Identifying the greatest athlete of the 21st century is a formidable challenge. Many would argue that Tom Brady, the esteemed quarterback known for leading the most successful dynasty in American football, deserves this title. With an unparalleled record of seven Super Bowl victories and five Super Bowl MVP awards, Brady’s case is compelling.

Conversely, one might assert that Lionel Messi, the preeminent footballer of our time, should be considered the greatest. With eight Ballon d'Or awards, Messi has been repeatedly recognized as the world’s best player, making a strong argument for his position as the greatest athlete of the century.

However, LeBron James presents a formidable counterpoint. As a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, four-time regular-season MVP, and the leading scorer in NBA history, James’s dominance and impact on the sport of basketball are undeniable. His influence on public discourse further solidifies his candidacy for the title.

Yet, Serena Williams’s remarkable achievements also warrant consideration. With 23 Grand Slam titles, the Serena Slam (holding all four major titles concurrently), and four Olympic gold medals, Williams’s career is distinguished not only by its achievements but also by her ability to triumph while pregnant, a testament to her extraordinary prowess and resilience.

Alternatively, if one were to consider tennis, Roger Federer’s contributions to the sport are noteworthy. Federer’s elegant play, strategic mastery, and 20 Grand Slam titles have endeared him to fans worldwide, establishing him as one of the sport’s most cherished figures.

Nevertheless, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, with 22 and 24 Grand Slam titles respectively, also present compelling cases. The debate over who is the greatest among them remains a challenging one.

The discussion becomes even more intricate when including Olympians such as Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles, or legendary figures like Kobe Bryant, Lewis Hamilton, Peyton Manning, Floyd Mayweather, and Tiger Woods.

According to an ESPN list, Michael Phelps was ranked as the greatest athlete of the 21st century, with Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Roger Federer, Simone Biles, Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt, and Kobe Bryant also featured in the top ten.

Notably, the only cricketer to make the top 100 was Virat Kohli, ranked at 97. Kohli’s inclusion is a significant milestone for cricket, a sport often eclipsed by more globally dominant sports such as football, basketball, and tennis. Kohli’s exceptional batting skills, leadership as the former captain of the Indian cricket team, and numerous records underscore his impact on the sport and contribute to cricket’s growing recognition on the international stage. His ranking highlights the increasing acknowledgment of cricket’s influence and the exceptional talent emerging from this sport.