Who is the most popular sports icon in the world

Answers:

For 2009


As of 2009, the top 5 most popular sports icons in the world are as follows:

  1. Tiger Woods
  2. Roger Federer
  3. Yao Ming
  4. Michael Phelps
  5. David Beckham
The list is made from an average of many lists (basically, the average for most popular athlete in the world). Obviously, popularity changes very often. Thus, this list will change from year to year, possibly even month to month depending on how the athletes are doing.

The below answer is based from before 2009, and will not be as up-to-date.

:: David Beckham (World Soccer) - 4 votes
Without doubt, England captain David Beckham. He is the most searched for sports personality on the Internet and the most recognized non-politician in the world. Ask anyone in any soccer-playing country in the world - ie 99.9% of countries - for their heroes, and Beckham comes close to the top (especially with women...)

Michael Jordan (Basketball, USA) - 3 votes; spokesman for Nike and McDonald's, worldwide brands.

:: Tiger Woods (Golf, USA) - 2 votes

:: George Foreman (Boxing, USA) - owns grilling machine brand.

:: Muhammed Ali (Boxing, USA)

:: Ronaldo (World Soccer)

:: Michael Schumacher (Formula One)

:: Roger Federder (Tennis)

:: Wayne Gretzky (Hockey) - "the great one"

:: Usain Bolt (Track and Field)

I think it has to be Muhammad Ali. Beckham's fame and popularity is fading. I doubt if many people in the States would pick Schumacher out of a lineup.
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