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In today's ever-evolving sports world, fame exceeds competition, with these 10 athletes standing out as global icons who influence culture, business, and society far beyond stadiums.
Fame has risen above the stadiums, arenas, and tracks in the ever-changing world of sports. Today, athletes are not only competitors but also global icons and leaders.
The influence of the athletes goes beyond their favourite sports, and some include ventures into other areas like fashion, business, entertainment, politics, and humanitarian work.
In 2025, sports and the larger society have a stronger connection, and a select group of athletes has risen above the rest to dominate not only headlines but also the collective imagination of fans across continents.
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10:43 - 26.04.2025
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For athletes, the landscape of fame has evolved dramatically and is no longer defined solely by trophies, medals, or championships.
An athlete’s presence on social media, involvement in social causes, and personal narratives are equally important. Fans have the desire to connect with their favourite athletes on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya looks into the top 10 athletes who represent different facets of modern fame. The list includes legends who have sustained brilliance for decades, while others are young superstars rapidly shaping the future of their sports.
Ranking 10 most famous athletes in the world right now
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Football – Portugal)
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Cristiano Ronaldo is undeniably one of the world’s most famous athletes right now, and even at 40, he remains relevant in global sports.
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09:44 - 26.04.2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo now plays for Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia and has managed to maintain his goal-scoring ability while balancing it with his fame off the pitch.
He has over 650 million followers on Instagram and also has a huge following on his other social media platforms, making him a very suitable marketing powerhouse.
At the end of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo was among the highest-paid athletes, earning around $285 million through both salary and endorsements.
He is not only a great footballer but also, beyond his life on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo successfully expanded into fashion, fitness, and hospitality businesses.
2) Lionel Messi (Football – Argentina)
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Lionel Messi is often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and as he continues to break records on the pitch at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, his brand off the pitch has also been a point of interest from fans.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2024 Copa America and was awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball, expanding his brand even further.
Thanks to his steady growth in North America, Lionel Messi brought a surge of attention and revenue to MLS.
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11:05 - 27.04.2025
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Off the pitch, he is a beloved figure for his humility and philanthropic work, recently receiving the US Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to sports and international goodwill.
He has more than 500 million followers on Instagram, where he mostly updates his life on and off the pitch, giving fans a glimpse of what he does on a daily basis.
3) LeBron James (Basketball – United States)
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Lebron James could not miss the list of the 10 most famous athletes right now, thanks to his talent on the basketball court and his glamorous life outside of the sport.
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Now in his 22nd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Lebron James has tied with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
In 2024, he made history by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, for the Los Angeles Lakers, the first-ever father-son duo in the NBA.
Lebron James continues to add to his scoring record while being influential through his media company, SpringHill. He is also very actively involved in social justice issues.
He is heavily involved in philanthropy through the LeBron James Family Foundation, which focuses on education initiatives for underprivileged youth.
He also has a huge social media presence where he shares most of his activities off the court, mostly spending time with his family.
4) Simone Biles (Gymnastics – United States)
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Simone Biles is often considered one of the greatest gymnasts, and it can all be seen from her impressive performances.
After a brief break, Simone Biles made a comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, winning three golds and one silver medal.
At the World Championships, she remains one of the most accomplished gymnasts, having won 30 medals. On top of that, her 11 Olympic medals make her the most decorated gymnast in history.
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Her openness about mental health has inspired millions worldwide, positioning her as not just a gymnastics legend but also a cultural icon.
In 2025, Simone Biles was awarded the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, and she continues to work on programs supporting young athletes, particularly focusing on mental health resources in sports.
She stands as a beacon of hope to many young girls, and her great social media presence makes it easier for people to interact with her and follow her lifestyle.
5) Novak Djokovic (Tennis – Serbia)
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Novak Djokovic cemented his place as one of the greatest tennis players by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With that feat, he completed a Career Golden Slam, a feat achieved by very few. As of 2025, he holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles across men's tennis, solidifying his case as the greatest of all time.
Off the court, Novak Djokovic is known for his investments in wellness and biotech industries. He is also well-known for his work through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which supports early childhood education.
6) Kylian Mbappé (Football – France)
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Kylian Mbappé is also at the forefront of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world right now. After leading France to the finals of the 2022 World Cup and earning the Golden Boot, Kylian Mbappe continued making waves in the world of football.
He went on to shine for Real Madrid after his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Kylian Mbappé is a marketing favourite and an ambassador for major brands like Nike and Hublot.
He is also active in philanthropy, supporting youth sports initiatives in underprivileged communities in France and Africa.
7) Max Verstappen (Formula 1 – Netherlands)
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Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1, and he remains a force to reckon with. Until 2024, Max Verstappen has won four consecutive World Championships.
He has redefined Formula 1’s standards with his impressive performances, and off the track, he also remains a key figure.
Verstappen’s global appeal has led to major endorsements and expanded F1’s reach, especially in the United States.
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The Red Bull athlete has a huge following on social media, but is very secretive when it comes to his personal life, as he mostly shares his life as a sports person.
8) Mondo Duplantis (Athletics – Sweden)
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The Swedish-American pole vaulter continues to amaze the masses with his record-breaking pole vault performances.
Mondo Duplantis has broken the pole vault world record 11 times and is the only athlete to have done that multiple times since 2020.
He claimed his second Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024, also breaking the world record. He remains one of the most consistent pole vaulters in the world and is the most dominant, with little to no competition standing in his way.
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22:55 - 25.04.2025
Heartbreak for Junior Starlets as World Cup Dream Ends After Rollercoaster Clash With Cameroon
Kenya fought valiantly in Yaoundé but ultimately fell short as Cameroon secured World Cup qualification with composure.
His charming personality and consistent dominance have made him one of the biggest names in track and field.
Mondo Duplantis was awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2025. He is expanding his influence by promoting athletics to younger audiences worldwide.
9) Naomi Osaka (Tennis – Japan)
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Despite temporarily stepping back from professional tennis, Naomi Osaka remains one of the world’s most influential athletes.
She returned to competition in 2025 after becoming a mother and has continued to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and racial equality.
Osaka’s brand power transcends tennis, with major sponsorships from companies like Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Beats by Dre. Her authenticity and willingness to speak on personal struggles have made her a beloved figure beyond the world of sports.
10) Tiger Woods
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Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, and he is the youngest golfer to win the golf Grand Slam. He achieved the feat at the age of 24 in 2000.
Since then, he has claimed the award two more times, becoming only the second golfer after Jack Nicklaus to achieve that distinction.
Throughout his remarkable career, Woods has also secured 15 major golf championships and 81 PGA Tour victories.
In recognition of his impact beyond the sport, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, making him just the fourth golfer in history to receive this prestigious honour.
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