We all have a favorite sport. Even more, we all have a favorite player. These affiliations mean different fan bases, debating over who is the greatest of all times. Are you a fan of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Do you advocate for Federer or are you a die-hard fan of Nadal? Whose side are you on: Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Who is the greatest of all times in sports history?
Fanbases around the world are split on whose the greatest of all times. And these topics make up for good debates. And while everyone agrees, these lists are subjective, nonetheless, the following list has been curated keeping in mind the general opinion of the fans.
For convenience, this blog lists top 3 GOATs from 10 different sports. So, without further ado, lets get started with the list. Read till the last to find out if your favorite has made the list.
1. Football (Soccer):
Lionel Messi: 7 times world-record holder of Ballon d’OR award, 6 times European Golden Shoe winner, 10 La Liga trophies, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, and 1 World Cup Winner medal, Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer of all times. The Argentine wonder followed in the footsteps of Diego Maradona, Leo went on to surpass El Pelusa to become undisputedly the greatest ever footballer to have graced a football pitch. Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint–Germain reuniting with his Barca teammate Neymar. Messi’s goal tally now stands at 803 and has made over 1000+ appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A brand in himself, CR7 is the highest goal scorer in the history of the sport and is undoubtedly the greatest of all times. With 832 goals, 5 Ballon d’OR, 4 European Golden shoes, 7 league titles and 5 UEFA Champions Leagues trophies, Cristiano is the greatest player this generation has witnessed. Combined with Leo, these two giants have dominated the sport for over 2 decades and remains the greatest rivalry ever. A supreme athlete and the most followed man on Instagram, Ronaldo has defied laws through his sheer perseverance. From Madeira to Manchester, and from Bernabeu to Allianz, the man has conquered 3 of the top European leagues to etch his name in the history of the sport.
Pele & Maradona: The two of the classics, Pele & Maradona made everyone fall in love with football. Between them, they have 4 World Cup trophies (3 for Pele & 1 for Maradona) and over 1200+, these two are absolute legends of the games. Inspired generations after them, they have popularized South American flavored football on the global platform. Any list in football is incomplete without these two legends featuring in it.
2. Basketball:
Michael Jordan: Owing to his extraordinary leaping ability to stay in the air for the longest, Michael Jordan got the name Air Jordan for a reason. His competitive spirit, scoring ability, and clutch performances on the biggest of stages, makes him the G.O.A.T in the history of NBA. Having won 6 NBA Championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998), 6 NBA MVP finals, and 5 NBA MVP, he holds a legendary status in the sport. Having spent the majority of his career with Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan was an inspiration to many who followed in his footsteps.
LeBron James: 4 times NBA Championships winner, with 4 NBA Finals MVP and 4 NBA MVP, many experts and analysts consider LeBron in the same bracket as Jordan. His versatility, all-round skill, consistency, longevity, and scoring prowess rightly earned him the name “King James”. Drafted to Cleveland Cavaliers in his first season, LeBron won two championships with Miami Heat before making his move LA Lakers where he is still going strong winning his fourth title in 2020.
Kobe Bryant: Known as Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant is an absolute legend of the game. With 5 NBA Championships with his lifelong team LA Lakers, Kobe had an amazing scoring range, a wide range of offensive moves and a deadly jump shot. Kobe has also been awarded 2 times NBA finals MVP and an NBA MVP to his name. He had a huge cultural impact and was an inspiration both on and off the court. In January 2020, the world of sports was shocked by Kobe’s tragic helicopter crash that led to an outpour of tributes from his peers and fans alike. The iconic jersey numbers 8 & 24 that Kobe wore, has been retired by LA Lakers in his honor. And rightly so, because no one can ever replace this G.O.A.T.
3. Cricket:
Sachin Tendulkar: The Master-Blaster who has amassed over 15,000 runs in Test cricket and 18,000 runs in ODIs, making him leading run-scorer in the history of all formats of the game. Known for his cover and straight drive, he his wristy and has world-class hand-eye coordination. Having won the world cup in 2011, Sachin is the icon for all aspiring cricketers.
Don Bradman: With a test average of 99.94, Sir Donald Bradman is the greatest Australian cricketer, leading the Aussies to many memorable victories. His iconic pull shot, and his quick footwork led him to score 29 centuries in just 52 test matches. Bradman is known for his technique and consistency, and remains the greatest cricketer even today.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni: Known for his calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and excellent leadership skills, Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest cricketing captains of all time, having led the Indian team to numerous victories in all game formats. Dhoni made his debut for the Indian cricket team in December 2004 and went on to play 90 Test matches, 350 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 98 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. He is also the only captain in the world to have won all three major International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies – the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 ICC World Cups. Dhoni because of his composed demeanor got the name Captain Cool.
4. Tennis
Serena Williams: A total of 23 Grand Slam Singles titles to her name, Serena Williams is the undisputed champion of open era. Williams also has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and 2 mixed doubles titles in her long and illustrious career. Her mental toughness, stamina, and powerful playing style has earned her the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in 2015.
Roger Federer: Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest male players ever. He has won 20 Grand Slam singles, eight Wimbledon, and six Australian Open titles. Federer is known for his graceful and fluid playing style, as well as his exceptional shot-making ability and tactical intelligence. He is also known for his mental toughness and ability to stay calm under pressure. Federer has won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including being named the ATP Player of the Year a record seven times.
Rafael Nadal: Rafael Nadal is a Spanish tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest clay-court players ever. He has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, tying him with Federer for the most by any player in history. Nadal is known for his aggressive and physical playing style and exceptional speed, stamina, and defensive skills. He is also known for his mental toughness and ability to fight back in difficult situations. Nadal has won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including being named the ATP Player of the Year five times.
5. American Football (Rugby)
Richie McCaw: The former New Zealand captain is regarded as one of the best openside flankers ever. McCaw was known for his exceptional leadership, work rate, and ability to turn the game in his team’s favor. He led the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015 and played a crucial role in their dominance of international rugby during the 2010s.
Jonah Lomu: The late New Zealand winger is widely regarded as the most devastating attacking player ever to play rugby. His incredible speed, size, and power made him almost impossible to stop, and he scored 37 tries in just 63 tests for the All Blacks. Lomu’s performances at the 1995 World Cup, where he scored seven tries in five games, helped revolutionize the sport and popularize it worldwide.
Martin Johnson: The former England lock is regarded as one of the greatest captains in rugby history. Johnson was known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to inspire his teammates, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the sport. He led England to victory in the 2003 World Cup and was a crucial part of their team that won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 1995, 1997, and 1998.
6. Golf
Tiger Woods: Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers ever. He has won 82 PGA Tour events, tied for the most ever, and 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus. Woods has revolutionized the game with his power and accuracy off the tee, and he remains one of the most recognizable figures in sports.
Jack Nicklaus: Jack Nicklaus is considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time. He has won 18 major championships and holds numerous other records, including the most PGA Tour wins (73) and the most runner-up finishes in major championships (19). Nicklaus was known for his consistency and mental toughness, inspiring generations of golfers to follow in his footsteps.
Ben Hogan: Ben Hogan is often considered one of the most technically proficient golfers ever. He won nine major championships, including the US Open, four times and was known for his incredible ball-striking ability and accuracy. Hogan’s legacy has also been defined by his remarkable comeback from a severe car accident in 1949, which left him with multiple injuries and led to his famously meticulous practice regimen.
7. Formula One
Michael Schumacher: The German driver is regarded as one of the most extraordinary F1 racers ever. Schumacher was known for his relentless competitiveness and ability to push himself and his car to the limit. He won seven world championships, including five in a row with Ferrari, and holds numerous records, including the most wins (91) and most pole positions (68) in F1 history.
Ayrton Senna: The Brazilian driver is often considered one of the most talented drivers in F1 history. He won three world championships and is widely regarded as one of the most significant drivers in wet conditions. Senna was known for his intense focus, ability to extract the maximum performance from his car, and his tragic death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix only added to his legend.
Juan Manuel Fangio: The Argentine driver won five world championships in the 1950s, a feat that remained unmatched until Schumacher equaled it in the 2000s. Fangio is widely regarded as one of the most talented drivers of his era, and he was known for his incredible consistency and ability to win races with different teams and cars. Fangio’s success helped to popularize Formula One as a global sport, and his legacy continues to inspire drivers today.
8. Baseball
Babe Ruth: Babe Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players ever. He is best known for his power-hitting, as he set numerous records for home runs during his career. Ruth won seven World Series championships and was a crucial player in the early success of the New York Yankees. His impact on the game was immense, as he helped to popularize baseball as a national pastime.
Willie Mays: Willie Mays is often considered one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. He was an exceptional hitter, fielder, and baserunner, and he won two National League MVP awards during his career. Mays was a 24-time All-Star and won 12 Gold Glove Awards for his defensive play. His style of play and memorable catches in the outfield have made him a legend in the sport.
Hank Aaron: Hank Aaron is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s record for career home runs for over 30 years. Aaron was an outstanding hitter, with a career batting average of .305, and he won three Gold Glove Awards for his fielding. Aaron also played in 25 All-Star Games and won a National League MVP award in 1957. Aaron’s legacy goes beyond his impressive statistics, as he was a civil rights icon and a role model for generations of young baseball players.
9. Athletics (Track & Field)
Usain Bolt: Usain Bolt is considered one of the greatest sprinters ever. He won eight Olympic gold medals and held world records for the 100m and 200m races. Bolt’s impressive speed, showmanship, and charisma made him one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved athletes, and he helped to popularize track and field around the globe.
Carl Lewis: Carl Lewis is often considered one of the most incredible all-around track and field athletes ever. He won nine Olympic gold medals, including four in the long jump, and set numerous world records. Lewis was known for his incredible speed, power, and versatility, and he remains a role model for young athletes worldwide.
Paavo Nurmi: Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish distance runner who dominated the sport in the 1920s. He won nine Olympic gold medals and set 22 world records. Nurmi was known for his incredible endurance and strategic approach to racing, and he helped popularize long-distance running as a competitive sport. His legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world.
10. Boxing
Source: NDTV.com
Muhammad Ali: Muhammad Ali is regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever. He won the heavyweight championship three times and was known for his powerful punches, quick footwork, and showmanship in the ring. Ali was also an outspoken activist for civil rights and social justice, and his charisma and personality made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports history.
Sugar Ray Robinson: Sugar Ray Robinson is the greatest pound-for-pound boxer ever. Robinson was known for his incredible speed, power, and defensive skills and was a master of the sport’s fundamentals. He won the welterweight and middleweight championships and had a career record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and six draws.
Joe Louis: Joe Louis is best known for his 12-year reign as heavyweight champion of the world, a record that still stands today. Louis had a career record of 66 wins, three losses, and 0 draws, and he was known for his powerful punches and ability to wear down opponents throughout a fight. Louis was also a pioneer for racial integration in sports, and his success helped to break down barriers in boxing and beyond.
