Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic champion swimmer, has been named the best athlete of the 21st century by ESPN. The list includes the top 100 modern-day athletes.
Taking the second spot is Serena Williams, the former world No. 1 in women's tennis according to the WTA, a 23-time Grand Slam winner. Completing the top three is Lionel Messi, the forward for MLS club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Messi, a four-time Ballon d'Or winner, was crowned world champion in 2022 and won the Copa America in 2024.
Also featured in the top ten are LeBron James, the forward for NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and two-time Olympic champion; Tom Brady, a professional American football quarterback; Roger Federer, the former ATP world No. 1, 20-time Grand Slam winner, and six-time ATP Finals champion; Simone Biles, a 23-time world champion in gymnastics; Tiger Woods, a golfer; Usain Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion and 11-time world champion sprinter; and Kobe Bryant, a two-time Olympic champion and five-time NBA champion.