There have been many; there is a long list and it goes back almost a century. But who are the greatest sportsmen/women of all time? To help, I have decided to break it down, according to each sport. I have only used the main sports that are played in the UK.
Football
When we think of the greatest footballers names such as Pele, Maradona and Cruyff come to mind. Many have dazzled over the years; from Ronaldinho to Zidane and from Bobby Moore to Franz Beckenbauer we have been spoilt with choice. But for me, for the records that they have broken and the goals that they have scored, it has to go down between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both have set the benchmark and will surely go down in history. But between the two of them, I have to go for Messi. An incredibly talent, who has lifted his side, Barcelona, on so many occasions, that it has to be him.
Cricket
In the modern era we have the likes of Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar and players such as Brian Lara, Allan Donald and Wasim Akram, as stated on the List 25 website. But we must not forget those from decades before, such as Wally Hammond and Jack Hobbs. But for me, the best is Sir Don Bradman. The shear fact that he averaged 99.94 runs in 52 Tests says it all.
Tennis
From Bjorn Borg to John McEnroe and from Steffi Graf to Martina Navratilova, there have been some remarkable players over the years.
But let us not forget the current crop. Surely the likes of Roger Federer and Venus Williams will be long remembered. But the best? It has to be Serena Williams. Not only has she won 22 Grand Slams but at the age of 35 shows no sign of tiring. She has taken the sport to a whole new level too.
Boxing
Whereas the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Floyd Mayweather Junior should be mentioned, as stated on The Sportster website, one cannot get past the likes of Muhammad Ali.
For his political views and strong stance on racial issues as well as his talent, many see Ali, not only as an incredible boxer, but also someone who paved the way for great change.
Golf
As reported on the Athlon Sports website, there have been many extraordinary golfers over the years. From Greg Norman to Ernie Els and from Arnold Palmer to Jack Nicklaus, we have been blessed with such talent.
But above them all has to be Tiger Woods. Although he has not won a major since 2008, for the way he revolutionised the sport and remained at the top for so long, he has to get my pick as the best golfer of all time.
So there we have it. The best of all time in their categories.
