Ranking the 25 Most Universally Respected Athletes Ever

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

Jimmie Johnson
Flickr

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

Steve Yzerman
Wikimedia Commons

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

Mia Hamm in Intel uniform with headset
Flickr

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.

Cal Ripken Jr.
Wikimedia Commons

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

Magic Johnson
Wikimedia Commons

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

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is jumping
Wikimedia Commons

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

John Cena
Flickr

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

Drew Brees
Flickr

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

Sue Bird
Flickr

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

Tim Duncan
Flickr

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

Serena Williams playing a tennis
Flickr

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

Lionel Messi
Flickr

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

Larry Fitzgerald
Wikimedia Commons

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

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast
Flickr

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

Tom Brady
Wikimedia Commons

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

Jackie Robinson
Wikimedia Commons

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

Derek Jeter
Flickr

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

Roger Federer is playing with a tennis ball
Flickr

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

Walter Payton
Flickr

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

Billie Jean King
Flickr

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 Bryant
Wikimedia Commons

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

Wayne Gretzky
Flickr

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

Jim Brown
Wikimedia Commons

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

Muhammad Ali seeing other side
Wikipedia

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

Michael Jordan is smiling
Flickr

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

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