In today’s world, athletes are leveraging their influence to champion critical social and political causes, transcending their roles beyond the sports arenas. This article delves into the stories of 15 renowned athletes who have become leading voices in activism.
From promoting racial justice to advocating for gender equality and human rights, these athletes are using their platforms to drive substantial social change and inspire others to follow suit.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James has become one of the most politically outspoken athletes, endorsing Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. He co-founded More Than a Vote to combat voter suppression and has been vocal about racial injustice. James uses his platform to address social issues and inspire athlete activism, making him a prominent figure in sports and politics.
2. Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick sparked a nationwide movement by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. His actions led to significant controversy and ultimately cost him his NFL career. Kaepernick continues his activism through his Know Your Rights Camp and various social justice initiatives, inspiring athletes worldwide to use their platforms for change.
3. Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe, soccer star and LGBTQ+ activist, has been a vocal advocate for gender pay equity, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. She famously kneeled during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and led the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s fight for equal pay, resulting in a landmark $24 million settlement in 2022.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been a social justice champion since the 1960s. The NBA legend continues to use his platform to advocate for civil rights and educate others. In 2021, the NBA created the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, recognizing players who pursue social justice and uphold the league’s values of equality and inclusion.
5. Billie Jean King
Tennis legend Billie Jean King has been a tireless advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Recently named the 2025 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal, King continues to use her platform for social change. Her Billie Jean King Foundation promotes fairness and opportunity through sports, education, and activism.
6. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali transcended boxing to become a global icon for civil rights and social justice. He refused military service during the Vietnam War, sacrificing his career for his beliefs. Ali’s activism extended to racial equality, religious freedom, and humanitarian causes worldwide, inspiring generations of athletes to use their platforms for social change.
7. Serena Williams
Serena Williams has used her platform to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, and women’s rights. She’s spoken out against police brutality, supported the Black Lives Matter movement, and pushed for equal pay in tennis. Williams has also been vocal about maternal health issues, particularly for Black women, drawing from her own experiences.
8. Martina Navratilova
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and women’s sports. Recently, she surprised many by agreeing with Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender women from female sports, criticizing Democrats for “failing women and girls” on this issue. Navratilova continues to be outspoken on various political topics, often sparking controversy.
9. Chris Long
Chris Long, former NFL defensive end, has been outspoken on social issues, particularly racial inequality. He donated his entire 2017 salary to educational charities and refused to visit the White House after winning Super Bowl LII with the Eagles. Long continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice and equality.
10. Maya Moore
Maya Moore, WNBA star, stepped away from basketball in 2019 to focus on criminal justice reform. She successfully advocated for Jonathan Irons’ wrongful conviction to be overturned in 2020. Moore’s activism has inspired other athletes and brought attention to systemic issues in the justice system.
11. Enes Kanter Freedom
NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is known for his outspoken criticism of authoritarian regimes, particularly Turkey and China. He’s faced threats and exile for opposing Turkish President Erdoğan and has called out China’s human rights abuses. Freedom’s activism has impacted his basketball career, but he remains committed to using his platform for political causes.
12. Naomi Osaka
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has become a powerful voice for social justice, using her platform to support Black Lives Matter. At the 2020 U.S. Open, she wore masks bearing names of Black victims of police violence. Osaka has also spoken out against anti-Asian hate and advocated for mental health awareness in sports.
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13. Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics star, is a vocal advocate for social justice and education reform. He’s launched initiatives like the Boston Xchange to create generational wealth in underserved communities and spoken out against systemic racism. Brown’s activism extends beyond basketball, making him a prominent voice for change in professional sports.
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14. Brittney Griner
WNBA star Brittney Griner has become a prominent voice for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. Her detention in Russia in 2022 sparked international attention and highlighted issues of equality and human rights. Since her release, Griner has continued to advocate for wrongfully detained Americans and marginalized communities, using her platform to push for positive change.
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15. Marcus Rashford
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has become a powerful political voice, campaigning against child food poverty in the UK. His efforts led to government policy changes, including the extension of free school meals during holidays. Rashford’s activism has earned him widespread praise and an MBE for his services to vulnerable children.
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