The 45 Greatest Athletes of All Time

Sportsmen and women are the modern-day gladiators who are idolized across the globe. So, today we celebrate the greatest athletes of all time. From football to Formula One, boxing to baseball, and soccer to err… skateboarding. As all ranked lists are subjective, we don’t expect you to agree but expect a few unfamiliar names. As we cross the finish line, we hope to say, “Are you not entertained?”

During his 18 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning was one of the best-ever regular-season QBs in NFL history. His speed, intelligence, quick release, awareness, accuracy, preparation, and tinkering could unlock any defense, stamping his reputation as a thoroughly modern QB.

Zinedine Zidane is among the best French soccer players, along with the exceptional Thierry Henry and Michel Platini. In fact, he's one of the best soccer players ever. Period. His excellent ball control, dribbling skills, elegance, vision, leadership, and magic touch made Zizou an absolute master of the game. Zidane led France to win the 1998 World Cup.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was inspired to compete in the heptathlon after seeing a movie about Babe Didrikson Zaharias. If you're wondering, the heptathlon features 100m hurdles, 200m, 800m, high jump, shot put, long jump, and javelin. Joyner-Kersee became a heptathlete and long jumper. JJK won three gold medals, one silver, and two bronze in the heptathlon and long jump over four Olympic Games.

Another athlete who had a movie made about him was British middle-distance runner Roger Bannister. The film was Chariots of Fire. Even if you don't recognize the film, you definitely know the music. In 1954, he became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes.