This is an attempt to rank the five most recognisable athletes in professional sports history, which is a near-impossible task. These athletes are ranked based on their on-field and off-field achievements. Because ranking a player from another country would be incredibly tough, I only included American athletes (specifically a soccer player, like Pele). I know little to nothing about soccer, therefore I decided to list only athletes from the United States.
His name will always be associated with the word ‘first,’ as he was the first black baseball player in the twentieth century. On April 15th, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s unofficial colour barrier. He contributed to the demise of the concept that professional sports should be kept separate for blacks and whites.
Muhammad Ali changed boxing in a way that no other athlete has done before or since. Between Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan, Ali was the most popular athlete, and his name was as well-known as President John F. Kennedy’s. Since Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan has become the most popular athlete in the planet. He may also be one of the top five most well-known celebrities of the twentieth century.
Babe Ruth was and will continue to be the most popular athlete in professional sports history. Babe Ruth was so well-known that his achievements and legacy will live on in the thoughts of many who just wish they had the opportunity to see him play. Ruth is possibly the only athlete who has ever been regarded as mythological.