What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek-Nigerian NBA basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time. His size, speed, strength, and country of origin have earned him the nickname "Greek Freak."
Nicknamed Mad Max, Max Scherzer is an American baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball. A right-handed starting pitcher, Scherzer is an eight-time MLB All-Star.
Considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, American Mikaela Shiffrin has the most World Cup wins of any alpine skier in history (men or women). She's also a two-time Olympic Gold medalist.
A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, American auto racing driver Jimmie Johnson is the only driver to win five straight titles (2006-10).
Considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Justin Verlander is currently playing for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball. He is one of only four pitchers in Major League history to win multiple World Series championships and earn multiple All-Star selections.
Catalan midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, Aitana Bonmatí is considered one of the best players in women's soccer. She was awarded the Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Women's Player Award for the 2022–23 season.
Retired French soccer player Thierry Henry was a record-breaking goal scorer for the English club Arsenal, as well as the French national team. Henry was named the FWA Footballer of the Year a record three times, the PFA Players' Player of the Year a joint-record two times, and was named in the PFA Team of the Year six consecutive times. He is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time.
Zinedine Zidane is a French professional soccer manager and former player who played as an attacking midfielder. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane is known for his elegance, vision, passing, ball control, and technique. He received many individual accolades as a player, including FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003, and winning the 1998 Ballon d'Or.
David Ortiz is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2016. Over the duration of his career, Ortiz was named an All-Star 10 times.
A former baseball left fielder, Barry Bonds played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He holds many MLB hitting records, including most career home runs (762), and most home runs in a single season.
Also known by his initials KD, Kevin Durant is a basketball player for the NBA team Phoenix Suns, who has won two NBA championships. Durant has also won three gold medals in the Olympics (2012, 2016, and 2020) and is the leading scorer in Team USA's men's Olympic basketball history.
Ichiro Suzuki is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder who played professionally for 28 seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest contact hitters and defensive outfielders in baseball history, he also won two World Baseball Classic titles as part of the Japanese national team.
A social justice advocate and former professional basketball player, Maya Moore is one of 11 women to earn an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup gold, and a WNBA Championship.
A retired professional basketball player, Tamika Catchings played her entire 15-year career for the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). During her career, she received an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup gold, and a WNBA Championship. Catchings was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Dwyane Wade spent the majority of his 16-year career playing for the Miami Heat. He won three NBA championships and was a 13-time NBA All-Star. In 2023, Wade was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Former professional baseball shortstop and third baseman, A-Rod is a baseball superstar who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball. Rodriguez was a 14-time All-Star, winning three American League Most Valuable Player Awards, 10 Silver Slugger Awards, and two Gold Glove Awards.
Dirk Nowitzki, a German former professional basketball player, was the highest-scoring foreign-born player in the NBA. In 2023, Nowitzki was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, he is a special advisor for his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
Miguel Cabrera is a former professional baseball player from Venezuela who played in Major League Baseball for the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. Debuting in 2003, Cabrera is regarded as one of the greatest hitters of all time.
A baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is a ten-time All-Star winner and a World Series champion in 2020. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Often regarded as the greatest female soccer player of all time, Marta plays as a forward for Orlando Pride and the Brazilian national team. Marta holds the record for being Brazil's top goalscorer with 119 goals. With 17 goals, she also holds the record for most goals scored in any World Cup, women's or men's.
A former professional boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired in 2017 with an undefeated record. He won 15 major world championships from super featherweight to light middleweight.
Randy Moss is a former wide receiver who played in the NFL for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers.
A former football quarterback, Peyton Manning played in the NFL for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff," he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with the Denver Broncos.
Having played 21 seasons in the NBA, Kevin Garnett is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time. Known for his intensity, versatility, and defensive ability, Garnett won both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Nicknamed "the Machine," Albert Pujols is a Dominican-American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball.
The center and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Canadian Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain of an NHL team. Crosby has also represented Canada on numerous occasions.
Playing for the Phoenix Mercury, Diana Taurasi is an American basketball player who has won an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup, and a WNBA Championship. Having managed to score in crucial situations, Taurasi earned the nickname "White Mamba," coined by Kobe Bryant.
Michael Schumacher is a German former race-car driver who, prior to his skiing accident in 2013, set records for the most Formula One Grand Prix race victories (91, later broken by Lewis Hamilton) and F1 series championships (seven, later tied by Hamilton).
Nikola Jokić is a Serbian basketball player who plays for the Denver Nuggets and is regarded as one of the greatest players and centers of all time. He represents the Serbian national team, with which he won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Trout is an 11-time Major League Baseball All-Star. He also captained the US national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Aaron Donald is a former football defensive tackle who played in the NFL for 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. During his NFL career, Donald was named Defensive Player of the Year a record three times.
The Portuguese soccer player currently plays as a forward for and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards.
One of the greatest in the game, the Spanish tennis star is a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion and ATP Tour titleholder in 19 straight seasons. Representing Spain, the left-handed player has won two Olympic gold medals, and led the nation to four Davis Cup titles.
A former professional basketball player, Tim Duncan spent his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Regarded as the greatest power forward of all time, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
The point guard for the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry is credited with revolutionizing basketball by inspiring teams and players to take more three-point shots. Together with the US team, Curry made his Olympics debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time, Shaq played for six teams over his 19-year career in the NBA. He was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships and was voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 following his tragic death.
Competing in Formula One for Mercedes, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton has won a joint-record seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles (tied with Michael Schumacher), and holds the record for most wins (105). Hamilton has been credited with furthering Formula One's global following by appealing to a broader audience outside the sport, in part due to his social activism and fashion.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Katie Ledecky has won eight Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals—the most in history for a female swimmer.
The starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes has led his team to six consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and four Super Bowl appearances since 2018. He is one of five quarterbacks in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls as a starter.
Another big name in tennis, Serbia's Novak Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles, including a record 10 Australian Open titles. Djokovic has been ranked number one for a record total of 428 weeks in a record 13 different years by the ATP.
Nicknamed "King James," and rightfully so, LeBron James is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. Currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he has won four NBA championships throughout his career. He also has two Olympic gold medals as a member of the US men's national team.
A former quarterback, Tom Brady played in the NFL for 23 seasons, including 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. He led his teams to a record of seven Super Bowl victories.
Named the world's best player for a record eight times by FIFA, Argentina's Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, with 44 team trophies. He led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, where he scored seven goals, including two in the final.
The most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles has won medals in all three of the Olympics she participated in (2016, 2020, 2024). In 2022, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Serena Williams is a 23-time major champion, the second most wins by any player of all time. She played her final match at the 2022 US Open.
The Swiss former professional tennis player dominated the sport in the early 21st century with his exceptional all-around game. Federer won 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second most of all time, including 20 major men's singles titles.
One of the greatest golfers of all time, Tiger Woods has won the PGA Tour 82 times, including 15 major championships. He is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, American swimmer Michael Phelps has a total of 28 medals, including 23 gold medals. He retired from competitive swimming after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Sources: (ESPN)
Fast like a lightning bolt, the retired Jamaican sprinter is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meters relay. In fact, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016).
Even if you're not a big fan of sports, chances are you still know the names of many famous athletes. Whether you recognize them from headlines, advertisements, or philanthropic work, a lot of sports figures have achieved stardom and celebrity due to their successful careers in sports. From basketball to swimming, and tennis to soccer, ESPN has ranked the top athletes of the 21st century.
Curious? Click on to discover which athletes made the top 50.
The 50 best athletes of the 21st century
From tennis to soccer, these are the most successful sports stars
LIFESTYLE Sports
Even if you're not a big fan of sports, chances are you still know the names of many famous athletes. Whether you recognize them from headlines, advertisements, or philanthropic work, a lot of sports figures have achieved stardom and celebrity due to their successful careers in sports. From basketball to swimming, and tennis to soccer, ESPN has ranked the top athletes of the 21st century.
Curious? Click on to discover which athletes made the top 50.