In a world where fans love to argue about everything from who’s the GOAT to which cereal is best for pregame fuel, there’s still a rare group of athletes who somehow manage to transcend rivalry. These are the legends who earn admiration across locker rooms, fan bases, and even generations, not just for what they did, but also for how they did it.
Respect like that isn’t easy to come by. Whether it’s through sportsmanship, longevity, leadership, or just being unshakably decent human beings, these 25 athletes earned near-universal praise — and yes, even their fiercest competitors tipped their caps.
25. Jimmie Johnson
He dominated NASCAR with quiet confidence and humility that made him impossible to dislike. Even non-racing fans respected how he carried himself on and off the track.
24. Steve Yzerman
As captain of the Red Wings, he led by example and never needed flash to command a room. Everyone saw him as the epitome of grace under pressure in the NHL.
23. Mia Hamm
She wasn’t just one of the best in women’s soccer — she was one of the most admired athletes of her era. Her humility and trailblazing legacy earned global admiration.
22. Cal Ripken Jr.
The Iron Man showed up every day and never made a fuss about it. Baseball fans of all kinds respected his work ethic and quiet leadership.
21. Magic Johnson
He played with infectious joy and made everyone around him better, on and off the court. His post-career business success and HIV advocacy only added to his legend.
20. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
She crushed world records and barriers with a smile on her face. Universally praised for her class, she made every competition feel like a celebration.
19. John Cena
Say what you want about pro wrestling, but Cena’s charity work and dedication outside the ring made him a role model. Even casual fans respect how much he gives back.
18. Drew Brees
He wasn’t the biggest or flashiest quarterback, but he earned everyone’s admiration with grit and heart. On and off the field, Brees was a leader people could count on and root for.
17. Sue Bird
She was a leader for two decades and somehow stayed beloved the entire time. Everyone in the WNBA and beyond admired how she handled her career and advocacy.
16. Tim Duncan
The Big Fundamental was all business and zero drama. His quiet dominance made him the ultimate teammate and a blueprint for what professionalism looks like.
15. Serena Williams
She dominated tennis while being unapologetically herself. Even those who rooted against her had no choice but to respect her greatness and perseverance.
14. Lionel Messi
He let his feet do the talking and never needed to stir the pot to make headlines. Messi’s humble nature only made his magic more beloved around the globe.
13. Larry Fitzgerald
He played for years on some mediocre teams but never once complained. Widely regarded as one of the nicest guys in NFL history, he was respected by teammates and rivals alike.
12. Simone Biles
She flipped, flew, and flat-out redefined gymnastics — all while openly advocating for mental health. Her courage earned her admiration well beyond the sports world.
11. Tom Brady
Yes, he had haters during his prime, but by the end, even they came around. Brady’s discipline, longevity, and leadership eventually won over just about everyone.
10. Jackie Robinson
Breaking the color barrier wasn’t just brave — it was history-making. His strength, grace, and humility under unimaginable pressure earned lasting respect from all corners.
9. Derek Jeter
Even if you hated the Yankees, you probably respected The Captain. He kept his head down, stayed out of drama, and always delivered in the clutch.
8. Roger Federer
Federer made tennis look easy and sportsmanship look cooler than ever. Fans loved him, rivals respected him, and ball kids probably still talk about him.
7. Walter Payton
They called him “Sweetness” for a reason — on and off the field. He ran like a freight train but lived with immense kindness and humility.
6. Billie Jean King
Her contributions to tennis were immense, but her fight for gender equality was even more significant. She’s as respected for her advocacy as she is for her athletic achievements.
5. Kobe Bryant
Kobe’s legacy evolved in real time, and by the end, he was viewed as both a fierce competitor and a mentor. His second act made people respect the whole picture even more.
4. Wayne Gretzky
He was so much better than everyone else, yet you’d never catch him acting like it. The Great One made hockey fans out of non-hockey people simply by being that likable.
3. Jim Brown
A powerhouse on the field and a force off it, Jim Brown earned universal respect through his advocacy and influence. He was more than a football player — he was a changemaker.
Read More: The 15 Most Respected Leaders in Sports History
2. Muhammad Ali
He talked big and backed it up even bigger, but there was always a more profound message behind the bravado. Ali stood for something, and the world never forgot it.
Read More: 15 Most Respectful Rivals in Sports History
1. Michael Jordan
There may be debates about the GOAT, but not about the respect he commands. Jordan’s intensity, success, and global influence made him admired even by those who tried—and failed—to beat him.
Read More: Ranking the 30 Most Respectful Athletes of All Time
