The 14 Greatest Athletes of All Time

Boxers, sprinters, footballers and gymnasts on one list. Every name here dominated a different sport, which is exactly what makes ranking them so hard.

1

Muhammad Ali

Three-time heavyweight champion and 1960 Olympic gold medallist.

2

Mike Tyson

Youngest heavyweight champion in history, undisputed from 1987 to 1990.

3

Michael Jordan

Six-time NBA champion and six-time Finals MVP.

4

Pele

Only player to win three FIFA World Cups.

5

Serena Williams

Twenty-three Grand Slam singles titles in the Open era.

6

Usain Bolt

World record holder over 100m and 200m.

7

Babe Ruth

Baseball's defining slugger and a seven-time World Series winner.

8

Jesse Owens

Won four golds at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

9

Roger Federer

Twenty Grand Slam singles titles and eight Wimbledons.

10

LeBron James

Four-time NBA champion and the league's all-time points leader.

11

Michael Phelps

The most decorated Olympian ever, with 23 golds.

12

Lionel Messi

Eight Ballons d'Or and a World Cup winner in 2022.

13

Simone Biles

The most decorated gymnast in world championship history.

14

Jim Thorpe

Olympic pentathlon and decathlon champion who also played pro football and baseball.