ESPN Reveals Top 100 Athletes of the 21st Century
ESPN has recently unveiled its highly anticipated ranking of the 100 best athletes of the 21st century, stirring up discussions among sports enthusiasts. Topping the list is the legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, known for his unparalleled achievement of 23 Olympic gold medals. Following closely is tennis icon Serena Williams, boasting an impressive 23 Grand Slam titles, while Argentine footballer Lionel Messi secures the third position with eight Ballon d'Or awards.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
The ranking, which involved more than 70,000 votes from sports experts, has sparked debates about the placement of various athletes. Notably, American sports dominate the list, with four athletes in the top five: LeBron James (4th) and Tom Brady (5th). This has raised eyebrows, especially for international stars like Usain Bolt (9th) and Cristiano Ronaldo (13th), who some argue deserve higher recognition. The absence of rugby athletes from the list has also drawn criticism.
The Controversy of Rankings
While basketball leads the distribution with 24 athletes, other sports like baseball and football follow closely. The ranking includes notable figures such as Roger Federer (6th), Simone Biles (7th), and Tiger Woods (8th). However, the placement of athletes like Kylian Mbappé at 65th and Zinedine Zidane at 50th has left fans questioning the criteria used for these rankings. Overall, the ESPN list has ignited a passionate debate about who truly deserves to be recognized among the greatest athletes of our time.
- The complete list features a mix of athletes from various sports, reflecting their achievements over the past two decades. The rankings have prompted discussions not only about individual performances but also about the representation of different sports on such lists. Critics argue that the heavy American influence skews the perception of greatness, while supporters believe it accurately reflects the current landscape of sports. As fans continue to dissect the rankings, it remains clear that the debate over who qualifies as the greatest athlete is far from settled.
