Top 10 Athletes of the 20th Century
Diego Armando Maradona (October 30, 1960 - November 25, 2020) was an Argentine professional footballer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Maradona was given the nickname "El Pibe de Oro" ("The Golden Boy"). He was known for the "Goal of the Century" and the "Hand of God" goal... read more Maradona is the 2nd (for me) best football player of all times and one of the greatest sports icons.
His career as a player was definitely great with both the clubs he played as also with his National team.
On the other hand, his general attitude was the reason for the two European clubs that he played during the 80s to sell him as unwanted: unbeleilevly bad behavior in Cup final playing with FC Barcelona, twice banned for cocaine use (later). But his non-athletic life had controversial facts also: an illegitimate son during his career in Italy, a lot of rumors for sexual orgies, close friendship with Fidel Castro and the detoxication in Cuba was reasons for multifarious comments around the world.
But we must not stay on those who limit the sign of a great star. And Maradona is one of the most shining.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as "Pelé", was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. In 1999 he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. In 2000, Pelé was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century. DESERVINGLY THE NUMBER 1.
In 1999, Pelé was elected as 'athlete of the Century by International Olympic Committe.
This obviously doesn't mean that he was the best, but the same is the title of this list.
Frederick Carlton "Carl" Lewis is an American former track and field athlete who won nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals, including eight gold. His career spanned from 1979 to 1996, when he last won an Olympic event.
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials, MJ, is an American retired professional basketball player. I'm a sports fan for decades.
In the early 80s I saw the first NBA game informed that you can't see something more spectacular, especially if you see Julius Earving (he was there and Jabbar also).
But very soon after, I was amazed with someone definitely better.
Since the mid-80s none was like him: MICHAEL JORDAN.
George Herman Ruth Jr., better known as Babe Ruth, was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935.
Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four teams from 1979 to 1999.
Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain was an American basketball player. He was born on August 21, 1936 in Philadelphia and died on October 12, 1999 in Los Angeles due to heart failure.Wilt Chamberlain set the books by scoring the most points scored in a single game (100), most rebounds in a game (55), and most consecutive field goals (18).
He played for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. His biggest rival was former Boston Celtics center Bill Russell, but they are also good friends. He won 2 NBA Titles, 1 with the 76ers and one with the Lakers. ...read more.
Wilt Chamberlain was the greatest basketball player till MJ appeared.
Basketball is second most popular sport in the world.
What is Babe Ruth, Jim Brown and Wayne Gretzky doing in this top ten?
Their sports are played in no more than 80 countries (maximum, according to official sources). Baseball is not even an Olympic sport...(that's why Ruth is totally unknown outside the US-I never discussed with any person that knew him).
"ChamberlaiN"; just barely human.
James Nathaniel Brown was a former professional American football player and actor. He was a running back for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League from 1957 through 1965.
Hendrik Johannes "Johan" Cruijff (25 April 1947 – 24 March 2016) was a Dutch professional football player and coach. As a player, he won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974. Cruyff was a proponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football explored by Rinus Michels, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and the most prolific players in the history of the sport. Greatest European football player ever.
According to some experts, no one football player was so important for a team as Cruyff, regarding him as a coach within the lines.
I have seen playing and I think the are possibly right.
James Francis "Jim" Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sporting figures of the 20th century, and is frequently ranked as the best heavyweight boxer and greatest athlete of the century.
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (September 12, 1913 – March 31, 1980) was an American track and field athlete and four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Olympic Games.Owens specialized in the sprints and the long jump and was recognized in his lifetime as "perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in ...read more.
The fastest woman of all times.
Her records in 100 and 200m remain unbroken and I think they will remain for a long more time...
In 1993 was named the best athlete in all Soviet and Russian History.
Ayrton Senna da Silva (21 March 1960 – 1 May 1994) was a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula One world championships for McLaren in 1988, 1990 and 1991 and is regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He was killed in an accident while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand ...read more.One of the most accomplished athletes of all times.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.One of the most accomplished athletes ever.
'The Pocket Hercules ' will remain unforgettable not only for his achievements but also for his personal style.
Mark Andrew Spitz is an American former competitive swimmer, nine-time Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in seven events.
