Rory McIlroy secured a thrilling one-shot victory at the Masters on Sunday, marking his second consecutive win at Augusta National. He joins Tiger Woods as the first to achieve back-to-back triumphs there since Woods, and becomes only the fourth player in history alongside Woods, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus.
This success brings McIlroy’s major tally to six, placing him tied for 12th on golf’s all-time list with Phil Mickelson and ahead of Seve Ballesteros. While statistics provide clear benchmarks, evaluating athletes across sports demands nuance, considering drama, resilience, and impact.
This ranking focuses on British athletes from the 21st century, prioritizing individual sports while acknowledging team contributions. It remains subjective, emphasizing achievements amid challenges.
Top 15 British Sportspersons of the Century
15. Joe Calzaghe – Boxing
Career highlight: Unifying super-middleweight belts with a win over undefeated Mikkel Kessler in 2007.
The Welsh boxer remained unbeaten across two weight classes, showcasing rapid footwork and unyielding courage. He defended his titles over 20 times despite hand injuries, dominating foes like Jeff Lacy.
14. Ronnie O’Sullivan – Snooker
Career highlight: Securing a seventh world championship in 2022, matching Stephen Hendry’s record.
O’Sullivan embodies rare genius, captivating crowds while battling inner demons. He has suggested a more focused approach early on could have yielded even more titles.
13. Lucy Bronze – Football
Career highlight: Triumphing in the home Euros at Wembley in 2022.
Bronze delivers longevity and success across eras, earning five Champions League medals. She played through a fractured tibia en route to Euros glory, elevating women’s football.
12. Lennox Lewis – Boxing
Career highlight: Claiming undisputed heavyweight title against Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Lewis dominated as a colossus, though prime bouts like against Mike Tyson eluded fans. His knockout of Tyson in 2002 remains a standout, despite Tyson’s faded form.
11. Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny – Cycling
Career highlight: Collecting five gold medals combined at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This power couple amassed 12 Olympic golds total, an unmatched feat. Their achievements redefine track cycling excellence.
10. Wayne Rooney – Football
Career highlight: Securing Champions League and Premier League titles with Manchester United in 2007-08.
Rooney exudes menace and versatility, thriving as forward and midfielder. His fearless Euro 2004 display as a teenager announced his elite status.
9. Ben Stokes – Cricket
Career highlight: Leading England to 2019 World Cup victory on home soil.
Stokes embodies willpower, producing match-winning knocks like his 155 at Lord’s. His Headingley heroics in 2019 exemplify genius under pressure.
8. AP McCoy – Horse Racing
Career highlight: First jockey to hit 4,000 jump winners in 2013.
McCoy rode 4,356 winners over 23 years, breaking bones yet obsessing over victory from age 17 to 40.
7. Jonny Wilkinson – Rugby
Career highlight: Kicking England to 2003 World Cup glory.
Wilkinson personifies perseverance, perfecting skills through relentless self-torment. His drop goal sealed the final against Australia.
6. Jessica Ennis-Hill – Heptathlon
Career highlight: Olympic gold at London 2012.
Ennis-Hill conquered home Games pressure and won a world title post-childbirth. Her triumphs under scrutiny stand out.
5. Harry Kane – Football
Career highlight: Becoming England’s record goalscorer in 2023.
Kane combines leadership and scoring prowess, shattering records in England and Germany. His passing elevates him as England’s top striker.
4. Jimmy Anderson – Cricket
Career highlight: First seamer to 700 Test wickets.
Anderson’s longevity shines through 704 wickets over two decades. His unassuming demeanor belies a titanic career, ending with 702 against West Indies in 2024.
3. Lewis Hamilton – Formula 1
Career highlight: Seventh world title in 2020, equaling Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton holds records across wins and podiums over three decades in a perilous sport. From humble roots, he reshaped F1 and culture.
2. Rory McIlroy – Golf
Career highlight: Career Grand Slam with 2025 Masters win.
McIlroy’s mental battles enrich his prodigious talent. His 11-year major drought ended dramatically, with back-to-back Masters unlocking further potential at age 36.
1. Andy Murray – Tennis
Career highlight: Ending 77-year Wimbledon men’s drought in 2013.
Murray’s humility masks supreme skill. He conquered immense home pressure twice amid Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, reaching world No. 1 at great physical cost.
