In 2024, the world of sports yet again was filled with unforgettable moments that continue to show how impressive and talented our world’s athletes are. This year stood out compared to the others on the grounds of new legacies as well as athletes reaching new heights. From the record-breaking performances at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, to the winning of the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 in Morocco, this year without a doubt can be defined by brilliance and simply unbridled joy for sports around the world.
Athletic icons like Novak Djokovic who defeated Carlos Alcaraz to take home the gold for Serbia. This year has been not only a year of continued achievement for our current day sporting greats, but also a foundational year for the future stars of the sporting world, such as American tennis player, Coco Gauff in taking home the WTA Finals singles titles.
As the year 2024 gets closer and closer to ending, let’s dive into the top ten athletes who defined 2024. These athletes who wielded not only unparalleled skill in their profession, but also a clear determination and impact on their respective sports.
- Victor Wembanyama – NBA – San Antonio Spurs
Titled as ‘2024 KIA NBA Rookie of the Year’ the 7-foot-4 Forward/Center out of Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, France, has taken the world by storm by showcasing his outstanding ability and potential, this makes him simply a must have list on this top ten.
- Aitana Bonmati – Primera Division – FC Barcelona Femeni
The back-to-back Ballon d”Or winner in 2024 had an outstanding year for FC Barcelona Femeni, and the Spanish National Team. Her accolade filled year makes her simply a must have on this list and someone who will regularly make an appearance on it.
- LeBron James – NBA – Los Angeles Lakers
The ‘King’ of the sport has yet again had another ridiculously successful year conquesting USA Basketball after missing three consecutive Olympic Games. In response to Noah Lyles comments on NBA champions not being ‘world champions’.
- Léon Marchand – Swimming – France
The French Olympian this year has cemented his status as the next big thing in the sport of swimming. The French phenom delivered an iconic 400-meter medley world record as well as winning a whopping 4 gold medals as the 2024 olympics makes this present and future great a must have on this list.
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing – Formula 1
The Dutch phenom maintained his dominance once again in winning his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, becoming an ongoing testament to his unrivaled skill who has overall won 63 Grain Prix across 10 seasons of Formula 1.
- Shohei Ohtani – NBA – Los Angeles Dodgers
Ohtani has continued to be a driving force for the sport of Baseball in 2024. With a world series win and also the 2024 MLB MVP. He has continued to show through his humble virtues, absurd ERA, and his dominant ability. He is a historic great for the sport of Baseball, and a blessing to be able to witness on a television
- Simone Biles – USA – Gymnastics
The ‘G.O.A.T’ of the sport for team USA had yet another dominant olympic campaign with multiple gold medals, as well as another outstanding year for USA gymnastics as a whole. As an athlete, leader, and a literal icon to the sport of gymnastics, she is simply a must have on this list.
- Coco Gauff – USA – Tennis
A newfound name in 2024, Gauff has simply taken her game and image to new heights in 2024 with capturing her first Grand Slam title. This year, Gauff emerged as a global icon to the sport of Tennis, as well as an inspiring story to make her a must have in the top two.
- Novak Djokovic – Serbia – Tennis
Adding two more Grand Slam titles to his trophy case, his reign in 2024 without a doubt has been extended showcasing his unmatched skill. Finishing the season with an astounding 37-9 record over this calendar year making him a must have at two.
- Josh Allen – NFL – Quarterback
In 2024, Josh Allen cemented his place as the top player in football, and athlete in the world. His unmatched arm strength, mobility, and electrifying ability has put himself as a front runner for the MVP race in the NFL but also worldwide fame. He has become the face of the league and also the last person an opposing defence wants to face this season. And for these reasons, Josh Allen is the most popular and most impactful athlete of 2024.
This top ten list celebrates not only the unparalleled athletic performances of the calendar year, but also the widespread impact that these athletes had throughout the world.
