Who is the Most Successful Athlete of All Time in North America?

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 19 April 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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• The Most Successful Athlete of All Time
• Who Is The Most Successful Athlete Of All Time?
• Michael Jordan
• Babe Ruth
• Muhammad Ali
• Tom Brady
• Wayne Gretzky
• Jesse Owens
• Jim Thorpe
• Jack Nicklaus
• Other Notable Mentions
• Frequently Asked Questions

The most successful athlete of all time is a subjective topic, but one thing’s for sure; these extraordinary individuals have left an indelible mark on their respective sports, inspiring generations with their exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the world of sports. Today, we’ll be looking at the most successful athlete in America, and some close contenders.

The Most Successful Athlete of All Time

What makes an athlete successful? Who’s the most successful athlete of all time? This is a subject of much debate, with criteria such as championships, records, cultural impact, and influence on their respective sports to consider.

The athletes you’ll read about on this page revolutionized their sports, achieving unprecedented success and leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire athletes and fans alike. Their extraordinary skill, coupled with their commitment to excellence, sets the gold standard for success in the world of sports.

Who Is The Most Successful Athlete of All Time?

So, who is the most successful athlete of all time in North America? Though determining the most successful athlete of all time is subjective, many consider Michael Jordan to hold that title. As a six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, and a global icon, Jordan’s impact on basketball and sports culture is undeniable.

However, it is crucial to remember that this assessment is not definitive, as other athletes, such as Babe Ruth or Jesse Owens, may also be deemed the most successful, depending on the criteria used. Modern day names like Patrick Mahomes and Kevin Durant might also be in contention at some point. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Michael Jordan

Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan revolutionized the sport and transcended its boundaries. He played in the NBA for 15 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bulls, and led them to six championships.

Jordan’s unrivaled scoring ability, combined with his tenacious defense, earned him 5 MVP awards, 10 All-NBA First Team selections, and 9 All-Defensive First Team honors. A 14-time All-Star, he also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

His Air Jordan brand, a partnership with Nike, revolutionized athletic footwear and remains a cultural icon. Jordan’s impact on the sport, his business acumen, and his philanthropic efforts all contribute to his enduring legacy as a groundbreaking athlete.

Babe Ruth

George Herman “Babe” Ruth was a larger-than-life figure in American sports history, dominating Major League Baseball as a power hitter and charismatic personality.

Ruth’s 22-year career began with the Boston Red Sox, where he excelled as a pitcher, before transitioning to a full-time hitter with the New York Yankees. Ruth smashed records and hammered home runs, ultimately amassing 714 homers in his career, a record that stood for almost four decades.

He won seven World Series titles and was one of the first five inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ruth’s impact on the game was immeasurable, as he helped rescue baseball from the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, ushered in the “live-ball era” and became an American folk hero during the Roaring Twenties.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was a legendary figure in the world of boxing and a defining symbol of the 20th-century civil rights movement. Ali became a three-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, known for his unorthodox fighting style, lightning-fast footwork, and powerful punches.

“The Greatest” was also renowned for his witty and provocative trash-talking, which made him a polarizing figure in and out of the ring. Ali’s refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs and his outspokenness on social issues made him an influential cultural icon.

His battles with Parkinson’s disease later in life demonstrated his indomitable spirit, and he continued to inspire millions with his courage and humanitarian work.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady is considered by many to be the greatest NFL player of all time. In his time in the league, he won an astounding seven Super Bowl rings, six with the New England Patriots, then one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Along with his seven Super Bowl victories, Brady has also won more games than any other NFL quarterback, plus has the most career touchdown passes, completions, and passing yards.

Brady recently retired at the age of 45 – an incredible age for a professional athlete. What’s more, he was still performing to a high level before he retired. He is now almost certain to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible.

Wayne Gretzky

Known as “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky is widely recognized as the greatest hockey player of all time and is the only non-American on this list. Throughout his 20-year NHL career, Gretzky set 61 league records, including the most goals, assists, and points in a career.

A 10-time Art Ross Trophy winner and 4-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky’s remarkable vision and playmaking ability revolutionized the sport.

He was the first player to reach 200 points in a season and did so four times, a feat unmatched by any other player. Despite being Canadian, Gretzky’s impact on the US was undeniable, as he popularized hockey in the United States during his time with the Los Angeles Kings, leading to significant growth and expansion of the NHL in the country. Gretzky’s unparalleled skill and sportsmanship make him a true ambassador of the game.

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens, an American track and field star, made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, shattering records and defying Adolf Hitler’s racist ideologies. Owens won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay, setting world records in the latter three events.

His remarkable achievements debunked the myth of Aryan supremacy, and Owens’ success on the world stage became a symbol of hope and inspiration for African Americans during the segregation era. Owens faced significant adversity throughout his life, including financial struggles after his Olympic triumph.

However, he persevered and became a dedicated ambassador for the sport, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and social change. Jesse Owens’ extraordinary athletic accomplishments and his impact on society make him one of the most significant athletes in American history.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, a Native American athlete of Sac and Fox descent, is widely considered one of the most versatile athletes in history. Thorpe excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track and field.

At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, he won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon, showcasing his incredible range of skills. Despite facing racial discrimination and having his Olympic medals stripped (later reinstated), Thorpe’s achievements in athletics, football, and baseball remain a testament to his extraordinary talent and resilience.

Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus, nicknamed “The Golden Bear”, is widely considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, Nicklaus won a record 18 Majors, including six Masters titles, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Opens, and three Open Championships.

His remarkable consistency and longevity, having won Majors across three decades, set him apart from his peers.

In addition to his playing career, Nicklaus has had a significant impact on the sport through his golf course design company and his commitment to philanthropy. He has designed over 400 golf courses worldwide and has raised millions of dollars for pediatric healthcare through his charitable foundation.

If you’re interested in betting on a golf tournament, make sure you check out our recommended US betting sites, where you’ll find plenty of golf markets.

Other Notable Mentions

While the athletes mentioned above have left indelible marks on their respective sports, many others have made significant contributions to American sports. The following table highlights a few other notable athletes who have inspired generations with their talent, dedication, and impact on the world of sports.