Some athletes want to win. Some want to dominate. And then there’s a special group who want to be adored while doing it.
From social media charm offensives to carefully curated redemption arcs, these athletes craved more than stats and trophies—affection, applause, and maybe a few too many interviews about how misunderstood they were. Let’s count down the athletes who tried their hardest to win over everyone’s hearts, and see whether it worked.
24. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod always wanted to be the guy fans embraced like Derek Jeter. Instead, he got a whole lot of boos and a legacy that took years to clean up.
23. Kyrie Irving
He wants people to understand him, but his explanation tours usually lead to even more confusion. It’s a never-ending loop of “please get me” energy.
22. Rickie Fowler
Golf’s nice guy has always seemed like one major win away from universal love. Even when he’s not winning, the orange outfits still beg attention.
21. Paul George
Every nickname, every comeback quote—it’s all part of the PG-13 cinematic universe. He wants fans to buy in like it’s a blockbuster.
20. Cam Newton
He dabbed, smiled, and handed footballs to the kids. Cam craved adoration, but the love cooled fast when he lost the spotlight.
19. Johnny Manziel
He wanted to be the cool kid who could party on Saturday and win on Sunday. Unfortunately, the love faded when the losses piled up.
18. Bryce Harper
Bryce showed up with the hair, the hustle, and the hype. He’s always walked the line between villain and fan favorite, hoping to tilt it toward love.
17. Dwight Howard
He tried to be the lovable big man with jokes and dunks. But all that smiling didn’t stop fans from getting annoyed whenever he changed teams.
16. Serena Williams
Serena demanded respect and admiration—and deserved it. But for much of her career, she had to fight for the love that should’ve come more easily.
15. Tony Romo
He wanted to be the charming, relatable quarterback who finally brought Dallas back. Instead, he was remembered for near misses and meme-worthy moments.
14. Patrick Beverley
He talks, flexes, and wants you to think he’s the heart and soul of every team. Deep down, he wants people to say he matters.
13. Reggie Bush
From Heisman hype to Hollywood relationships, Reggie was built to be beloved. And for a while, he nearly pulled it off.
12. Russell Wilson
Every “Go Hawks,” every Instagram prayer was a play for public affection. And let’s say not everyone bought it.
11. Grayson Allen
He tried to walk the tightrope of gritty competitor and misunderstood underdog. But flopping and tripping don’t exactly win hearts.
10. Maria Sharapova
She always positioned herself as the elegant, likable foil to Serena. But the desperate brand-building often felt more curated than real.
9. Le’Veon Bell
He rapped, held out, and wanted the love and respect he felt he earned. Instead, fans mostly gave him the cold shoulder.
8. Tim Tebow
He wanted to be America’s golden boy, and for a moment, he was. But even sainthood couldn’t keep the NFL dream alive.
7. Conor McGregor
He’s loud, brash, and controversial—but underneath all that, he wants to be worshipped. And when the losses started coming, he didn’t take it well.
6. Odell Beckham Jr.
The one-handed catch made him a star, but OBJ wanted more than highlights—he wanted love. And every trade rumor, tweet, and outfit felt like another cry for it.
5. Simone Biles
She opened up, stepped back, and showed the world her vulnerability. It was a brave, heartfelt way of asking for understanding and compassion.
4. Terrell Owens
He cried on camera defending his quarterback. No one tried harder to be the hero and the victim in the same breath.
3. Novak Djokovic
He’s tried everything to get the same affection Federer and Nadal receive. But somehow, the harder he tries, the further it feels.
Read More: The 15 Most Unapologetic Players in MLB History
2. Baker Mayfield
From walk-on to No. 1 pick, Baker’s entire brand was built on winning you over. When the wins stopped, the charm offensive only ramped up.
Read More: 15 NFL Teams That Got Desperate and It Backfired
1. LeBron James
He’s one of the greatest of all time, but still wants to be universally adored. From “The Decision” to “I’m just a kid from Akron,” LeBron’s never stopped chasing love, on and off the court.
Read More: Ranking the 15 NFL Quarterbacks Everyone Wants to Be Friends With
