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Top 100 Athletes Since 2000

"Recognizing the best athletes of the 21st century."

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed extraordinary feats in sports. From the grace of tennis champions to the dominance of basketball legends, this list celebrates the top 100 athletes since 2000. Each athlete has left an indelible mark on their sport, setting records, winning titles, and inspiring millions. This list is a tribute to their excellence and impact on the world of sports.

Topics

Overview

  • Title: "Top 100 Athletes Since 2000: A Journey Through Excellence"
  • Subtitle: "The best of the best in sports from 2000 to 2024"
  • Tagline: "A celebration of the most remarkable sports figures of the 21st century."
  • Description: "Highlighting the top 100 athletes who have defined sports in the 21st century."
  • Keywords: Athletes, Sports, 21st Century, Champions, Legends, Records, Excellence, Inspiration

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# Top 100 Athletes Since 2000
- A Journey Through Excellence
- A celebration of the most remarkable sports figures of the 21st century.
- Highlighting the top 100 athletes who have defined sports in the 21st century.
- 5 Topics

## Topics
- Basketball: Legends, MVPs, Championships, Records, Impact
- Soccer: World Cups, Ballon d'Or, Goals, Clubs, Influence
- Tennis: Grand Slams, Dominance, Rivalries, Legends, Inspiration
- Olympians: Gold Medals, Records, Iconic Moments, Greatness, Legacy
- Multi-Sport: Versatility, Achievements, Impact, Longevity, Records

Topic 1: "Basketball Legends"

"Basketball's greatest from 2000 to 2024."

From dominating the NBA courts to inspiring fans globally, these basketball legends have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their skills, determination, and impact on and off the court have defined the modern era of basketball.

  1. LeBron James: Four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
  2. Kobe Bryant: Five-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP known for his unmatched work ethic.
  3. Tim Duncan: Five-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP, a pillar of consistency.
  4. Kevin Durant: Two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, one of the greatest scorers.
  5. Stephen Curry: Revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, two-time MVP.
  6. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Two-time MVP and NBA champion, known for his versatility and dominance.
  7. Dirk Nowitzki: NBA champion and Finals MVP, one of the best power forwards ever.
  8. Shaquille O'Neal: Four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP, a dominant force in the paint.
  9. Kawhi Leonard: Two-time Finals MVP and two-time NBA champion, renowned for his defense.
  10. Dwyane Wade: Three-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, a leader on and off the court.
  11. Chris Paul: Renowned for his leadership and playmaking, 12-time All-Star.
  12. Kevin Garnett: NBA champion and MVP, known for his intensity and defense.
  13. Paul Pierce: NBA champion and Finals MVP, a clutch performer.
  14. Steve Nash: Two-time MVP, known for his exceptional playmaking and shooting.
  15. Russell Westbrook: MVP and triple-double machine, one of the most athletic guards.
  16. James Harden: MVP and prolific scorer, known for his offensive skills.
  17. Anthony Davis: NBA champion and dominant two-way player.
  18. Ray Allen: Two-time NBA champion and one of the best shooters in history.
  19. Carmelo Anthony: Scoring champion and one of the top scorers in NBA history.
  20. Tony Parker: Four-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, a key player for the Spurs.

Topic 2: "Soccer Stars"

"The footballers who defined the beautiful game."

These soccer stars have dazzled fans with their skills, broken records, and led their teams to glory. They have become icons in the world of sports, inspiring generations of football fans.

  1. Lionel Messi: Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, widely regarded as the greatest.
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Five-time Ballon d'Or winner and all-time leading scorer in UEFA Champions League.
  3. Ronaldinho: Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, known for his creativity and flair.
  4. Ronaldo Nazário: Two-time World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or winner, one of the greatest strikers.
  5. Zinedine Zidane: World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or winner, a maestro in midfield.
  6. Neymar Jr.: Known for his dribbling and scoring, a key player for Brazil and PSG.
  7. Andres Iniesta: World Cup winner and two-time European champion, a midfield magician.
  8. Xavi Hernandez: World Cup winner and one of the best passers in history.
  9. Kylian Mbappe: World Cup winner and one of the fastest players, a rising star.
  10. Thierry Henry: World Cup winner and one of the Premier League's best.
  11. Robert Lewandowski: Known for his scoring prowess, multiple-time Bundesliga top scorer.
  12. Zlatan Ibrahimović: Known for his scoring and charisma, a legend across several leagues.
  13. Luka Modric: Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup finalist, a maestro in midfield.
  14. Sergio Ramos: Known for his defense and leadership, multiple-time Champions League winner.
  15. David Beckham: Known for his free kicks and crosses, a global icon.
  16. Didier Drogba: Known for his clutch performances, especially in the Champions League.
  17. Luis Suarez: Known for his scoring and tenacity, a key player for Barcelona and Uruguay.
  18. Wayne Rooney: Manchester United's all-time top scorer and key player for England.
  19. Francesco Totti: Known for his loyalty to Roma and his playmaking skills.
  20. Manuel Neuer: Known for his goalkeeping and sweeper-keeper style, a World Cup winner.

Topic 3: "Tennis Titans"

"The legends of tennis who redefined the game."

These tennis players have dominated the courts, setting records and winning numerous Grand Slam titles. Their rivalries and performances have captivated audiences worldwide.

  1. Roger Federer: 20-time Grand Slam champion, known for his grace and dominance.
  2. Rafael Nadal: 22-time Grand Slam champion, known for his incredible clay court record.
  3. Novak Djokovic: 24-time Grand Slam champion, known for his resilience and consistency.
  4. Serena Williams: 23-time Grand Slam champion, a dominant force in women's tennis.
  5. Venus Williams: Seven-time Grand Slam champion and advocate for equal pay.
  6. Andy Murray: Three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
  7. Maria Sharapova: Five-time Grand Slam champion, known for her power and determination.
  8. Kim Clijsters: Four-time Grand Slam champion, known for her athleticism.
  9. Justine Henin: Seven-time Grand Slam champion, known for her all-around game.
  10. Stan Wawrinka: Three-time Grand Slam champion, known for his powerful backhand.
  11. Angelique Kerber: Three-time Grand Slam champion, known for her defense.
  12. Naomi Osaka: Four-time Grand Slam champion and advocate for mental health.
  13. Simona Halep: Two-time Grand Slam champion, known for her consistency.
  14. Caroline Wozniacki: Former world No. 1 and Australian Open champion.
  15. Victoria Azarenka: Two-time Grand Slam champion, known for her competitiveness.
  16. Garbine Muguruza: Two-time Grand Slam champion, known for her power.
  17. Petra Kvitova: Two-time Wimbledon champion, known for her powerful lefty game.
  18. Ashleigh Barty: Three-time Grand Slam champion, known for her all-court game.
  19. Lleyton Hewitt: Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1.
  20. Martina Hingis: Multiple-time Grand Slam champion, known for her doubles success.

Topic 4: "Olympians"

"The greatest Olympians of the 21st century."

These athletes have shone on the biggest stage of all: the Olympics. Their performances have earned them gold medals and set world records, making them legends in their sports.

  1. Michael Phelps: Most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals.
  2. Usain Bolt: Fastest man alive with eight Olympic golds.
  3. Simone Biles: Most decorated gymnast with seven Olympic medals.
  4. Katie Ledecky: Multiple-time gold medalist and world record holder in swimming.
  5. Allyson Felix: Most decorated female track athlete with 11 Olympic medals.
  6. Mo Farah: Multiple-time gold medalist in long-distance running.
  7. Ryan Lochte: Multiple-time gold medalist and one of the top swimmers.
  8. Yelena Isinbayeva: Two-time Olympic gold medalist and pole vault world record holder.
  9. Haile Gebrselassie: Multiple-time gold medalist in long-distance running.
  10. Kohei Uchimura: Seven-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics.
  11. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Multiple-time gold medalist in sprinting.
  12. David Rudisha: Two-time Olympic gold medalist and 800m world record holder.
  13. Chris Hoy: Six-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling.
  14. Alistair Brownlee: Two-time Olympic gold medalist in triathlon.
  15. Larisa Latynina: Held record for most Olympic medals before Phelps.
  16. Kenenisa Bekele: Multiple-time gold medalist in long-distance running.
  17. Genzebe Dibaba: Olympic and world champion in middle-distance running.
  18. Hicham El Guerrouj: Double gold medalist in middle-distance running.
  19. Chen Long: Olympic gold medalist in badminton.
  20. Claressa Shields: Two-time Olympic gold medalist in boxing.

Topic 5: "Multi-Sport Marvels"

"Athletes who excelled in multiple sports."

These athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility by excelling in multiple sports. Their achievements have made them legends across different fields.

  1. Bo Jackson: Known for his prowess in both football and baseball.
  2. Deion Sanders: Excelled in both NFL and MLB, a unique talent.
  3. Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Dominated track and field and also played basketball.
  4. Jim Thorpe: One of the greatest all-around athletes in history.
  5. Babe Didrikson Zaharias: Excelled in track and field, golf, and basketball.
  6. Brian Jordan: Played both MLB and NFL at a high level.
  7. Herschel Walker: Excelled in football and also competed in bobsledding.
  8. Marion Jones: Dominated track and field and also played basketball.
  9. Charlie Ward: Won the Heisman Trophy and played in the NBA.
  10. Tim Tebow: Known for his football career and also played baseball.
  11. Muggsy Bogues: Known for his basketball career and also played baseball.
  12. Danny Ainge: Played in both the NBA and MLB.
  13. Michael Jordan: Known for his basketball career and also played baseball.
  14. John Elway: Excelled in football and also played baseball.
  15. Dave Winfield: Played both baseball and basketball.
  16. Lionel Conacher: Excelled in football, hockey, and lacrosse.
  17. Bob Hayes: Dominated in track and field and played in the NFL.
  18. Bud Grant: Excelled in both football and basketball.
  19. Bruce Jenner: Olympic gold medalist and also played football.
  20. Shaun White: Known for his snowboarding and also competed in skateboarding.

Top 100 List

  1. LeBron James (Basketball)
  2. Lionel Messi (Soccer)
  3. Roger Federer (Tennis)
  4. Michael Phelps (Olympians)
  5. Tom Brady (Football)
  6. Serena Williams (Tennis)
  7. Usain Bolt (Olympians)
  8. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
  9. Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
  10. Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
  11. Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
  12. Simone Biles (Olympians)
  13. Tim Duncan (Basketball)
  14. Kevin Durant (Basketball)
  15. Katie Ledecky (Olympians)
  16. Shaquille O'Neal (Basketball)
  17. Stephen Curry (Basketball)
  18. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Basketball)
  19. Andy Murray (Tennis)
  20. Peyton Manning (Football)
  21. Dirk Nowitzki (Basketball)
  22. Tiger Woods (Golf)
  23. Ray Lewis (Football)
  24. Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)
  25. Floyd Mayweather (Boxing)
  26. Kevin Garnett (Basketball)
  27. Chris Paul (Basketball)
  28. Lewis Hamilton (F1)
  29. Patrick Mahomes (Football)
  30. Bryce Harper (Baseball)
  31. Virat Kohli (Cricket)
  32. Aaron Rodgers (Football)
  33. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Soccer)
  34. Venus Williams (Tennis)
  35. Neymar Jr. (Soccer)
  36. Kawhi Leonard (Basketball)
  37. Sheryl Swoopes (Basketball)
  38. Mike Trout (Baseball)
  39. Xavi Hernandez (Soccer)
  40. Andres Iniesta (Soccer)
  41. Wayne Rooney (Soccer)
  42. Ronaldinho (Soccer)
  43. Sergio Ramos (Soccer)
  44. Rory McIlroy (Golf)
  45. Maria Sharapova (Tennis)
  46. Annika Sorenstam (Golf)
  47. Paul Pierce (Basketball)
  48. Steve Nash (Basketball)
  49. Russell Westbrook (Basketball)
  50. James Harden (Basketball)
  51. Anthony Davis (Basketball)
  52. Kylian Mbappe (Soccer)
  53. Kevin De Bruyne (Soccer)
  54. Mohamed Salah (Soccer)
  55. Luka Modric (Soccer)
  56. David Beckham (Soccer)
  57. Didier Drogba (Soccer)
  58. Fernando Alonso (F1)
  59. Kim Clijsters (Tennis)
  60. Justine Henin (Tennis)
  61. Stan Wawrinka (Tennis)
  62. Angelique Kerber (Tennis)
  63. Naomi Osaka (Tennis)
  64. Simone Manuel (Olympians)
  65. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Olympians)
  66. Usain Bolt (Olympians)
  67. David Rudisha (Olympians)
  68. Chris Hoy (Olympians)
  69. Alistair Brownlee (Olympians)
  70. Larisa Latynina (Olympians)
  71. Kenenisa Bekele (Olympians)
  72. Genzebe Dibaba (Olympians)
  73. Hicham El Guerrouj (Olympians)
  74. Chen Long (Olympians)
  75. Claressa Shields (Olympians)
  76. Georges St-Pierre (MMA)
  77. Bernard Hopkins (Boxing)
  78. Roy Halladay (Baseball)
  79. Ronaldinho (Soccer)
  80. Andy Murray (Tennis)
  81. Lauren Jackson (Basketball)
  82. Kohei Uchimura (Gymnastics)
  83. Chris Paul (Basketball)
  84. Darrelle Revis (Football)
  85. A'ja Wilson (Basketball)
  86. Venus Williams (Tennis)
  87. Ronaldo Nazário (Soccer)
  88. Roy Halladay (Baseball)
  89. Annika Sorenstam (Golf)
  90. A'ja Wilson (Basketball)
  91. Aaron Rodgers (Football)
  92. Pedro Martinez (Baseball)
  93. Rory McIlroy (Golf)
  94. Ronaldinho (Soccer)
  95. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Soccer)
  96. Darrelle Revis (Football)
  97. Virat Kohli (Cricket)
  98. Connor McDavid (Hockey)
  99. Ed Reed (Football)
  100. Charles Woodson (Football)

Top 100 Table

Rank Name Topic Tagline
1 LeBron James Basketball "Four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP."
2 Lionel Messi Soccer "Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, World Cup champ."
3 Roger Federer Tennis "20-time Grand Slam champion, tennis legend."
4 Michael Phelps Olympians "Most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals."
5 Tom Brady Football "Seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time MVP."
6 Serena Williams Tennis "23-time Grand Slam champion, tennis icon."
7 Usain Bolt Olympians "Fastest man alive with eight Olympic golds."
8 Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer "Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, scoring machine."
9 Rafael Nadal Tennis "22-time Grand Slam champion, clay court king."
10 Novak Djokovic Tennis "24-time Grand Slam champion, resilient player."
11 Kobe Bryant Basketball "Five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP."
12 Simone Biles Olympians "Most decorated gymnast with seven Olympic medals."
13 Tim Duncan Basketball "Five-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP."
14 Kevin Durant Basketball "Two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP."
15 Katie Ledecky Olympians "Multiple-time gold medalist, swimming legend."
16 Shaquille O'Neal Basketball "Four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP."
17 Stephen Curry Basketball "Revolutionized basketball with his shooting."
18 Giannis Antetokounmpo Basketball "Two-time MVP, NBA champion, versatile player."
19 Andy Murray Tennis "Three-time Grand Slam champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist."
20 Peyton Manning Football "Two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time MVP."
21 Dirk Nowitzki Basketball "NBA champion, Finals MVP, one of the best power forwards."
22 Tiger Woods Golf "15-time major champion, revolutionized golf."
23 Ray Lewis Football "Two-time Super Bowl champion, legendary linebacker."
24 Manny Pacquiao Boxing "Eight-division world champion, boxing legend."
25 Floyd Mayweather Boxing "Undefeated boxing champion, defensive genius."
26 Kevin Garnett Basketball "NBA champion, MVP, known for his intensity."
27 Chris Paul Basketball "12-time All-Star, one of the greatest point guards."
28 Lewis Hamilton F1 "Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, dominant racer."
29 Patrick Mahomes Football "Two-time Super Bowl champion, dynamic quarterback."
30 Bryce Harper Baseball "Two-time MVP, known for his power and passion."
31 Virat Kohli Cricket "ODI World Cup champion, cricket superstar."
32 Aaron Rodgers Football "Four-time MVP, Super Bowl champion quarterback."
33 Zlatan Ibrahimović Soccer "511 career goals, 12 league titles, Swedish legend."
34 Venus Williams Tennis "Seven-time Grand Slam champion, advocate for equal pay."
35 Neymar Jr. Soccer "Brazilian star, known for his flair and dribbling."
36 Kawhi Leonard Basketball "Two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, defensive specialist."
37 Sheryl Swoopes Basketball "Four-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP, pioneer."
38 Mike Trout Baseball "Three-time MVP, one of the best players of his generation."
39 Xavi Hernandez Soccer "World Cup winner, one of the best midfielders ever."
40 Andres Iniesta Soccer "World Cup winner, midfield maestro."
41 Wayne Rooney Soccer "Manchester United's all-time top scorer, England star."
42 Ronaldinho Soccer "Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, joyful playmaker."
43 Sergio Ramos Soccer "Multiple-time Champions League winner, defensive leader."
44 Rory McIlroy Golf "Four-time major winner, one Masters away from a Grand Slam."
45 Maria Sharapova Tennis "Five-time Grand Slam champion, known for her resilience."
46 Annika Sorenstam Golf "Eight major wins, trailblazer in women's golf."
47 Paul Pierce Basketball "NBA champion, Finals MVP, known for his clutch performances."
48 Steve Nash Basketball "Two-time MVP, one of the best playmakers in NBA history."
49 Russell Westbrook Basketball "MVP, known for his triple-doubles and athleticism."
50 James Harden Basketball "MVP, known for his scoring and offensive skills."
51 Anthony Davis Basketball "NBA champion, elite two-way player."
52 Kylian Mbappe Soccer "World Cup winner, one of the fastest and most exciting players."
53 Kevin De Bruyne Soccer "Premier League star, known for his playmaking abilities."
54 Mohamed Salah Soccer "Premier League and Champions League winner, prolific goal scorer."
55 Luka Modric Soccer "Ballon d'Or winner, midfield genius."
56 David Beckham Soccer "Global icon, known for his crosses and free kicks."
57 Didier Drogba Soccer "Champions League winner, one of the best African players ever."
58 Fernando Alonso F1 "Two-time Formula 1 World Champion, consistent performer."
59 Kim Clijsters Tennis "Four-time Grand Slam champion, comeback queen."
60 Justine Henin Tennis "Seven-time Grand Slam champion, known for her all-around game."
61 Stan Wawrinka Tennis "Three-time Grand Slam champion, known for his powerful backhand."
62 Angelique Kerber Tennis "Three-time Grand Slam champion, known for her defense."
63 Naomi Osaka Tennis "Four-time Grand Slam champion, advocate for mental health."
64 Simone Manuel Olympians "Multiple-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming."
65 Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Olympians "Multiple-time gold medalist in sprinting."
66 Yelena Isinbayeva Olympians "Two-time Olympic pole vault champion, world record holder."
67 David Rudisha Olympians "Two-time Olympic gold medalist, 800m world record holder."
68 Chris Hoy Olympians "Six-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling."
69 Alistair Brownlee Olympians "Two-time Olympic gold medalist in triathlon."
70 Larisa Latynina Olympians "Held record for most Olympic medals before Phelps."
71 Kenenisa Bekele Olympians "Multiple-time gold medalist in long-distance running."
72 Genzebe Dibaba Olympians "Olympic and world champion in middle-distance running."
73 Hicham El Guerrouj Olympians "Double gold medalist in middle-distance running."
74 Chen Long Olympians "Olympic gold medalist in badminton."
75 Claressa Shields Olympians "Two-time Olympic gold medalist in boxing."
76 Georges St-Pierre MMA "UFC Hall of Famer, multiple-time welterweight champion."
77 Bernard Hopkins Boxing "Oldest ever boxing world champion, 20 middleweight title defenses."
78 Roy Halladay Baseball "Two-time Cy Young winner, Hall of Fame pitcher."
79 Ronaldinho Soccer "FIFA World Cup winner, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year."
80 Andy Murray Tennis "Three-time Grand Slam champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist."
81 Lauren Jackson Basketball "Two-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP, Hall of Famer."
82 Kohei Uchimura Gymnastics "Seven-time Olympic medalist, known for his consistency."
83 Chris Paul Basketball "NBA legend known for his playmaking and leadership."
84 Darrelle Revis Football "Seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, known for 'Revis Island'."
85 A'ja Wilson Basketball "Two-time WNBA champion, 2023 Finals MVP, and two-time MVP."
86 Venus Williams Tennis "Seven-time Grand Slam champion, pioneer for equal pay in tennis."
87 Ronaldo Nazário Soccer "Two-time FIFA World Cup winner, two-time Ballon d'Or winner."
88 Roy Halladay Baseball "Hall of Famer, known for his dominance as a pitcher."
89 Annika Sorenstam Golf "Eight-time major champion, trailblazer in women's golf."
90 A'ja Wilson Basketball "Two-time WNBA champion and MVP, dominant in WNBA."
91 Aaron Rodgers Football "Four-time NFL MVP, known for his passing efficiency."
92 Pedro Martinez Baseball "Hall of Famer, known for his dominance as a pitcher."
93 Rory McIlroy Golf "Four-time major champion, known for his consistency."
94 Ronaldinho Soccer "One of the most skillful and joyful players to ever grace the pitch."
95 Zlatan Ibrahimović Soccer "Known for his larger-than-life personality and goal-scoring ability."
96 Darrelle Revis Football "Four-time All-Pro, one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history."
97 Virat Kohli Cricket "India's cricket superstar, known for his consistency and passion."
98 Connor McDavid Hockey "Five-time Art Ross Trophy winner, three-time Hart Trophy winner."
99 Ed Reed Football "Hall of Fame safety, known for his playmaking and football IQ."
100 Charles Woodson Football "Heisman Trophy winner, NFL legend, Hall of Fame player."
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## Conclusion
The athletes on this list have not only achieved greatness in their respective sports but have also inspired millions around the world. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for their sports have set them apart as true legends. As we look back on their incredible achievements, we celebrate their contributions to the world of sports and the lasting impact they have made.