There’s a fine line between confidence and outright narcissism—and some athletes took a running leap over it. Sure, you have to believe in yourself to succeed at the highest level, but these 25 stars made it their whole personality.
Whether talking in third person, refusing to take the blame, or needing the spotlight at all times, these athletes ensured the world revolved around them. Some backed it up, some didn’t, but all had egos that could fill a stadium.
25. Richard Sherman
He was bright and loud, and I’m sure he was better than you. And he didn’t care who knew it, especially if a camera was nearby.
24. Cam Newton
Cam’s confidence was electric but often teetered into “look at me” territory. When the spotlight was on, he made sure it stayed there.
23. Ryan Lochte
The Olympic swimmer was as flashy as his medals. He loved being a star almost as much as being in the pool.
22. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football believed he was a legend before proving anything. His swagger outweighed his stat line more often than not.
21. Bryce Harper
Bryce has never been short on self-assurance, the hair, the bat flips, or the attitude. But sometimes it felt like he was more brand than ballplayer.
20. Deion Sanders
Prime Time didn’t just play football—he performed it. Confidence? More like a one-man hype machine in cleats.
19. Nick Kyrgios
He talks, yells, smashes rackets—and somehow it’s still all about him. Kyrgios plays tennis with the energy of a guy arguing with a mirror.
18. Ronda Rousey
She was unstoppable—until reality hit—but the swagger never left. Even in loss, she carried herself like the headline act.
17. Jalen Ramsey
He trash-talked like a Hall of Famer from day one. If he wasn’t guarding a receiver, he was probably praising himself.
16. Alex Rodriguez
Sure, A-Rod was talented, but he also seemed to love himself more than Yankees fans could. Mirrors and microphones were always welcome in his locker.
15. Floyd Mayweather
He didn’t just want to win—he wanted you to know he was richer, faster, and better than you. Humility was never in his corner.
14. Aaron Rodgers
He knows he’s the smartest guy in the room and’ll tell you, too. Whether on the field or in interviews, it’s always the Aaron show.
13. Baker Mayfield
From planting flags to grabbing headlines, Baker always made it personal. Confidence wasn’t his issue—knowing when to dial it back was.
12. Russell Westbrook
Triple-doubles were his trademark, but so was taking everything personally. Westbrook’s intensity often came with a side of “me-first” energy.
11. Bo Jackson
Bo knew just how great Bo was. His legend is absolute—but so is the ego that came with it.
10. Serena Williams
Serena’s dominance was unmatched, and she knew it. Her self-belief sometimes pushed into “I can do no wrong” territory.
9. Odell Beckham Jr.
One-handed catches and headline-grabbing outfits were just part of the package. OBJ never met a spotlight he didn’t love.
8. Allen Iverson
Practice? He didn’t need it—and didn’t care what you thought about it. AI walked like he ran the league, even when he didn’t.
7. Jose Canseco
Before social media, Canseco was already a walking, talking ego. And when Twitter came along, he just turned the volume up.
6. Patrick Reed
Loved by few and confident like millions adore him. Reed’s self-assurance on the golf course has often rubbed people the wrong way
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 13, 2024; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Al Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted in a Saudi Pro League soccer match at King Abdullah Sports City. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-2025-05-25T185818.896-1024x658.png)
CR7 celebrates goals like he’s winning a world title every time. Talent aside, his self-admiration could be seen from space.
4. Antonio Brown
The skills were there, but so were the antics, drama, and endless self-promotion. AB believed in AB more than any coach ever could.
3. Conor McGregor
Trash talk is an art, and McGregor painted every canvas with himself. Whether in victory or defeat, his ego never took a loss.
2. Michael Jordan
He was the GOAT—and he never let anyone forget it. Jordan’s confidence was legendary, but so was his need to dominate every room.
1. Terrell Owens
If there were a camera, TO was talking. “I love me some me” wasn’t just a quote—it was his worldview.
