The American based TV channel recently announced their top 20 most famous athletes in a formula where they combine three major factors to decide who comes on top.
The three major factors according to ESPN are – endorsement, search score and social media followers.
Endorsement results are obtained of a range from both ESPN and Forbes while the search score is measured through Google (how often their name was searched on Google) and taking an average of their peak score. The follower base numbers are derived from the most popular social media accounts, claims ESPN.
Who made the list? Let’s take a look.
The 31-year-old Tennis star is NO. 1 currently with 15 Grand Slams to his name. He is the reigning Australian Open Champion and one of the best players of all time.
[Endorsements: £16.6m – Search Score: 21 – Social Media following: 8.5m]
Novak Djokovic (Source: Instagram)
Mesut won the world cup in 2014 with Germany. Along with this prestigious honour, the Arsenal playmaker also has three FA Cups and one La Liga title.
[Endorsements: £4.9m – Search Score: 15 – Social Media following: 30.9m]
Mesut Ozil (Source: Instagram)
Yuvraj Singh, who currently is playing for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, was part of the Indian international Cricket team that won the World Cup back in 2011, where he was awarded the player of the tournament. The talented Punjabi still plays at the age of 37.
[Endorsements: £23.3m – Search Score: 1 – Social Media following: 14.5m]
Yuvraj Singh (Instagram)
The American Tennis sensation is likely to go down as the best female player of all time with 23 Grand Slams and four Olympic Gold Medals to her name.
[Endorsements: £13.6m – Search Score: 37 – Social Media following: 10.8m]
Serena Williams (Source: Instagram)
Antoine Griezmann was part of the France squad that won the FIFA World Cup in Russia last year. The Athletico Madrid player has also won the Europa League.
[Endorsements: £17.3m – Search Score: 20 – Social Media following: 22.6m]
Antoine Griezmann (Source: Instagram)
The Russian has a impressive 27-0 record in the MMA. In the highlight of his career, Khabib defended his UFC lightweight title against Conor McGregor in October.
[Endorsements: £2.93m – Search Score: 100 – Social Media following: 13.4m]
Khabib (Source: Instagram)
Mbappe is the second youngest player to ever win the FIFA World Cup alongside Brazil legend Pele. The young maestro has been in full form and currently plays for French side PSG. [Endorsements: £14.2m – Search Score: 32 – Social Media following: 23.5m]
Kylian Mbappe (Source: Instagram)
Former Indian Captain MS Dhoni captained the Indian team between 2007 and 2016. During his peak, ‘captain cool’ also led the boys in blue to World championship in 2011. He will go down as one of the best wicket-keepers in the game. [Endorsements: £21m – Search Score: 5 – Social Media following: 20.5m]
MS Dhoni (Source: DNA)
Paul Pogba who currently plays for English giants Manchester United, won the World Cup last year. Pogba has scored 14 goals while assisting 11 times in 36 games this season. Pogba will be seen going head-to-head with Spanish giants Barcelona in the quarter finals of the Champions League next month. [Endorsements: £24m – Search Score: 15 – Social Media following: 30.7m]
Paul Pogba (Source: Instagram)
The Golden State Warriors player is a two-time NBA winner (2017 and 2018) along with winning the Olympic Gold twice as well. [Endorsements: £24m – Search Score: 9 – Social Media following: 17.4m]
Kevin Durant (Source: NBC)
The decorated Golfer won his 80th PGA Tour title in September, his first in 5 years. [Endorsements: £31.6m – Search Score: 20 – Social Media following: 6.4m]
Tiger Woods (Source: Instagram)
Stephen Curry is also a Golden State Warriors player. The 31-year-old has won 3 NBA titles and two Most Valuable player awards. [Endorsements: £31.6m – Search Score: 12 – Social Media following: 23m]
Stephen Curry (Source: Instagram)
The Spain born tennis great has won 17 Grand Slam title including a whopping 11 French Opens. [Endorsements: £22m – Search Score: 40 – Social Media following: 15.6m]
Rafael Nadal (Source: Instagram)
Another Indian Cricket superstar, Virat Kohli is believed to be the current best batsman in the world. The captain of the Indian cricket team is in preparations for the World Cup this year. [Endorsements: £15m – Search Score: 25 – Social Media following: 37.1m]
Virat Kohli (Source: Instagram)
Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles, more than any male Tennis player. The Swiss legend is continuing to impress at the age of 37 and will be hoping to win his 9th Wimbledon later this year. [Endorsements: £31.2m – Search Score: 23 – Social Media following: 14.5m]
Roger Federer (Source: Instagram)
Conor McGregor is a former UFC two-weight World Champion. The Irish talent is looking to get back to the Octagon after his six-month ban and has also vowed to return to the boxing ring soon. [Endorsements: £11.2m – Search Score: 100 – Social Media following: 29.7m]
Conor McGregor (Source: Instagram)
The Brazilian footballer joined PSG for a world-record £198 Million ten years ago from Barcelona. He his currently out with an ankle injury. [Endorsements: £14.2m – Search Score: 55 – Social Media following: 107.2m]
Neymar Jr. (Source: Instagram)
The Argentine is one of the best footballers of the modern era winning the Ballon d’Or 5 times at Barcelona and has netted 36 goals in 36 games this season. [Endorsements: £21m – Search Score: 54 – Social Media following: 103.1m]
Lionel Messi (Source: Instagram)
The LA Lakers player is the fourth all-time scorer in NBA with 32,377 total points but his side has struggled in this year’s campaign. [Endorsements: £39.1m – Search Score: 47 – Social Media following: 45.3m]
LeBron James (Source: Instagram)
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous athlete on the planet according to ESPN. The Portugal superstar currently plays for Italian side Juventus. [Endorsements: £27.8m – Search Score – 100 – Social Media following – 148m]
Cristiano Ronaldo (Source: Instagram)
