Rory McIlroy secured a dramatic one-shot victory at the Masters when his ball completed its final roll into the cup on Sunday evening. This marks the first back-to-back win at Augusta National since Tiger Woods and only the fourth in history, joining Woods, Sir Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus.
McIlroy’s triumph brings his major tally to six, placing him tied for 12th on golf’s all-time list alongside Phil Mickelson and ahead of Seve Ballesteros. While statistics provide clear rankings, they cannot capture the drama, intensity, and personal journeys that define true sporting legends.
McIlroy exemplifies this blend of raw talent and turmoil, enriching fans’ experiences across sports. To rank Britain’s top athletes this century, the focus stays on those active in the modern era, prioritizing individual sports while acknowledging team contributions. This subjective list weighs achievements, longevity, and impact, though debates persist—such as questions surrounding doping allegations for figures like Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Tyson Fury, and Mo Farah.
Top 15 Greatest British Athletes This Century
15. Joe Calzaghe
Sport: Boxing
Career highlight: Unifying super-middleweight titles with a win over undefeated Mikkel Kessler at Millennium Stadium in 2007.
The Welsh boxer remained unbeaten across two weight classes, showcasing dazzling footwork, speed, and bravery. He overcame Jeff Lacy in a pivotal fight despite severe hand injuries that turned every punch into pain. A matchup against Carl Froch would have been epic, likely ending in a wide points decision for Calzaghe.
14. Ronnie O’Sullivan
Sport: Snooker
Career highlight: Securing a seventh world championship in 2022, matching Stephen Hendry’s record.
O’Sullivan, a prodigy from age 14, embodies rare genius—capable of frustrating spectators one moment and electrifying them the next. He has reflected that staying true to his youthful instincts could have yielded 12 world titles. His seven victories exceed all expectations.
13. Lucy Bronze
Sport: Football
Career highlight: Triumphing in the home Euros at Wembley in 2022.
Bronze combines endurance and trophies across amateur and professional eras, including five Champions League wins. She played through a fractured tibia en route to Euros glory, elevating the Lionesses and women’s football as a trailblazing force.
12. Lennox Lewis
Sport: Boxing
Career highlight: Claiming undisputed heavyweight status by defeating Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Lewis dominated as a colossus when focused, despite occasional distractions. His knockout of Mike Tyson in 2002, though past the American’s prime, remains notable. Tyson Fury’s skills impress, but doping issues and controversies exclude him; Anthony Joshua’s losses bar entry too.
11. Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny
Sport: Cycling
Career highlight: Collecting five golds combined at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This power couple boasts an unmatched 12 Olympic golds. Their achievements evoke images of a clock marked by medals—a timeless legacy in track cycling.
10. Wayne Rooney
Sport: Football
Career highlight: Securing Champions League and Premier League titles with Manchester United in 2007-08.
Rooney exuded energy, menace, and versatility across forward and midfield roles. At Euro 2004, the teenage sensation dismantled Croatia with fearless arrogance, proving he belonged among elites from day one.
9. Ben Stokes
Sport: Cricket
Career highlight: Leading England to 2019 World Cup glory on home soil.
Stokes channels unbreakable will, thriving under pressure. His unbeaten 135 at Headingley in 2019 Ashes turned defeat into victory, embodying genius and resilience amid the high-octane Bazball era.
8. AP McCoy
Sport: Horse racing
Career highlight: First jockey to hit 4,000 jump winners in 2013.
McCoy’s obsession yielded 4,356 victories over 23 years, from age 17 to 40, despite shattering nearly every bone. He transformed the impossible into routine through sheer relentlessness.
7. Jonny Wilkinson
Sport: Rugby
Career highlight: Kicking England to 2003 World Cup victory.
Wilkinson personifies perseverance and perfectionism, delivering England’s rare World Cup final win via iconic drop goal. His self-torment drove team success beyond his own satisfaction.
6. Jessica Ennis-Hill
Sport: Heptathlon
Career highlight: Olympic gold at London 2012.
Ennis-Hill conquered home Games pressure and won a world title 13 months post-childbirth. Her triumphs, alongside peers like Katarina Johnson-Thompson, highlight multi-event mastery.
5. Harry Kane
Sport: Football
Career highlight: Becoming England’s record goalscorer in 2023.
Kane blends leadership, decency, and ruthless finishing, shattering records in England and Germany. As England’s top passer too, a World Cup win could elevate him further; he outshines predecessors like Rooney by 25 goals.
4. Jimmy Anderson
Sport: Cricket
Career highlight: First seamer to 700 Test wickets.
Anderson’s longevity shines through 704 wickets from 40,000+ deliveries, his finger bearing the scars. A street-normal titan, he reached 702 in his 2024 farewell against West Indies.
3. Lewis Hamilton
Sport: Formula 1
Career highlight: Seventh world title in 2020, equaling Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton’s seven championships, wins, and podiums span decades in a perilous sport. From humble roots, he redefined F1 boundaries, thrilling as a prodigy and icon, even amid Ferrari transition debates.
2. Rory McIlroy
Sport: Golf
Career highlight: Career Grand Slam with 2025 Masters win.
McIlroy’s mental battles fueled an extraordinary path, including an 11-year gap between his fourth and fifth majors. His 2025 breakthrough and Sunday’s repeat—now six majors—captivate, hinting at eight or nine more at age 36.
1. Andy Murray
Sport: Tennis
Career highlight: Ending 77-year Wimbledon men’s drought in 2013.
Murray’s humility masks supreme talent and grit. He shattered Fred Perry’s shadow amid Federer, Nadal, Djokovic dominance, winning twice and reaching No. 1—at great physical cost—like Wilkinson’s obsessions. Zero pretense defines him.
