Top 7 Most Influential Female Athletes in 2025

These influential female athletes are not only dominating their sports in 2025 but also using their platforms to inspire change and redefine what is possible for women globally.

The sports landscape in the world is being shaped in a dramatic way with incredibly talented and influential female athletes.

Beyond their performances on the field, court, or track, these women are using their platforms and talents to drive social change, advocate for equality, and inspire millions globally.

In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya looks at the seven female athletes who are set to continue their immense impact, both within and beyond their respective sports.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

1) Faith Kipyegon (Athletics)

Faith Kipyegon keeps showing the world that women can break barriers and do the impossible through her exploits on the track.

The 1500m world record holder’s recent unbelievable project was bidding to become the world’s first woman to go under four seconds in a mile.

Despite falling short, Faith Kipyegon dared to dream and challenged women and girls to take on the impossible. Other than that, Faith Kipyegon, a mother of one is also a three-time Olympic champion in the 1500m (2016, 2020, 2024), and she also holds the world records in the 1500m and the mile.

In 2024, she became the first athlete ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, an unprecedented feat.

Faith Kipyegon's incredible achievements and her inspiring pursuit of seemingly impossible feats solidify her as one of the most influential athletes of 2025, particularly within the realm of athletics and beyond.

2) Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

A living legend, Simone Biles has continued redefining what is possible in gymnastics while championing mental health awareness.

Simone Biles has showcased a courageous decision to prioritise her well-being, and through that, she has resonated globally, making her a powerful advocate for athletes' mental health.

As she continues to compete and inspire, Simone Biles remains one of the most recognisable and influential figures in sports, with a reach that extends far beyond the gymnastics mat.

Simone Biles is also the most decorated American gymnast of all time, with a remarkable 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold, two silver, and two bronze.

At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Simone Biles notably withdrew from several events due to a mental block, highlighting her commitment to mental health.

Beyond her Olympic success, Simone Biles is also the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history, with an astounding 30 medals (23 gold, four silver, three bronze).

3) Coco Gauff (Tennis)

At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has already cemented her place as a Grand Slam champion and a major force in tennis.

Coco Gauff has always combined her superb style of play with her outspoken advocacy for social justice and racial equality, something that makes her a multifaceted icon.

Her influence transcends the court, as she actively uses her platform to push for positive change and inspire young people worldwide.

Coco Gauff has boldly spoken about various issues, including racial equality, climate change, and LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years. She also advocates for fair treatment of female players in tennis, pushing for more prime-time slots for women's matches.

Beyond her influence off the court, Coco Gauff is also a force to reckon with on the court as she secured her first major singles title at the 2023 US Open, marking a historic moment on home soil.

She continued her impressive trajectory in 2024 by winning the WTA Finals and the French Open in doubles (with Kateřina Siniaková), and reaching the semifinals of both the Australian Open and French Open in singles.

The year 2025 has already seen Coco Gauff add to her remarkable resume, having won her second major singles title at the French Open. This victory, where she defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, further solidifies her standing as a top contender in the sport.

4) Aitana Bonmatí (Football)

Aitana Bonmatí has solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in women's football, not only for her exceptional talent on the pitch but also for her powerful voice advocating for significant change within the sport.

Her career with FC Barcelona has been nothing short of dominant, and led the club to numerous titles, including multiple Liga F championships and several UEFA Women's Champions League trophies.

She also played a pivotal role in Spain's historic FIFA Women's World Cup victory in 2023. Her stellar performances throughout the tournament earned her the Golden Ball as the best player.

This was followed by leading Spain to their first UEFA Women's Nations League title in 2024, where she was also named the Player of the Finals.

Beyond her success on the field, Bonmatí has also emerged as a compelling advocate for gender equality in sports. She understands the power of her platform and consistently uses it to address critical issues facing women's football.

Bonmatí has been particularly vocal about the gender pay gap in football and fought hard to ensure equitable representation for women at all levels of the sport, from players to governance.

She has also openly discussed the importance of mental health, advocating for athletes to prioritise their well-being and seek professional support when needed.

5) A'ja Wilson (Basketball)

A two-time WNBA champion and multiple MVP award winner, A'ja Wilson is a dominant force on the basketball court.

In the 2025 WNBA season, A'ja Wilson has continued to showcase her unparalleled talent. As of late June 2025, she made WNBA history by becoming the fastest player to score 5,000 career points, achieving this milestone in just 238 games, surpassing Breanna Stewart's previous record.

Off the court, A'ja Wilson continues to be a powerful voice for social causes. Her A'ja Wilson Foundation remains dedicated to bullying prevention and dyslexia awareness, issues close to her heart.

She also co-founded the WNBA's Social Justice Council and uses her platform to champion racial justice, mental health, and women's equality in sports.

Wilson is not only a celebrated athlete but also a vital cultural figure, serving as a role model who exemplifies strength.

She was also notably the first WNBA player to be the global cover athlete for NBA 2K25, further cementing her cultural impact.

6) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Athletics)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, affectionately known as the ‘Pocket Rocket’ due to her diminutive stature and explosive speed, is a Jamaican track and field icon.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is an eight-time Olympic medallist, including three gold, four silver, and one bronze. She made history as the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic gold in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a title she successfully defended in London 2012.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also secured silver in the 100m at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), becoming the first 100m sprinter to win individual medals in four consecutive Olympic Games.

Her success at the World Athletics Championships is even more profound, with a staggering ten gold, five silver, and one bronze medal.

She holds an unprecedented five 100m world titles (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022), a feat unmatched by any male or female sprinter.

Her return to elite competition after giving birth to her son, Zyon, in 2017 is a testament to her extraordinary resilience and determination.

Her 2019 World Championship 100m gold at age 32 made her the oldest female sprinter and the first mother in 24 years to claim a global 100m title.

Beyond the track, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce founded her Pocket Rocket Foundation in 2013. Her foundation offers scholarships covering tuition, books, lunch, and transportation, ensuring a balance between sports and education.

Since 2010, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has served as a UNICEF Jamaica Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children's rights, early childhood development, positive parenting, health, and nutrition.

7) Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)

Chloe Kim is an American professional snowboarder who has achieved remarkable dominance in the sport, particularly in the halfpipe event.

Her career is notable not only for her athletic prowess but also for her impactful voice on important societal issues and her genuine personality.

Chloe Kim burst onto the snowboarding scene at a young age, quickly establishing herself as a formidable talent. She won her first X Games medal at just 13 years old and has since amassed multiple X Games gold medals in the superpipe.

Her Olympic record is equally impressive, with two consecutive gold medals in the halfpipe at the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

At 17, she became the youngest woman in Olympic history to win a gold medal in snowboarding. She recently became the first woman to land a double cork 1080 in a snowboard halfpipe competition at the 2025 Laax Open.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Chloe Kim has bravely used her platform to address the racism she has experienced as an Asian American athlete.

She has spoken out about receiving hateful messages, and her honesty in sharing these struggles has resonated with many and helped shed light on the challenges faced by athletes of colour.

Kim has also been transparent about the immense pressure that comes with elite athletics and the impact it has had on her mental health.

After her 2018 Olympic victory, she experienced ‘post-Olympic depression’ and took a 22-month break from the sport to attend Princeton University and prioritise her well-being.

She has a grounded and infectious personality that makes her highly popular with fans beyond the snowboarding world.

She is also committed to supporting young athletes, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Chloe Kim understands the power of representation, noting how difficult it was for her to not see many female athletes who looked like her when she was growing up.