I don't know. I don't follow soccer, but I know the Ronaldos and Messis. I think it's safe to say that a sport following person who couldn't place which sport someone in the top 100 of most famous sports people played is indicative that they don't really belong. I've never heard of either of those guys kb listed. If they were so famous as to make to 10 worldwide, I should've at least heard their name before this at some point. Even in passing; an ESPN/yahoo sports side story at the very least, no? Top ten should be name recognition beyond people who actively follow sports.
I watched in passing. After googling the two, Rodriguez wasn't nearly as mentioned as messi/ronaldo/Gotze. If you're world famous, your name carries past 2 years after the world cup, even to the lay follower
So if sites catering to north america don't mention them, the other 6.7 billion people can't be aware of them?
I don't give a shit about Durant. But I've heard of him. I don't give a shit about Messi. But I've heard of him. I don't give a shit about Djokovic. But I've heard of him. I'm not saying they don't belong in the top 100. I'm saying if they're considered a top 10 worldwide sports star, they should be at least have been on a "that name sounds familiar" basis by the average sports follower in the biggest eclectic sports nation in the world.
Well yeah. But we aren't talking about popularity in the US and Canada. We're talking world wide. James Rodriguez shined in what is by far the worlds biggest sporting event and now plays for one of the most recognizable sports teams ever. People who follow soccer know exactly who he is.
If we're going by some familiarity of the figures by most of the world for the list, then I don't see how any NFL players are in the top 100. It's a hard list to determine and the fact that this researcher uses two American based social media devices (Even if they have a strong international presence) probably has some undue influence on the list, as well.
Again, you can't just go based on how well known they are in the USA. In all honesty, I'm not sure there are 10 active athletes that are extremely well known on every continent. With a few exceptions, almost everyone on that list is going to be relatively unknown in certain parts of the world.
Our media is worldwide to the point that I have to think they are better known worldwide than Indian cricket players.
Does the list include an animal? I remember espn and their top 100 athletes of all-time and they had a horse somewhere in the 30's. A ****ing horse.
In certain countries, sure, but I've never gotten the sense that any active NBA player outside LeBron (now that Kobe is gone) was extremely popular around the world. Even with Durant winning the MVP a few years ago, I would think number 6 is a stretch.
