10. Usain Bolt (Athletics), Jamaica
Luckily the Jamaican is able to live up to his ironic last name, as he has smashed world records time and time again. When talking about that night in Berlin, 2009, Bolt is quoted In his autobiography saying "I was slowing down long before the finish and wasn’t tired at all. I could have gone back to the start all over again." With this kind of enthusiasm and child-like passion for his sport, Bolt is bound for a wealth of success and a following of thousands of fans.
9. Floyd Mayweather (Boxing), USA
The Money is a controversial figure amongst boxing fans. Some see Mayweather as a genius in the ring—a Goliath amongst mortal men when it comes to mastering the sweet science.
Others see him as a lesser impressive version of Sugar Ray—a jumped-up and arrogant individual who’s abilities and talents have been drowned by an ego, so big, that Muhammad Ali looks humble beside him.
8. Lewis Hamilton (F1), England
Lewis Hamilton has got it all. The boyhood dream of being a racing driver, the dashing good looks of a prince and the super sexy Nicole Sherzinger as his princess...not bad at the age of 26.
To go with all of this, whilst he is racing around in his McLaren Formula 1 rocket, a wage of extreme proportions is getting dumped into his bank account every month. If this is still not enough to make him a popular, if not envious, guy—then his charm and reserved manner when conducting interviews are certainly winners amongst his fans.
7. Randy Couture (Martial Arts), USA
What is not to love about Randy "The Natural" Couture? The man is a living legend of the UFC. His countless underdog brawls which have seen him ultimately overwhelm his, theoretically, superior opponent have helped him win the hearts of so many UFC fans around the world.
Randy has been a part of many epic encounters with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Vitor Belfort and even the man mountain Brock Lesnar. Couture fought well into his forties, 47 in fact, which is an impressive feat in itself.
6. Lionel Messi (Football), Argentina
A long time ago there was a football player by the name of Diego Maradona. He changed the game completely. His diminutive stature and unearthly speed on the ball was something the beautiful game had never quite seen before. A lot of people said they would never see it again.
5. Manny Pacquaio (Boxing), Philippines
Manny Pacquiao’s lightning fast hands, supremely swift footwork and shark-like predatory instincts have propelled him to the forefront of boxing’s ambassadors of the modern era. The Filipino has crushed 53 of his 58 opponents—38 of them by knockout. An impressive record by anyone’s standards. He’s beat big names too: Barrera, De la Hoya, Hatton and Mosley.
The current state of affairs regarding his position in the potential Mayweather fight is somewhat ambiguous though. Some say Mayweather is ducking the encounter, whilst others are determined that Pacquaio is avoiding a blood test.
But the fact of the matter is, Pacquiao has not ducked any fights before this and, for that reason, has earned a following of fans who believe Pacman to be the small candle of hope from which boxing can be revived.
4. Roger Federer (Tennis), Switzerland
Roger Federer is arguably the greatest tennis player in the history of the game. His success is only half of the story when it comes to his popularity however. His persona and aura when on-court is something quite different to the rest of the field.
Yes Rafael Nadal is quick and relentless, and Andy Roddick is brutally strong and precise—but nothing quite beats the sight of the cool, calm Swiss coasting across the court; turning this high-exertion sport into a graceful ballet. It is something you cannot quite place your finger on, it is vague and inexplicable, but when Roger Federer walks into a game in the height of his form—it becomes artistic. It makes me proud to be a human being when I see what some of us are capable of doing.
3. Georges St. Pierre (Martial Arts), Canada
How Georges St. Pierre has managed to maintain his handsome features whilst facing some of the toughest fighters on the planet defies all logical sense. The man is simply a god amongst his fans. I should know, I am one of them.
The French-Canadian has a charm and charisma which no other fighter seems to possess. His cheeky accent and innocent humour has proved to be a winner amongst a large fan base in the UFC. Along with this, his consistent sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct has gained him the respect of fellow fighters too.
2. LeBron James (Basketball), USA
LeBron James is already regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever. His uncompromising talent on-court has seen him compared with the likes of Michael Jordan himself. As well as this, a constant chatter rings amongst universities and colleges across the U.S.—who is better, Kobe or LeBron?.
To which some reply with the Lakers legend—but most reply with the seven-time NBA All-Star, Miami Heat hero, LeBron James. With the colossal following that basketball has in the United States, it is no wonder that the most popular basketball player has to be on this list. His fan base spans across all of America, just as Jordan’s did—making him a hugely—6'8" to be precise—popular athlete.
1. David Beckham (Football), England
Ahh yes, the Golden Boy of Soccer.
Could anyone else have been No. 1...really?
David Beckham is every bit the celebrity and superstar as he is the complete footballer. What happens when you combine those enviously good lucks and charms of a perfect male model with the skills of a world class footballer? One of THE most popular athletes in the world—possibly in history.
