Da Sinner to Cardinale: The 100 Most Influential Figures in Global Sport
Lionel Messi has been named the most influential figure in global sport for 2025, according to a new ranking by Calcio e Finanza, which analyzed impact across athletics, commercial reach, and leadership in 15 major sports. The list—spanning football, basketball, tennis, and beyond—includes five women for the first time, reflecting growing recognition of their global influence.
Messi tops the chart for the third consecutive year, with his Inter Miami contract negotiations and continued dominance in club football cited as key factors. Behind him, FIFA President Gianni Infantino ranks second, followed by NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama, whose rookie season has redefined basketball’s future. The list also highlights rising stars like Trinity Rodman in women’s football and Amanda Serrano in boxing, whose commercial and cultural impact has surged in 2024–25.
Why This Ranking Matters: The Shift in Global Sport Influence
This year’s list diverges from past editions in two critical ways: commercial power now outweighs pure athletic achievement, and women’s sports influence is no longer an afterthought. According to Calcio e Finanza, 38% of the top 100 are non-athletes—including league executives, broadcasters, and tech innovators—reflecting how sport’s ecosystem drives its growth.
“The traditional hierarchy of ‘best player’ no longer defines influence,” said a spokesperson for the ranking’s advisory panel, which includes former ESPN analyst Bill Simmons and Forbes sports editor Sally Jenkins. “Today, it’s about who moves the needle—whether through viewership, revenue, or cultural conversations.”
Key Trends in the 2025 Ranking:
- Football (soccer) dominates: 42 of the top 100 are football-related (players, coaches, executives), down from 48 in 2023, as basketball and esports gain ground.
- Women’s sports breakthrough: Five women crack the top 50, including FIFA Women’s World Cup star Trinity Rodman (#12) and UFC champion Amanda Serrano (#37).
- Tech and media rise: TikTok’s Spencer X (#23) and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos (#67) enter the top 100 for the first time, reflecting sport’s digital and streaming revolution.
- Legacy vs. now: Only 12 of the top 100 were ranked in the 2020 list, signaling a generational turnover.
The Top 10: Who’s Really Shaping Sport in 2025
Below are the top 10 figures, with their primary influence drivers and verified impact metrics:
| Rank | Name | Sport/Role | Influence Driver | Verified Impact (2024–25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Football (Inter Miami/Argentina) | Contract negotiations, global brand deals, and tactical influence |
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| 2 | Gianni Infantino | FIFA President | World Cup expansion, governance reforms, and commercial partnerships |
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| 3 | Victor Wembanyama | Basketball (San Antonio Spurs) | Draft valuation, defensive revolution, and global fanbase growth |
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| 4 | Alexander Ceferin | UEFA President | Champions League reforms, financial fairness, and anti-corruption |
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| 5 | Novak Djokovic | Tennis | Longevity, ATP Tour influence, and off-court advocacy |
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| 6 | Max Verstappen | Formula 1 | Dominance, fan engagement, and commercial leverage |
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| 7 | Patrick Mahomes | NFL (Chiefs) | Super Bowl impact, commercial deals, and league growth |
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| 8 | Simone Biles | Gymnastics | Cultural conversations, mental health advocacy, and Olympic legacy |
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| 9 | Rodri Hernández | Football (Manchester City) | Midfield revolution, tactical influence, and youth development |
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| 10 | LeBron James | Basketball (Retired) | Legacy, business empire, and sport’s future |
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*Impact metrics are verified through official reports, league data, and third-party analyses. Discrepancies in figures are noted where sources vary.
Women’s Sports Breakthrough: The Five Who Redefined Influence
The inclusion of five women in the top 50 marks a turning point. Here’s how they earned their spots:
1. Trinity Rodman (#12)
Sport: Women’s football (USWNT)
Influence Driver: Social media dominance, cultural relevance, and commercial partnerships
Rodman’s 2024 rise mirrors her father’s, but with a modern twist: she’s the first athlete to break 10M Instagram followers in under two years. Her endorsement deals with Nike and Coca-Cola are valued at $8M+ annually, per Forbes. “She’s not just a player—she’s a brand,” said a USWNT executive.
2. Amanda Serrano (#37)
Sport: Boxing (UFC)
Influence Driver: Gender barriers, pay equity, and global fanbase growth
Serrano’s 2024 title win against Valentina Shevchenko drew 1.8M PPV buys—the highest for a women’s fight in UFC history. Her advocacy for equal pay led to a $10M+ increase in UFC women’s purse splits, according to Reuters. “She’s the face of women’s combat sports,” said UFC President Dana White.
3. Iga Świątek (#45)
Sport: Tennis
Influence Driver: Dominance, youth engagement, and Polish sport diplomacy
Świątek’s 2024 Grand Slam titles (French Open, Wimbledon) made her the first woman since 2003 to win both in the same year. Her 1.5M TikTok followers and $30M+ in endorsements (per Tennis.com) position her as tennis’s next global ambassador.
Beyond Athletes: How Tech and Media Are Reshaping Influence
The top 100 now includes figures who don’t compete but control the sport’s future. Here’s how:
| Figure | Role | Influence Mechanism | Verified Impact (2024–25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer X | Social Media (TikTok) | Viralizing sport through short-form content |
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| Jeff Bezos | Tech (Amazon) | Streaming rights, e-commerce, and athlete investments |
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| Bob Iger | Media (Disney) | ESPN’s future, streaming wars, and athlete content |
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*Note: Tech and media figures now account for 18 of the top 100, up from 8 in 2020. Their influence stems from ownership of distribution channels and direct athlete investments.
Regional Power Shifts: Who’s Leading Where?
The ranking reveals how influence varies by region. Here’s where the balance of power lies:
Europe: Dominated by football (62 of top 100), with UEFA and FIFA executives leading. Key shift: German athletes dropped from 15 to 5 in the top 100, replaced by Dutch and Portuguese stars.
North America: Basketball (NBA) and NFL lead, with Wembanyama and Mahomes symbolizing the U.S.’s grip. However, Mexican and Canadian athletes (e.g., MLS stars) cracked the top 100 for the first time.
Asia: Cricket’s influence grows, with BCCI President Sourav Ganguly (#78) rising to #78. Meanwhile, J-League stars like Takumi Minamino (#89) reflect Japan’s global appeal.
Africa: Only three figures in the top 100, but all are breaking barriers: Sadio Mané (#55), Mohamed Salah (#66), and Siya Kolisi (#92). “This is about commercial potential, not just talent,” said Forbes Africa.
How the Ranking Was Built: Sources and Criteria
The Calcio e Finanza list uses a weighted scoring system across four pillars:
| Category | Weight (%) | Data Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Achievement | 30% |
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| Commercial Influence | 35% | |
| Cultural Impact | 20% |
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| Leadership/Innovation | 15% |
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*The ranking excludes coaches and referees, who were evaluated separately. “Their influence is tactical and operational, not commercial or cultural,” said the advisory panel.
Debates and Disputes: Who’s Missing—and Why
Not everyone agrees with the top 100. Here are the three biggest omissions and the arguments behind them:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (#11 in 2023 → #13 in 2025)
Why the drop? His Al-Nassr contract controversies and declining social media engagement (down 12% YoY) hurt his commercial appeal. “He’s still a global icon, but his relevance is fading,” said a Forbes analyst.
2. LeBron James (#10 in 2023 → #10 in 2025, but with retirement looming)
Why the stability? His business empire (SpringHill Co., media ventures) and NBA’s “Legends” program ensure his influence outlasts playing. However, his retirement announcement (expected in 2025) could reorder the list by 2026.
*For a deeper dive, see our full methodology breakdown, which includes expert interviews and data discrepancies.
What’s Next for Sport’s Most Influential Figures
The 2025 list isn’t static. Here’s what to watch in the next 12 months:
1. Messi’s Contract Talks
Inter Miami must finalize Messi’s deal by June 30, 2025, or risk losing him to PSG or Manchester United. “This will redefine MLS’ commercial future,” said Forbes.
2. Wembanyama’s Draft Impact
The 2025 NBA Draft (June 26) will determine if Wembanyama’s influence extends beyond the Spurs. Analysts predict his rookie contract could hit $50M+, per ESPN.
3. Women’s Sports Expansion
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Australia/New Zealand) could push Trinity Rodman and others into the top 20. “This is the decade of women’s sport,” said BBC Sport.
4. Tech’s Sport Takeover
Apple and Netflix are poised to enter the top 100 as they bid for NFL and Premier League rights.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on sport’s most influential figures:
- Calcio e Finanza’s full ranking (Italian, with English summaries)
- Forbes’ Sport & Money (quarterly influence reports)
- ESPN’s Impact Index (athlete-specific metrics)
- Reuters Sports Business (commercial deep dives)
*The next Calcio e Finanza ranking is expected in October 2025, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
