Top 10 Athletes in South Africa
South Africa’s Favorite Athletes: The Top 10 Chosen by Local Fans
Here’s how sports lovers in South Africa ranked the Top 10 in the Athletes category. The scores are tight, the opinions are passionate, and the list blends football icons with legends from golf, tennis, basketball, and track. Want to see how your picks stack up, add your voice to the next vote, and even earn rewards along the way? This countdown is just the start.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Score: 4.70/5 — A commanding No. 1. Fans salute his relentless longevity, record-shattering goal tally, and ruthless finishing. Five Ballon d’Ors, clutch Champions League nights, and leadership for club and country keep his star burning bright.
Tiger Woods
Score: 4.53/5 — A remarkable second place, showing deep respect for mastery and comeback grit. With 15 major titles and a 2019 Masters triumph that inspired the world, Tiger’s legacy stretches far beyond the fairway.
Kylian Mbappé
Score: 4.50/5 — Electric pace and big-game swagger put him near the top. A World Cup winner at 19 and hat-trick hero in the 2022 final, his move to Real Madrid has only amplified the excitement around his prime years.
Serena Williams
Score: 4.44/5 — The gold standard of greatness in tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a legacy as a barrier-breaker and role model, Serena earns admiration that transcends sport.
Usain Bolt
Score: 4.37/5 — The fastest man in history still sprints into hearts. World records in the 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19), eight Olympic golds, and a larger-than-life personality make Bolt an evergreen favorite.
LeBron James
Score: 4.29/5 — Longevity, versatility, and leadership define his reign. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, LeBron’s impact spans the court, community, and culture.
Neymar
Score: 4.26/5 — A flair-forward superstar. His dribbling artistry, creativity in the final third, and highlight reels keep him must-watch, even as injuries have tested his momentum in recent seasons.
Sadio Mané
Score: 4.17/5 — A proud African icon. An AFCON champion with Senegal and a beloved former Liverpool star, Mané’s work ethic, humility, and philanthropy resonate as much as his goals.
Lionel Messi
Score: 4.11/5 — The World Cup-winning magician remains football royalty. With a record eighth Ballon d’Or and a new chapter in the United States, Messi’s vision and precision continue to inspire — even in a fiercely competitive top 10.
Mohamed Salah
Score: 4.06/5 — The “Egyptian King” closes the list but stays elite. Multiple Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League crown, and consistent brilliance for club and country keep Salah firmly in the conversation.
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