In the competitive landscape of sports, fame is not determined solely based on in-game performances but also charisma, marketability, and whether they have a global following. As 2025 progresses, several athletes stand out as absolute global stars, transcending the world of mere sportsmanship with unrivaled talent and engagement. While one cannot definitively come up with a list of the most popular athletes in the world today, there’s a strong argument to be made that the following names will be all but guaranteed to sit atop the lists or very near them in 2025, based on current trends and continued relevance within their respective sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a global icon at an advanced stage of his extraordinary career. Over the last few years, his play in the Saudi Pro League has rekindled a brand that was losing strength, attracting millions of fans who had never watched him before in the Middle East and Asia. Ronaldo has over a billion followers across social platforms and remains the most followed athlete on Instagram, demonstrating that his worldwide appeal is not limited to the pitch. Be it his impressive goal-scoring record, his workout sessions, and even his business investments, CR7 is one of the most recognized and often talked-about athletes globally.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s storybook career reached heights after his 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. Now 2025, he’s redefined the culture of American soccer in Major League Soccer (MLS). This was not simply a career decision but rather a seismic cultural event for the sport in North America. Wherever Messi played, merchandise sales, ticket prices, and TV viewership soared. Instead, the essential nearness and nearness that his demigod status brings, alongside his respect, play on the field, and his age-old competition with Ronaldo, keep his name in contention on the world stage.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is the new guard of greatness in football. The French forward has cemented himself as a household name for being fast, clinical, and charismatic. In 2025, on either side of a moonlit beach in, say, nice or a pretty storefront coffee shop in a sleepy neighborhood inside a European capital or a city known for its nightlife, Mbappé’s every move is newsworthy, as he dazzles fans at every stop or is rumored to be making a high-profile move to a new league. He is one of the most marketable athletes of the decade, and he has brand partnerships and a substantial social media following.
Neymar Jr.
Still, Neymar has been a polarising but immensely popular figure on the world football stage. With an eccentric style of play and a larger-than-life personality, he draws eyes on and off the pitch. His popularity, particularly strong in South America and Asia, remains significant despite the concerns over injuries and transfer activity, even considering this, Neymar retains a dedicated global following. As of 2025, he remains one of the biggest names in the sport, still one of the most followed and influential.
Read more: The Most Followed Celebrities on Instagram In 2025
LeBron James
LeBron James is not just a basketball player, but a cultural force. As he may be playing through the last years of his NBA career, his influence lingers. He has smoothly transitioned into a mogul, with ventures in film, business, and activism. To stay relevant in sports, entertainment, and social discourse, he ensures a position among the most popular athletes in the world. He aims to possibly play with his son, Bronny James, in 2025, which has been generating a ton of media attention.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry revolutionized the game of basketball with his unprecedented skillset as a shooter. In 2025, he remains a fan favorite, hailed for his humility, work ethic, and electrifying onfield displays. Beyond being an ambassador of the NBA, though, Curry is the game’s global ambassador. He is helping to grow basketball in regions like Asia and Africa. His uniqueness shines inside and out, as we know him as much as a player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
As Greek Freak, he’s grown from an upwardly mobile upstart to a worldwide juggernaut. The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who rose from street vendor in Athens to NBA champion, resonates with millions. His on-court dominance and charming personality are still drawing fans across the globe in 2025. Giannis is particularly popular in Europe and Africa, where he is seen as a beacon of hope and a role model for aspiring athletes.
Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury is a name known throughout the boxing world. He is known for his charisma, unfiltered personality, and undefeated record and is still among the sport’s biggest draws in 2025. Fury is never out of the limelight, whether preparing for a heavyweight title showdown or trading barbs with fellow fighters. His reach extends well beyond boxing, as he is a reality television star, motivational figure, and perhaps the most talked about athlete globally.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods, age and injury notwithstanding, still commands huge respect and admiration. His comeback stories, legendary status, and contributions to golf sealed his legacy. Even three years into the future, 2025, as his playing days appear in fits and starts, his impact on the game and pop culture is unrivaled. And sponsors and fans alike continue to rally behind him, cementing his status as one of the most popular athletes in the world.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm, the Spanish golfer, has swiftly ascended to become one of the biggest names in golf. Through his steady play, big-tournament victories, and calm demeanor, Rahm has become a fan favorite. By 2025, he’s considered the torchbearer of golf’s new generation, a star who pleases both purists and casual viewers. He is renowned on and off the course, owing to his ever-increasing international fans and impressive media presence.
These athletes have a talent, branding, and personality blend that captivates the world. Although their sports may vary, the way each inspires and connects with fans places them atop the mountain as the most popular athletes of 2025.
