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[Assault]

It's David Beckham, easily. He is a household name in every corner of the globe, including the USA.

A lot of people are saying Jordan but I'm guessing that most people who do are American. If you mentioned 'Jordan' in the UK, the first thing that would probably come to a lot of people's heads would be Katie Price.

 

[Baldwin_the_First]

Muhammad Ali most likely.

 

[waypoetic]

Spoiler

Eddie Merckx

 

[Syntsui]

It's David Beckham, easily. He is a household name in every corner of the globe, including the USA.

A lot of people are saying Jordan but I'm guessing that most people who do are American. If you mentioned 'Jordan' in the UK, the first thing that would probably come to a lot of people's heads would be Katie Price.

I say Jordan being brazilian, where no one gives a shit about basketball (even though we had some pretty big names). I don't know a single person, that at least knows of what basketball is that doesn't know him. The guy is famous as hell, it's not like he is a baseball player LOL.

 

[Kiraly]

Cristiano Ronaldo

 

[Kacho]

Jordan is good pick, as are Ali and Tyson. I had to google the Pele guy. I have never heard of that guy before this thread. I've probably heard of him at some point on ESPN or sports radio but didn't realize who it was they were talking about. Now I will going forward. haha

 

[HolyCheck]

ITT: Americans who don't understand that nobody outside watches their sports

People outside of the US know Michael Jordan because of Space Jam. If they know him at all

Spoiler

Yes, I am exaggerating.

I know him because of NBA JAM and Space Jam.

correct answer is probably sachin tendulkar or some one from china.

 

[Jindrax]

Jordan easily

 

[Kinokou]

I don't follow sports at all and didn't even read the thread before responding so the ones I know about are:

Tiger Woods
Tony Hawk
David Beckham
Ronaldo
Pelé
Magnus Carlsen
Bobby Fischer
Mike Tyson*
Michal Jordan

This is literally all the names I know except from Cecilia Brækhus, a Norwegian boxer, and some Norwegian skiers who are probably well known within their sport but not on a world wide level. So I guess it should be one of the guys listed above.

*I know the name but I did not know the sport.

 

[rambis]

It's David Beckham, easily. He is a household name in every corner of the globe, including the USA.

A lot of people are saying Jordan but I'm guessing that most people who do are American. If you mentioned 'Jordan' in the UK, the first thing that would probably come to a lot of people's heads would be Katie Price.

Like are seriously trying to pretend that the UK of all places wouldn't know who Michael Jordan is? And beckham isn't a house hold name in the US, even though more people might know him than not.


I think people are severely underestimating how popular Jordan was in the 90s.

 

[openrob]

Babe Ruth
Jackie Robinson
Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali)

Outside of Ali, no one outside of US knows of them two. I have no idea who Jackie Robinson is, and only know of babe Ruth through Simpson references.

But yeah Ali is a strong contender.
Michael Jordan is really well known for anyone who was alive in the 90's.

David Beckham is really well known, even in Asia so I would say he could be up there.

 

[Manu]

Probably Michael Jordan.

 

[Esch]

Muhammad Ali
Pele
Jordan

 

[shintoki]

lol no one outside America knows the first two dudes. Same for Michael Jordan. No one.[/B]

Went overseas and half the responses I got from when I said I was from Chicago involved "Micheal Jordon!". 15years+ after he retired from the Bulls.

Why?
Because as Basketball's populate rose around the world, he was there. It's rise is tied to him. So its in the mindset of the people to think Basketball? Michael Jordan.

The other outstanding reason is because of his shoes. Just for comparison sakes. Let's take a list of current athletes and how much they make.

1. Mayweather -105mil
2. Rolando - 80mil.

Compared to Jordan.

Jordan - 90mil

Outside of the current biggest boxer in the world, he made more than every single other active athlete. This is going to keep his name going for a very long time.

Names with that universal appeal are Jordan, Pele, Ali. Superstars in every light.

 

[Hindl]

It's gotta be pele. I doubt Jordan is as popular outside the US, don't know about Ali tho. Km still going with pele

 

[Kenshin001]

he is

Lady Gaga has more followers than Madonna, the Biebs has more than Michael Jackson (heh... ... )
While the former is indeed an incredibly influental artist, i still would believe Madonna and Jackson to be overall "more famous" and more significant, a 100 years from now.

Biebs is no Elvis,
Lebron is no Jordan,
Ronaldo (whatever iteration, be it fat/bald brazilian or horse-toothed -inho) is no Pele

followers and FB likes are an indication about current popularity. The thread is about "of all time", which imho includes past, present and foreseeable future imho.

That's great but the point was some people hugely underestimate or are completely oblivious how famous Ronaldo is. Incidentally Ronaldo has more likes than Bieber, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Michael Jackson.

 

[HolyCheck]

In his time he was the biggest star in the world.

The fact that Sir Donald Bradman was also playing in "his time" says that your statement is incorrect...

 

[nephilimdj]

How so?

I think people here are overestimating the world wide appeal of the NBA, people think iconic people when they think of the sports. How often do you think a random person in India, China or Africa thinks about the NBA?
Its like claiming Sachin Tendulkar is biggest name in the world, because hes the most iconic cricket player in modern times, most Americans would say who?


I think Muhammad Ali is best answer, he embodies boxing world wide.

 

[Siegcram]

I think people here are overestimating the world wide appeal of the NBA, people think iconic people when they think of the sports. How often do you think a random person in India, China or Africa thinks about the NBA?

Is like claiming Sachin Tendulkar is biggest name in the world, because hes the most iconic cricket player in modern times, most Americans would say who?

Have you seen what happens when Kobe visits China? That's Beatles levels of shrieking masses. It is one of the most important markets for the NBA already and it's still growing.

And the NBA has an incredible presence in Africa, with camps and foundations all over the place.

 

[rambis]

I think people here are overestimating the world wide appeal of the NBA, people think iconic people when they think of the sports. How often do you think a random person in India, China or Africa thinks about the NBA?
Its like claiming Sachin Tendulkar is biggest name in the world, because hes the most iconic cricket player in modern times, most Americans would say who?


I think Muhammad Ali is best answer, he embodies boxing world wide.

China is like the capital of counterfeit Jordan's and people buy them like hot cakes. As a guy that travels the world pretty often I say you are probably off the mark.

 

[SliceSabre]

Michael Jordon
Tiger Woods
Pele
Ronaldo
Muhammad Ali
Lionel Messi

While I realize soccer may not be big in the US its big everywhere else in the world.

 

[Bollocks]

It's gotta be pele. I doubt Jordan is as popular outside the US, don't know about Ali tho. Km still going with pele

Wut?
Jordan brought basketball to Europe

 

[Jawbreaker]

Luc Longley.

 

[Randam]

Franz "der Kaiser" Beckenbauer

 

[Bleepey]

Tiger Woods might be up there, ironic since he plays a non-sport. I'd say Ali,Jordan or Tyson.

 

[nOoblet16]

It's probably between Pele and Diego Maradona.
There's a world outside of NA and Europe, and in this world Jordan, Ali or Tyson are not as popular or as famous as someone like Pele or Diego.

I grew up in India and I only heard of Michael Jordan, Ali and Tyson (due to his ear biting stuff) but I knew who Pele and Diego Maradona were and why they were famous. And this is despite India having an immense preference towards just one game i.e. cricket and having a big name such as Sachin Tendulkar. Right now the most famous sports persons in the world are probably CR7 and Messi.

he is

Lady Gaga has more followers than Madonna, the Biebs has more than Michael Jackson (heh... ... )
While the former is indeed an incredibly influental artist, i still would believe Madonna and Jackson to be overall "more famous" and more significant, a 100 years from now.

Biebs is no Elvis,
Lebron is no Jordan,
Ronaldo (whatever iteration, be it fat/bald brazilian or horse-toothed -inho) is no Pele

followers and FB likes are an indication about current popularity. The thread is about "of all time", which imho includes past, present and foreseeable future imho.

I agree with most, but Fatnaldo holds his own.
He's probably the most complete player the game has every seen.

 

[The Hermit]

Pele or Maradona are timeless.

 

[BennyBlanco]

Definitely Michael Jordan.

 

[whatevermort]

Right now I'd say it's David Beckham. His name recognition is off the charts. No idea if that will stay in a legacy manner - all-time, it's between Jordan and Ali. Nobody else even comes close.

 

[crimzonflame]

I think people here are overestimating the world wide appeal of the NBA, people think iconic people when they think of the sports. How often do you think a random person in India, China or Africa thinks about the NBA?
Its like claiming Sachin Tendulkar is biggest name in the world, because hes the most iconic cricket player in modern times, most Americans would say who?


I think Muhammad Ali is best answer, he embodies boxing world wide.

As someone who's been to a few African countries, India and Hong Kong, believe me when a lot of people know who Jordan is.

 

[Fevaweva]

Anyone who says Michael Jordan because of the Nike Jordans is crazy imo. Nowadays, that is like saying Dave Nike or Cedric McDonald are the most famous people in the world because of their brands.

Michael Jordan, the sportsman, is almost completely disconnected from Jordan the brand.

I don't know who the most famous sports person of all time is, but it is probably a footballer.

 

[shintoki]

I think people here are overestimating the world wide appeal of the NBA, people think iconic people when they think of the sports. How often do you think a random person in India, China or Africa thinks about the NBA?
Its like claiming Sachin Tendulkar is biggest name in the world, because hes the most iconic cricket player in modern times, most Americans would say who?


I think Muhammad Ali is best answer, he embodies boxing world wide.

Have you been to China? South Korea? Japan? They know Jordan. When I went, they seem to know Jordan. Hell, they linked Chicago to Jordan.

People are assuming because Soccer is a bigger sport it means the person has to be bigger. The most popular players of all time isn't the most popular player now either. Justin Beiber and Michael Jackson have about the same amount of likes on Facebook. Who do you think is more famous of all time?

Part of what makes Ali, Jordan, and Pele so well known for their sports are how they absolutely dominated it. Right now people are still fighting about who is better, Rolando or Messi. With Pele... was there a doubt? Almost every single list I'm looking at with google as Pele as number 1 greatest soccer player of all. And guess what, most list that include Messi and Rolando have Messi ranked higher. If you want to be remembered, guess what, you need to win. Your bum ass can't be getting knocked out in the first round of the World Cup by USA.

Second, it's also looking at who are ambassadors to the sport. Beckham fits this better than Rolando. Beckham is moving out the brands, he is helping build up the sport in America, he is in H&M ads even thought he last time he was relevant was a decade ago. The longer you're in the public's eye, the longer you'll be remembered. This is to be seen still. It's a bit of having that charisma in the public's eye too. Ali was a hype man like no other. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Probably the most known words ever spoken by an athlete.

And we can always look at MJ some more. As I said, there is no comparison in the world for Jordans. Nike has his shoes selling at 5% of their total revenue. Completely anecdotal info, but when i was in South Korea. They had a line of several hundred people out there waiting for the new Jordans. This was during the World Cup. They aren't waiting for some Nike Shoes. They are waiting for some Jordans. There is not one athlete ever who can say that.

We are talking about lasting power. We aren't talking who is currently the most popular player in a sport. We're talking someone people are going to be brought up 20 years after they retire. And it isn't going to be Rolando.

Dedicate to all you Rolando fans for another unsuccessful World Cup.

 

[RangerX]

Its either Pele or Maradonna without question.

Edit:Actually Mohammad Ali is certainly a contender.

 

[jimbor]

Have you been to China? South Korea? Japan? They know Jordan. When I went, they seem to know Jordan. Hell, they linked Chicago to Jordan.

People are assuming because Soccer is a bigger sport it means the person has to be bigger. The most popular players of all time isn't the most popular player now either. Justin Beiber and Michael Jackson have about the same amount of likes on Facebook. Who do you think is more famous of all time?

Part of what makes Ali, Jordan, and Pele so well known for their sports are how they absolutely dominated it. Right now people are still fighting about who is better, Rolando or Messi. With Pele... was there a doubt? Almost every single list I'm looking at with google as Pele as number 1 greatest soccer player of all. And guess what, most list that include Messi and Rolando have Messi ranked higher. If you want to be remembered, guess what, you need to win. Your bum ass can't be getting knocked out in the first round of the World Cup by USA.

Second, it's also looking at who are ambassadors to the sport. Beckham fits this better than Rolando. Beckham is moving out the brands, he is helping build up the sport in America, he is in H&M ads even thought he last time he was relevant was a decade ago. The longer you're in the public's eye, the longer you'll be remembered. This is to be seen still. It's a bit of having that charisma in the public's eye too. Ali was a hype man like no other. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Probably the most known words ever spoken by an athlete.

And we can always look at MJ some more. As I said, there is no comparison in the world for Jordans. Nike has his shoes selling at 5% of their total revenue. Completely anecdotal info, but when i was in South Korea. They had a line of several hundred people out there waiting for the new Jordans. This was during the World Cup. They aren't waiting for some Nike Shoes. They are waiting for some Jordans. There is not one athlete ever who can say that.

We are talking about lasting power. We aren't talking who is currently the most popular player in a sport. We're talking someone people are going to be brought up 20 years after they retire. And it isn't going to be Rolando.

Dedicate to all you Rolando fans for another unsuccessful World Cup.

LOL @ rolando

Plus Pele probably wasn't even the best Brazilian player of his era, never mind of all time.

 

[Siegcram]

Anyone who says Michael Jordan because of the Nike Jordans is crazy imo. Nowadays, that is like saying Dave Nike or Cedric McDonald are the most famous people in the world because of their brands.

Michael Jordan, the sportsman, is almost completely disconnected from Jordan the brand.

His name and silhouette are on every single item of his brand. Everyone knows who the Jumpman is. He literally is his brand.

 

[rambis]

Anyone who says Michael Jordan because of the Nike Jordans is crazy imo. Nowadays, that is like saying Dave Nike or Cedric McDonald are the most famous people in the world because of their brands.

Michael Jordan, the sportsman, is almost completely disconnected from Jordan the brand.

I don't know who the most famous sports person of all time is, but it is probably a footballer.

Lmao the fuck?

Jordan I would think is the one brand where you could never claim this. His likeness is literally the brand.

 

[ruttyboy]

His name and silhouette are on every single item of his brand. Everyone knows who the Jumpman is. He literally is his brand.

Hate to disappoint you, but until this thread I had no idea that silhouette was Jordan. I'd seen the brand about but just assumed it was a generic basketball player.

 

[crazygambit]

Babe Ruth
Jackie Robinson
Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali)

I, no joke, have no idea who Jackie Robinson is. I'm sensing that's an immediate disqualification.

It's either Pele or Maradona. Active, either Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

[Doublethink]

I'd say Yao Ming's up there. Or was up there.

 

[rambis]

Hate to disappoint you, but until this thread I had no idea that silhouette was Jordan. I'd seen the brand about but just assumed it was a generic basketball player.

Congrats on being a social outkast? Seriously what was the goal of this post?

 

[ruttyboy]

Congrats on being a social outkast? Seriously what was the goal of this post?

Erm, to illustrate that he was wrong in his assertion? To give context to the discussion?

What was the point of yours?

 

[Mighty Chin]

Probably Muhammad Ali

Is the right answer

 

[shintoki]

Erm, to illustrate that he was wrong in his assertion? To give context to the discussion?

What was the point of yours?

Just because you haven't heard of it, doesn't mean its not popular.

If you follow football and put your head in the ground to every other sport. While ignoring all the tell tale signs. That's not a very good argument.

 

[Siegcram]

Hate to disappoint you, but until this thread I had no idea that silhouette was Jordan. I'd seen the brand about but just assumed it was a generic basketball player.

The name right beneath didn't make it clear?

Why would they use a generic design on the brand of the most iconic and recognizable player of all time? There's a reason Lebron is doing the same with his brand.

 

[rambis]

Erm, to illustrate that he was wrong in his assertion? To give context to the discussion?

What was the point of yours?

Oh you mean that not literally everybody knows the jumpman? Why would he ever suggest that literally everybody knows the jumpman when coincidentally, not literally everybody knows the jumpman? Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[The Incarnation]

Bath Ruth? lol

Seriously.

 

[bsod]

Muhammad Ali flowed by Michael Jordan.

 

[ruttyboy]

Just because you haven't heard of it, doesn't mean its not popular.

If you follow football and put your head in the ground to every other sport. While ignoring all the tell tale signs. That's not a very good argument.

He said 'everyone', that isn't true unless I'm not part of 'everyone'. Jesus, calm down.

I don't follow any sports outside of motorsport, so I don't know if you're referring to me?

The name right beneath didn't make it clear?

Why would they use a generic design on the brand of the most iconic and recognizable player of all time? There's a reason Lebron is doing the same with his brand.

What name? I've seen that image around, never noticed a name, but then I never paid much attention. Why would I? Here in the UK basketball is no where in terms of popularity.

EDIT: Didn't realise this was such a touchy subject!

 

[brerwolfe]

Tiger Woods might be up there, ironic since he plays a non-sport.

I don't know what this means. Have you played golf?

 

[KidJr]

Michael Jordan and not because of Basketball, Air Jordans will create a legacy that will long long long extend beyond his (or anyones) sporting achievements. In thirty years time people will still queue outside stores (not just in the USA) to buy 2015 rertro Jordans,

I'm not even talking about just the shoes, there constant involvement in so many sports will always mean the name Jordan will be relevant to a wider audiance:

Outside of Basketball, Air Jordan sponser:

Roger Federer,
Andre Ward (ok not that big of a deal now)
Drake
Eminem
Spike Lee
Kevin Hart
And NFL players and Baseball players the tbh I dont recognise the name of (except Michael Crabtree)

Nothing, I repeat nothing comes close to as having a big a brand as Michael Jordans Air Jordan.