Ali was a global icon. The guy was known everywhere, from the U.S. to Africa, to places like the Middle East. And it wasn’t just about his boxing. His stance on Vietnam, his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, and his larger-than-life personality made him more than an athlete—he was a symbol of standing up for what you believe in. Even people who didn’t watch boxing knew who Ali was, and they respected him.
Jordan’s a close second for sure. He dominated basketball, and let’s be real, his Air Jordans are legendary. His global impact on the sport and pop culture can’t be denied. But while Jordan’s fame came mostly through sports and branding, Ali was bigger than the game. He was about social issues, humanity, and even post-retirement, he stayed relevant as a symbol of perseverance.
And as for Babe Ruth—don’t get me wrong, he was a huge figure in American sports and changed baseball forever, but his fame was more localized. He dominated the U.S., but his name didn’t really travel globally the way Ali’s and Jordan’s did. Baseball wasn’t the international sport that basketball or boxing became, so while Ruth’s a legend in American history, his influence just didn’t reach the same worldwide level. Ali and Jordan transcended sports in a way that Ruth, unfortunately, didn’t.
So yeah, for me, Ali takes the top spot because his legacy goes beyond just sports. Jordan’s still a GOAT in his own right, but Ali had that extra level of worldwide fame and influence.
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