On this page, we will discuss and highlight some of the best and most famous leaders in sports who have demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their careers. The Best and Famous Leaders in Sport discussed in the post are:
- Michael Jordan
- Serena Williams
- Lionel Messi
- Phil Jackson
- Alex Ferguson
- Silvia Neid
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Tom Brady
At Leadership and Sport, we are committed to providing resources and articles for coaches and sports leaders. Whether it is through our free coaching tools, exploring various sports, or learning different coaching methods, we aim to celebrate the finest sports leaders and coaches.

We all have individuals who have inspired us over the years. It could be your first coach, a teacher who encouraged you to take up a sport, or the manager who led your team to a championship victory. In this post, we’ll share some of the best and most famous sports leaders who have inspired countless others.
Sports coaches and leaders significantly impact their teams’ performance both during training and in competition. This influence might stem from their training plans (check out our article on periodization) or their leadership style. By understanding what makes these sports leaders successful, we can adopt their ideas to enhance our own abilities as coaches, managers, and leaders.
The Best Leaders in Sports: Legendary Athletes Who Led by Example
1. Michael Jordan (Basketball)
Michael Jordan (MJ) played in the NBA for 15 seasons between 1984 and 2003, most notably winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
His success even led to the creation of his own Nike shoe line (Air Jordan). More recently, Netflix released the documentary The Last Dance, which chronicles his attempt to win a championship in 1997—a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the mindset of a team leader.
MJ is renowned for his relentless work ethic and his ability to inspire teammates.
Did you know?
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why is succeed. – Michael Jordan
2. Serena Williams (Tennis)
Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is a vocal advocate for equality.
Serena has inspired millions by demonstrating that there should be no boundaries in sports and that inclusion is key. On the court, she exemplifies courage, resilience, and determination.
To learn more about Serena and her sister Venus’s journey, we would recommend you watch King Richard on Netflix, a film for which Serena is as an executive producer.
3. Lionel Messi (Soccer)
Lionel Messi has captained his national team and several professional football teams. He has been awarded the Ballon d’Or eight times and has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year.
Messi’s leadership style is grounded in humility and leading by example rather than grand speeches. He sets high standards for himself and his teammates while consistently praising team efforts. We recommend reading his Biography to learn more about this talented athlete and why he is one of the best leaders in sports.

The Best Leaders in Sports: Visionary Coaches and Managers
1. Phil Jackson (Basketball)
Phil Jackson is regarded as one of the best leaders in sport of all time. He led the Chicago Bulls to their legendary success in the 1990s, coaching Michael Jordan, and later guided the Los Angeles Lakers to five league titles over 12 years.
His leadership emphasised teamwork and maximising each player’s potential, which played a crucial role in his success.
Did you know?
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson
2. Alex Ferguson (Soccer)
We have previously written about Alex Ferguson in another post. In the article we discuss his successes and dive more into his leadership style. You can read our article here.
Alex Ferguson managed Manchester United for 27 years, winning over 30 titles and solidifying his reputation as the greatest football manager in British history.
Ferguson’s leadership was defined by his ability to build a winning culture, maintain discipline, and foster team cohesion. His book Leading offers valuable insights into his coaching philosophy.
3. Silvia Neid (Soccer)
Silvia Neid, head coach of Germany’s women’s national team for over 11 years, won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007, two European Championships (2009, 2013), and an Olympic gold medal in 2016.
Neid was known for her ability to recognise potential in players and tailor training sessions to prepare for specific opponents. She is featured in The Greatest Managers book, which celebrates the best leaders in sports history.

The Best Leaders in Sports: Team Leaders Who Made a Difference
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Ors and holds records for the most goals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA European Championships, and FIFA World Cup.
Known for his relentless work ethic, Ronaldo leads by example and motivates his teammates to strive for improvement.
2. Tom Brady (NFL)
Tom Brady has won seven Super Bowls—more than any other player—during his career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tom Brady was the captain for New England Patriots on 18 occasions. As captain, Brady emphasised team priorities, inspiring his teammates to play to win.
“If you don’t play to win, don’t play at all.” – Tom Brady
Common Leadership Qualities Among the Best Sports Leaders
A recurring theme among the leaders featured here is their dedication to teamwork and their ability to lead by example. Setting high expectations, both for themselves and others, is key to their success.
Conclusion: Great Leadership Inspires Beyond Sports
There you have it—our picks for the best leaders in sports. Exceptional leadership extends beyond the game, inspiring us all in our personal lives.
We hope this post motivates you. Share your advice for aspiring leaders in the comments below, and we’ll feature some of the best insights in future posts!
Otherwise why not check out our other articles in our sports coaching guide.