Many great athletes have dominated the sports world since 2000. Some broke records, while others changed the game itself. Choosing the Greatest Sportsman of all Time is not easy, but here is a list of the top 10 professional athletes since 2000.
List of 10 Greatest Sportsman of all Time
10. Tiger Woods (Golf)
Tiger Woods is often regarded as the Greatest Sportsman of all Time in golf. His dominance in the early 2000s was unmatched, winning four straight major titles (known as the “Tiger Slam”). Even after injuries and personal setbacks, he made a historic comeback by winning the 2019 Masters at age 43. His impact on golf’s popularity and global reach is unparalleled.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Titles | 15 (13 since 2000) |
| PGA Tour Wins | 82 (Tied for most in history) |
| Masters Titles | 5 (Last in 2019) |
| PGA Player of the Year | 11 times (Most in history) |
| World No.1 Ranking | 683 weeks (Most in history) |
ALSO READ:
9. Usain Bolt (Athletics)
When discussing the Greatest Sportsman of all Time, Usain Bolt’s name always comes up. He became the fastest man in history and dominated sprinting for over a decade. His legendary 9.58-second 100m world record in 2009 still stands, proving his unmatched speed. His signature “lightning bolt” pose made him one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 8 |
| World Championships Golds | 11 |
| World Records | 100m (9.58s), 200m (19.19s) |
| Triple Olympic Sprint Champion | 2008, 2012, 2016 |
8. Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
Rafael Nadal is widely considered one of the Greatest Sportsman of all Time in tennis, especially on clay. His dominance at the French Open is unparalleled, winning a record 14 titles. His never-give-up attitude and legendary rivalries with Federer and Djokovic have made him a fan favorite worldwide.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 22 |
| French Open Titles | 14 (Most in history) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (Singles & Doubles) |
| ATP Masters Titles | 36 |
| Winning Streak on Clay | 81 matches (Record) |
7. Roger Federer (Tennis)
Federer is celebrated as one of the Greatest Sportsman of all Time due to his elegant playing style and unmatched consistency. His dominance in the 2000s set new standards in tennis, with his effortless shot-making and sportsmanship making him a global icon.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 20 |
| Wimbledon Titles | 8 (Most in history) |
| World No.1 Ranking | 310 weeks (237 consecutive) |
| ATP Tour Titles | 103 |
| Olympic Medals | 2 (Gold & Silver) |
6. Serena Williams (Tennis)
Serena Williams redefined women’s tennis and is often mentioned among the Greatest Sportsman of all Time. She won major titles across three decades and even clinched the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant, proving her incredible dominance and resilience.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 23 (Most in Open Era) |
| Major Match Wins | 365 (Record) |
| Career Titles | 73 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 |
| Weeks as World No.1 | 319 |
5. Tom Brady (American Football)
Tom Brady is the Greatest Sportsman of all Time in American football. His leadership, longevity, and clutch performances set him apart. Winning seven Super Bowls across two decades, he became the face of the NFL.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Titles | 7 (Most in history) |
| Super Bowl MVPs | 5 (Most in history) |
| NFL MVPs | 3 |
| Career Passing Yards | 89,214 (Most in history) |
| Career Touchdowns | 649 (Most in history) |
4. LeBron James (Basketball)
LeBron James is one of the Greatest Sportsman of all Time, redefining basketball with his versatility. Playing at an elite level for 20+ years, he won championships with three different teams and remains a dominant force.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| NBA Titles | 4 |
| NBA MVPs | 4 |
| All-Star Appearances | 20 (Most in history) |
| NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer | 40,000+ points |
| Finals MVPs | 4 |
3. Lionel Messi (Soccer)
Messi is widely regarded as the Greatest Sportsman of all Time in football. He won everything possible, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, fulfilling his lifelong dream. His dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability set him apart.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 8 (Most in history) |
| World Cup Titles | 1 (2022) |
| Champions League Titles | 4 |
| La Liga Titles | 10 |
| Argentina’s All-Time Top Scorer | 103+ goals |
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
Cristiano Ronaldo is a true contender for the title of Greatest Sportsman of all Time. His incredible athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and longevity make him one of the best players ever.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 5 |
| Champions League Titles | 5 |
| Euro Cup Titles | 1 |
| Club Goals | 720+ |
| International Goals | 128+ (Most in history) |
1. Michael Phelps (Swimming)
Michael Phelps is undoubtedly the Greatest Sportsman of all Time in Olympic history. His record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals may never be matched. His eight-gold-medal performance at Beijing 2008 remains one of the most iconic moments in sports.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 28 (Most in history) |
| Olympic Golds | 23 (Most in history) |
| Most Golds in a Single Olympics | 8 (Beijing 2008) |
| World Records Held | 39+ |
Final Thoughts
From the speed of Bolt to the skill of Messi and the dominance of Phelps, each of these athletes has left a lasting impact on their sport. They set records, won championships, and became legends.
Who do you think is the Greatest Sportsman of all Time?
READ MORE:
