Mesüt wrote:Woods, Bolt and Schumacher - all 3 absolutely dominated their sports more than anyone ever thought imaginable. Bolt particularly doing the unprecedented and Woods made golf even a remotely popular sport again.
Many up there that could be in for a shout like Phelps but some shouldn't even be close - Zidane f.e.
Bryant - top player but LeBron also up there, both 2 of the best to ever play but when you can hardly separate them then neither can be the greatest. Rules out Tim Duncan too.
Federer - love the man but same as above, you've got Nadal and whilst Federer was largely unparalleled for most of his career, especially in terms of style, I think the likes of Nadal and Djokovic are close and rule him out from being the greatest outside of tennis.
Was tempted:
Messi/Ron - same story, both absolutely ridiculous players and I'm sure Messi will get his fair share of votes. Hard not to consider them tbh. Zidane, Dinho ruled out.
Brady/Manning - Brady is the GOAT NFL player for sure, there's no debate between Manning, Rodgers and Brady imo he has smashed all competition. Another to be considered but ultimately fall short.
Money Mayweather - up there for being unrivaled in his sport, except by another man on the list..little Manny. Both out.
Another suggestion for the list would be Phil Taylor - dunno what you wana class as 'athlete' but he's another who dominated his sport for almost 20 years. Could've thrown a couple NZ rugby players into the mix as well- Carter, Lomu.
Lomu was in the 90s but Carter a good shout
As is Taylor.
f**k, how'd I forget Rocket Ronnie? What he does is with that cueball is magical.