Messi Third, Ronaldo 13th in ESPN’s Top 100 Athletes of the 21st Century
Lionel Messi of Argentina claims the top spot among footballers in ESPN’s ranking of the greatest athletes of the 21st century, securing the number three position overall. Swimmer Michael Phelps takes the top honor.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, follows at number 13, failing to crack the top ten.
Other notable footballers include:
• Marta (Brazil’s women’s team): 32nd
• Thierry Henry (Arsenal): 48th
• Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona women’s team): 49th
• Zinedine Zidane (former player): 50th
• Luka Modric (Real Madrid): 55th
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): 65th
• Ronaldo Nazario (former player): 87th (surprisingly low)
The list excludes several legendary names like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Luka Modric from the top five footballers.