Cristiano Ronaldo is world's top sportsman on new ESPN list

Written by . Published: May 31 2017

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the number one athlete on ESPN's World Fame 100.


The Real Madrid striker, 32, has beaten out basketball hero Lebron James to top the list, which takes into account brand endorsements, social media following and online search popularity.

Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi makes the ESPN list at number three, while tennis ace Roger Federer and golfer Phil Mickelson round out the top five.

Another soccer star, Neymar, checks in at six, while Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods also make the top 10 at seven and 10, respectively.

UFC star Ronda Rousey is the first female on the new list, coming in at 16 - three spots ahead of Serena Williams.