Top 10 Most Famous Athletes in the World

When it comes to sports, some athletes stand out above the rest.
These athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Roger Federer, have not only achieved incredible success in their respective sports, but they have also become household names and cultural icons
But let’s answer a common question: who is the most famous athlete in the world right now in 2023?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as fame is subjective and depends on various factors such as popularity, influence, media exposure, and fan base.
From football and basketball to tennis and golf, the world’s most famous athletes have captured our attention with their talent, dedication, and charisma.
However, based on these criteria, some athletes have a stronger claim to fame than others. Here are the top 10 most popular athletes in the world 2024:

10. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos is one of the most popular and influential footballers worldwide, with a social media following of approximately 66 to 67 million on Instagram as of 2025.
His popularity stems from his successful career as a defender for top clubs, including Real Madrid, Sevilla, and currently C.F. Monterrey in Mexico, as well as his status as a stalwart of the Spanish national team.
His Instagram presence mixes passionate football content, intense training sessions, motivational quotes, and glimpses into his personal and family life, keeping fans closely connected.
Ramos’s strong personality, leadership qualities, and on-field achievements contribute significantly to his global appeal. Despite being in the later stages of his career, his dedication and competitive spirit continue to earn him respect and admiration worldwide.
Apart from football, Ramos has ventured into music and other personal projects, further expanding his public image.

9. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni remains extremely popular in 2025, with over 48 million followers on Instagram alone.
Though retired from international cricket, his enduring appeal as “Captain Cool” continues through his minimal yet impactful social media presence, mostly sharing moments about motorbikes, pets, and his private life.
This limited but high-quality engagement keeps fans deeply connected to him.
Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest cricket captains and wicketkeeper-batsmen enhances his popularity, especially in India and among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
His calm demeanor, leadership qualities, and multiple ICC trophies contribute to his lasting fan base and brand value.
Dhoni’s social media engagement rate is excellent, showing that his followers remain highly engaged with his posts, which adds to his continued influence and popularity in 2025.

8. Ma Long

Ma Long remains one of the most popular and celebrated table tennis players globally in 2025.
Widely regarded as the greatest male player in the history of the sport, Ma Long has an exceptional career that includes two Olympic gold medals in men’s singles (2016 and 2020), three World Championship titles, and three World Cup championships in men’s singles.
He holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals by any Chinese table tennis player and has dominated the world rankings for extended periods.
In 2025, Ma Long continued to compete successfully, recently winning the Asian Championships and World Cup titles, further cementing his legendary status.
Although he announced plans to step back from major international tournaments following the Paris 2024 Olympics, he is not fully retired and remains influential in the sport, inspiring younger players and table tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
His nicknames “The Dictator” and “The Dragon” reflect his dominant presence on the court and his enduring popularity within and beyond China.

7. Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé has around 124 to 128 million followers on Instagram alone, making him one of the most followed footballers worldwide.
His engagement rate is strong, with millions of likes and thousands of comments per post, reflecting his broad and active fan base.
Mbappé’s popularity stems from his exceptional talent, youthful charisma, and leadership qualities as a key player for Real Madrid and the French national team.
Beyond football, he uses his platform to inspire young athletes and speak on social issues, further endearing him to fans globally.

6. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry, commonly referred to as “Steph,” enjoys immense popularity as an American professional basketball player, a status he’s earned through a combination of his exceptional skills, impressive achievements, influential presence, charitable work, and fan engagement.
Known for his extraordinary shooting ability, especially from beyond the three-point line, Curry is often hailed for transforming basketball by encouraging teams to embrace the three-point shot more frequently.
His numerous NBA championships and MVP awards have cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Curry’s significant social media presence and cultural impact make him one of the nation’s most influential athletes.
His off-court charitable endeavors and positive influence only add to his widespread admiration.
Moreover, his active engagement with fans, highlighted by his record as the most viewed NBA player on social media platforms in 2022, with over 100 million more views than the runner-up, has significantly contributed to his popularity.

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world right now and the captain of the Indian national cricket team.
He has scored more than 20,000 runs in international cricket and has the most centuries in One Day International cricket. He is also the only player to score a triplet of centuries – a triple hundred in Tests, a double hundred in ODIs, and a hundred in T20Is.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected athletes in the world, and a role model for many aspiring cricketers.
He has also been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2018.
Outstanding players, like Tendulkar, Gayle, and Dravid, Gayle have dominated in all formats of the game.
But it’s Virat Kohli who is creating waves and leaving people stunned with his tremendous cricketing achievements.
He has a massive fan base around the world, with over 150 million followers on Instagram and 43 million on Twitter.
He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, earning $26 million in 2023 from prize money and endorsements.

4. Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr. is considered one of the best players in the world and is only 31 years old. The Brazilian combines European technicality in his play with Latin American flair.
For Brazil’s national team, Neymar has scored 64 goals so far and is closing in on legendary striker Pelé’s all-time record.
Given Neymar’s talent and longevity in the game, it’s very possible he could surpass Pelé in the near future and cement his place as Brazil’s greatest-ever goalscorer.
In his prime in his early 30s, Neymar continues to perform at the highest level for club and country.

3. LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most popular athletes in the world, known for his skills and dominance in basketball.
He is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Ever since he stepped onto the court for his prep team as a freshman at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, LeBron James has been surrounded by hype, facing comparisons to legendary players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Now in his 20th NBA season at age 37, James has cemented himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
He plays with an indestructible tenacity as the lightning bolt symbolizing his dominance and toughness blazes across his back.
James is usually the most intimidating force on the court, continually leading his teams to championship levels of success year after year. His combination of power, skill, basketball IQ, and longevity sets the standard that few players will ever match.

2. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, one of the most famous and revered athletes globally, was voted the greatest sportsman in a BBC/Channel 4 poll.
The Barcelona star, who broke the world record for most goals in a calendar year in 2011, dominated the poll, finishing ahead of British athletes Michael Phelps and Bradley Wiggins and tennis star Andy Murray.
He scores in nearly every Champions League match and is often considered among the best 10 players on the planet.
While we are all familiar with Messi’s immense talent, one technique he truly excels at compared to others is precisely attacking defenders one-on-one.
This tactic was absolutely born out of Messi’s legendary Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova, who used this technique on most defenders in Barcelona’s games, and now also Messi’s national coach, Argentina’s Sergio Pena.
His unparalleled skill and accomplishments on the pitch have made him an iconic cultural figure beloved by fans around the world.
His status as an athletic legend transcends the game, with Messi serving as an emblem of football excellence, a GOAT, whose influence and popularity continue spreading globally.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous athlete in the world in 2023, according to various sources and rankings.
He is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s performances since moving to Real Madrid have made him a household name across the globe.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also a global icon and a celebrity, known for his flashy fashion sense and lifestyle.
He has over 547 million followers on all social media platforms, making him the most followed person in the world.
He often posts photos and videos of his outfits, accessories, family, and training sessions, attracting millions of likes and comments from his fans.
He also has lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear, and CR7.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s most renowned soccer player and athlete ever.

From the electrifying footwork of soccer legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the iconic jumps of national giants like Virat Kohli and LeBron James, these athletes have redefined their respective sports, leaving an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape.
Their achievements extend far beyond the playing field, as they have become symbols of excellence, perseverance, and the power of human potential.
As the world continues to evolve, the realm of sports will undoubtedly produce new generations of exceptional athletes who will captivate audiences and redefine their respective disciplines.
Who do you think would be the most popular sportsman in the world in the future share your thoughts below in the comments.