Star power: Which athletes have the greatest appeal in Britain in 2025?
Star power Ronaldo and Messi top the list of favourite male athletes among British sports fans, with homegrown F1 talents Hamilton and Norris scoring high
England football captain Harry Kane completes the top 5, with Jack Draper and Joe Root the other Brits. Domestic stars make up half of the list. Football is the most represented sport, with F1, tennis, cricket and basketball also featuring.
Favorite current male athletes in Great Britain:
Question: Who are your favorite current male athletes across any sport? Please name up to 3 athletes in the text boxes. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025. GB sports fans n> 700 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power Homegrown stars play a greater role in female sports fandom
7 of the top 10 favourite female athletes in Britain are British athletes, showing a clear allegiance to homegrown talent. Tennis accounts for the top two spots, whilst football is the best represented sport.
Favorite current female athletes in Great Britain:
Question: Who are your favourite current female athletes across any sport? Please name up to 3 athletes in the text boxes. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025. GB sports fans n> 350 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite female athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power Industry-defining talents: Littler and Hamilton raising darts and F1 appetite
Looking at athletes who have boosted the popularity of their entire sport, Ronaldo and Messi rank top - reflecting their superstar status expanding beyond football. Luke Littler is third, with his breakthrough aged 16 having captured the British public's attention and showcasing darts to a far wider audience than its previously existing fan base.
Question: Can you name a current athlete whose popularity, in your opinion, has significantly boosted the popularity of their entire sport? YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025.
GB sports fans n> 700 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male/female athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power What's driving athlete appeal in 2025?
Skill reigns supreme in sports fandom for British sports fans. Over two-thirds have a favourite athlete due to their skill level (68%).
Beyond skill and style of play, 30% of sports fans value an athlete for their off-field personality.
13% like athletes because of their physical appearance and because they are stylish/cool – highlighting the importance of image in sports fandom.
Skill level
Style of play
Play for my team
Off-field personality
Interaction with fans
Physical appearance
Stylish/cool
Speak about issues
From my local area
Social media presence
Question: What are the main reasons that you like your favourite athletes? Please select up to 3 reasons. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025.
GB sports fans n> 300 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male/female athlete). "Don't know" and "Other" responses not shown.
