is reflected in her substantial following on social media platforms. With a devoted fan base, Williams currently boasts the support of 1.9 million followers on Instagram, solidifying her status as one of the most revered and influential athletes on the global stage.

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