The 20 most famous female athletes in the world right now

The 20 most famous female athletes in the world right now

Kevin Omuya
updated at July 15, 2023 at 9:09 AM

Both men and women have dominated the world of sports. Female athletes have made significant strides in various disciplines, captivating global audiences with their extraordinary talent, determination, and achievements. We will delve into their impact on their respective sports and highlight their contributions to the broader landscape of women's athletics.

Famous female athletes
The 20 Most famous female athletes in the world right now
Source: UGC

Acknowledge the groundbreaking accomplishments of some of the famous female athletes in history who paved the way for future generations is essential. Names like Billie Jean King (tennis), Babe Didrikson Zaharias (track and field/golf), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (track and field), and Martina Navratilova (tennis) resonate as icons of the past, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today's athletes. This article will explore the 20 most famous female athletes in history, encompassing contemporary stars and legendary figures from the past.

1. Serena Williams (Tennis, United States)

Famous female athletes
Serena Williams of the United States looks on against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia in their Women's Singles Second Round match on Day Three of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2022, in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo: Matthew Stockman
Source: Getty Images

She is a legendary tennis figure known for her unrivalled accomplishments and dominance. With a unique 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins in the Open Era. Serena's remarkable career has spanned over two decades, and her impact extends beyond tennis as she has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide. She is among the best female athlete of all time.

2. Simone Biles (Gymnastics, United States)

Famous female athletes in history
Simone Biles of Team United States reacts before the Women's Balance Beam Final at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 03, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Xavier Laine
Source: Getty Images

The famous American athlete is regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts ever. Biles has won numerous World Championship and Olympic medals, showcasing her dominance in the vault, floor exercise, and balance beam. Her ability to perform gravity-defying moves with precision and artistry has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a gymnastics icon. She is among the famous female athletes in 2023.

3. Alex Morgan (Soccer, United States)

Famous female athletes 2023
Alex Morgan of United States during the SheBelieves Cup match between Brazil and United States at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. Photo: James Williamson
Source: Getty Images

Alex Morgan is a prominent figure in women's soccer, known for her exceptional skills as a forward. The famous female soccer athlete has been instrumental in the success of the United States women's national team, winning multiple Olympic gold medals and a FIFA Women's World Cup. Morgan's agility, speed, and goal-scoring ability have made her a vital asset to her club and country. At the same time, her off-field advocacy for gender equality has further solidified her impact on and off the pitch.

4. Naomi Osaka (Tennis, Japan)

Most famous female athletes of all time
Naomi Osaka of Japan hits a return against Daria Saville of Australia during their women's singles match on day two of the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo on September 20, 2022. Photo: Philip Fong
Source: Getty Images

The Asian athlete has emerged as one of the brightest stars in tennis. Representing Japan, Osaka has made waves in the sport with her powerful groundstrokes and unwavering focus. She has claimed several Grand Slam titles, including US and Australian Open victories. Osaka's engaging personality and activism for social justice issues have also made her a role model for many, both within and outside the tennis world. She is one of the most famous female Asian athletes.

5. Megan Rapinoe (Soccer, United States)

Famous female soccer athlete
Megan Rapinoe (15) of the United States during warmups before the SheBelieves Cup game between Canada and USWNT at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. Photo: Roy K. Miller
Source: Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe is a highly accomplished soccer player known for her skill and leadership qualities. As a vital United States, women's national soccer team member, Rapinoe has won multiple Olympic gold medals and FIFA Women's World Cup titles. Rapinoe's activism for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality has further amplified her impact beyond the soccer field.

6. Ronda Rousey (Mixed Martial Arts, United States)

Most famous female athletes
Ronda Rousey attends SXSports at the SXSW Film-Interactive-Music festival at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2016, in Austin, Texas. Photo: Gary Miller
Source: Getty Images

Ronda Rousey is a trailblazer in mixed martial arts (MMA). As the first female UFC champion, she played a pivotal role in popularising women's MMA and breaking barriers for women in combat sports. Rousey's explosive fighting style and judo background made her a formidable opponent in the octagon. Her achievements in the UFC, charisma, and crossover appeal have solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in MMA.

7. Lindsey Vonn (Skiing, United States)

Famous female athlete Australia
Lindsey Vonn of the United States of America during the Climate Austrian World Summit on Hahnenkamm Race Weekend on January 23, 2020, in Kitzbuehel, Austria. Photo: Martin Rauscher
Source: Getty Images

Lindsey Vonn is regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history. Her speed, technical skills, and determination propelled her to win multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals. Vonn's aggressive approach to skiing and her ability to excel in various disciplines, including downhill and super-G, cemented her status as a ski racing icon. Lindsey is one of the most famous female American athletes.

8. Danica Patrick (Auto Racing, United States)

Best female athletes of all time
CBS driver analyst, Danica Patrick, looks on during practice for the Inaugural Superstar Racing Experience Event at Stafford Motor Speedway on June 12, 2021, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Photo: Elsa
Source: Getty Images

She is a trailblazer in auto racing, particularly in the male-dominated sport of NASCAR. She became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race. Patrick's success and popularity have made her a prominent figure in motorsports, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams in racing.

9. Sania Mirza (Tennis, India)

Famous female athletes
Sania Mirza of India during the Ladies Doubles semi-final at the Women's Double of 2017 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on September 29, 2017, in Wuhan, China. Photo: Visual China Group
Source: Getty Images

Sania Mirza is a highly accomplished tennis player from India who has achieved tremendous success in both singles and doubles. She is India's highest-ranked female tennis player and has won several Grand Slam titles in women's doubles and mixed images.

10. Ashleigh Barty (Tennis, Australia)

Famous female athlete australia
Ashleigh Barty of Australia in her Women's Singles Final match against Danielle Collins of United States during the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Clive Brunskill
Source: Getty Images

Ashleigh Barty has emerged as a famous tennis player from Australia, known for her versatile playing style and exceptional court coverage. She clinched her first Grand Slam singles title at the French Open in 2019, becoming the first Australian woman to achieve the feat in over four decades. Barty's calm demeanour, tactical approach, and ability to perform well on various surfaces have elevated her status in t.

11. Carli Lloyd (Soccer, United States)

Famous female athletes 2023
Carli Lloyd (10) of NJ/NY Gotham FC during the farewell ceremony after the match against Racing Louisville FC at Red Bull Arena on October 31, 2021, in Harrison, New Jersey. Photo: Ira L. Black - Corbis
Source: Getty Images

Carli Lloyd is a highly accomplished soccer player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. As a United States women's national soccer team member, Lloyd has won multiple Olympic gold medals and FIFA Women's World Cup titles. Lloyd's dedication, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her a globally respected figure in women's soccer.

12. Maria Sharapova (Tennis, Russia)

Famous female soccer athlete
Maria Sharapova thanks supporters during the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy-2019 tennis tournament in St.Petersburg, Russia. Photo: Igor Russak
Source: Getty Images

Sharapova is a former professional tennis player from Russia who achieved remarkable success throughout her career. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and fierce competitive spirit, Sharapova won five Grand Slam singles titles, including Wimbledon and the US Open. She became among the highest-paid female athletes, combining her on-court achievements with her marketability and endorsements.

13. Marta (Soccer, Brazil)

Famous black athletes
Marta (10) of Brazil during a game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. Photo: Daniela Porcelli
Source: Getty Images

Marta, commonly known as Marta, is regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players ever. Hailing from Brazil, Marta has won multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards, showcasing her exceptional talent, skill, and creativity on the field. She has been instrumental in the success of the Brazilian women's national soccer team.

14. Caster Semenya (Track and Field, South Africa)

Famous black athletes
Caster Semenya of South Africa participated in the Women's 1500 metres semi-final in the IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 5, 2017, in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

Semenya is an accomplished middle-distance runner from South Africa, known for dominating the women's 800 meters event. Semenya's exceptional athletic abilities have garnered attention and controversy due to her high testosterone levels.

Despite facing challenges and debates surrounding gender regulations in sports, Semenya has demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved significant success, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. Her story has sparked essential discussions about inclusivity and fairness in athletics. She is one of the famous female controversial athletes.

15. Ibtihaj Muhammad (Fencing, United States)

Famous female asian athlete
Ibtihaj Muhammad of the United States celebrates victory over Olena Kravatska of Ukraine during the Women's Individual Sabre on August 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Patrick Smith
Source: Getty Images

Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first Muslim-American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States in fencing. Her remarkable achievements and advocacy for inclusivity have earned her widespread recognition. Muhammad won a bronze medal in the team sabre event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first female Arab athlete to win an Olympic medal.

16. Katie Ledecky (Swimming, United States)

Famous female athletes 2023
Katie Ledecky poses with her medal after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final during the Toyota U.S. Open Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center on December 01, 2022, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Photo: Jared C. Tilton
Source: Getty Images

Ledecky is a dominant force in the world of swimming. With her exceptional talent and relentless work ethic, Ledecky has set numerous world records and won multiple Olympic gold medals. She specialises in freestyle events, ranging from the 200 meters to the gruelling 1500 meters. Ledecky's incredible endurance, technique, and consistency have made her one of the most decorated swimmers ever.

17. Mikaela Shiffrin (Skiing, United States)

Famous female soccer athlete
Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals - Women's Giant Slalom on March 19, 2023, in Soldeu near Andorra la Vella, France. Photo: Joan Cros Garcia
Source: Getty Images

Shiffrin is a prodigious alpine skier known for her technical skills and slope precision. She has captured the attention of the skiing world with her versatility across different disciplines, including slalom, giant slalom, and super-G. Shiffrin's remarkable achievements include multiple World Championship titles and Olympic gold medals. Her ability to navigate challenging courses with speed and finesse has solidified her position as one of the greatest skiers of her generation.

18. Sue Bird (Basketball, United States)

Famous female athletes in history
Sue Bird (10) of the Seattle Storm during the third quarter in Game Three of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Climate Pledge Arena on September 04, 2022, in Seattle, Washington. Photo: Steph Chambers
Source: Getty Images

Bird is a highly accomplished basketball player with an exceptional career in WNBA and international competitions. Known for her excellent court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ, Bird has won multiple WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm. She is one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, having earned numerous All-Star selections and individual accolades. Bird's longevity and impact on the game have made her a role model for aspiring basketball players in the United States and beyond.

19. Chloe Kim (Snowboarding, United States)

Famous female Asian athlete
Chloe Kim bats during the Batting Practice Hospitality & Media for MGM All-Star Celebrity Softball Game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Mary DeCicco
Source: Getty Images

She is a rising star in the world of snowboarding. With her fearless and innovative style, she has revolutionised the sport and captured the attention of fans worldwide. Kim made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics by winning a gold medal in the women's halfpipe event at 17, making her the youngest woman to win Olympic snowboarding gold.

20. Becky Lynch (Wrestling, Ireland)

Famous female soccer athlete,
WWE Superstar Becky Lynch Celebrate Wrestlemania 35 at The Empire State Building on April 05, 2019, in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe
Source: Getty Images

The professional wrestler is one of the most famous female athletes from Ireland. Known for her charismatic personality, athletic abilities, and captivating storytelling in the ring, Lynch has achieved significant success in various wrestling promotions. She became one of the central figures in the women's wrestling revolution. Lynch's determination, resilience, and connection with fans have made her one of the most beloved and influential wrestlers of her time.

Most famous female athletes
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

These accomplished female athletes not only excelled in their respective sports. They have emerged as exemplary figures and icons for the upcoming generations of sportspeople and the global community. The individuals' names will be permanently recorded in historical records.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.