Top 10 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century

The 20th century was a golden era for sports, producing athletes whose legacies continue to inspire fans and competitors alike. From the world of soccer, basketball, track and field, tennis, and beyond, these athletes didn't just dominate their sports - they redefined them. Their achievements broke records, brought communities together, and sparked moments that are still celebrated today.
The Top Ten
Diego Maradona Diego Maradona was an Argentine footballer widely regarded for his exceptional dribbling skills and creative playmaking. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and is known for his "Hand of God" goal in that tournament.
Martina Navratilova Martina Navratilova is a former Czech-American tennis player who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 major women's doubles titles. Her powerful serve-and-volley game revolutionized women's tennis in the late 20th century.
Carl Lewis Carl Lewis is an American track and field athlete who won nine Olympic gold medals across four Olympic Games. His dominance in the 100m, 200m, and long jump established him as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Pelé Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a Brazilian football icon who won three FIFA World Cup titles with Brazil. Known for his goal-scoring ability, he is considered one of the greatest soccer players in history.

DESERVINGLY NUMBER 1. In 1999, Pelé was elected Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee.

This doesn't necessarily mean he was the best, but it matches the title of this list.

Michael Jordan Michael Jordan is an American basketball player who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s. He is celebrated for his athleticism, scoring ability, and competitive drive, becoming a global sports icon.

I've been a sports fan for decades. In the early '80s, I saw my first NBA game and was told that I wouldn't see anything more spectacular, especially with players like Julius Erving (he was there, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar too).

But very soon after, I was amazed by someone even better. Since the mid-'80s, no one has been like him: MICHAEL JORDAN.

Babe Ruth Babe Ruth, also known as "The Sultan of Swat," was an American baseball player who set long-standing home run records. He was instrumental in transforming the New York Yankees into a dominant franchise in Major League Baseball.
Wayne Gretzky Wayne Gretzky, known as "The Great One," is a Canadian ice hockey player who holds numerous NHL records, including the most career goals and assists. His vision and playmaking made him the greatest scorer in the history of the sport.
Wilt Chamberlain Wilt Chamberlain was an American basketball player who is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game. His dominance in scoring and rebounding redefined the center position in the sport.

"Chamberlain". Just barely human.

Jim Brown Jim Brown was an American football player widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He set numerous records during his career with the Cleveland Browns, combining speed, strength, and agility.
Johan Cruyff Johan Cruyff was a Dutch footballer and manager who popularized the concept of "Total Football." He won three Ballon d'Or awards and is remembered for his technical skill and footballing intelligence.

Greatest European football player ever. According to some experts, no football player was as important to a team as Cruyff. They regarded him as a coach on the field.

I have seen him play, and I think they are possibly right.

The Newcomers

? Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the modern era. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
? Joe DiMaggio Joseph Paul DiMaggio, nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper", was an American baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees.
The Contenders
Pete Sampras Pete Sampras is an American tennis player who won 14 Grand Slam singles titles during his career. Known for his powerful serve and all-court play, he held the year-end No. 1 ranking for six consecutive years.
Jim Thorpe Jim Thorpe was an American athlete who excelled in multiple sports, including track and field, football, and baseball. He won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics, cementing his place in sports history.
Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali was an American boxer who became a global figure after winning three world heavyweight championships. Known for his charisma and activism, he is remembered both for his skill in the ring and his impact outside of it.
Jesse Owens Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His victories in Nazi Germany became a powerful statement against racial discrimination.
Florence Griffith Joyner Florence Griffith Joyner, often called "Flo-Jo," was an American sprinter who set world records in the 100m and 200m events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Her records in both events remain unbroken.

The fastest woman of all time. Her records in the 100m and 200m remain unbroken, and I think they will stand for a long time to come.

Vasily Alekseyev Vasily Alekseyev was a Soviet weightlifter who set 80 world records and won two Olympic gold medals in the super heavyweight category. His dominance in the sport made him a legend in weightlifting history.

In 1993, he was named the best athlete in all of Soviet and Russian history.

Nadia Comaneci Nadia Comaneci is a Romanian gymnast who made history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics by being the first to score a perfect 10. She won five Olympic gold medals and revolutionized the sport of gymnastics.
Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian Formula One driver who won three world championships. Known for his skill in wet conditions and intense rivalry with Alain Prost, he remains one of the most revered drivers in motorsport.
Aleksandr Karelin Aleksandr Karelin is a Russian Greco-Roman wrestler who won three Olympic gold medals and remained undefeated in international competition for 13 years. His dominance earned him the nickname "The Russian Bear."

One of the most accomplished athletes of all time.

Billie Jean King Billie Jean King is an American tennis player who won 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. She was a pioneer for gender equality in sports, famously winning the "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973.
Naim Süleymanoğlu Naim Süleymanoğlu, known as "The Pocket Hercules," won three Olympic gold medals in weightlifting and set numerous world records. He was the first weightlifter to lift three times his body weight.

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 Spitz Mark Spitz won nine Olympic gold medals in swimming, including seven at the 1972 Munich Olympics, setting a world record at the time. He was one of the most dominant swimmers of his era.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Babe Didrikson Zaharias was an accomplished multi-sport athlete, excelling in track and field and professional golf. She won two gold medals and a silver in the 1932 Olympics and later became a golf champion.
Bjorn Borg Bjorn Borg was a Swedish tennis player who won 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including five consecutive Wimbledon titles. His rivalry with John McEnroe was one of the most famous in tennis history.
Larisa Latynina Larisa Latynina, a Soviet gymnast, won 18 Olympic medals, including nine gold, across three Olympic Games (1956, 1960, and 1964). She held the record for the most Olympic medals for nearly half a century.

The Soviet gymnast took part in three Olympic Games (1956, 1960, 1964) and won 18 medals, 9 of them gold.

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