In sports, even the most talented athletes usually come with a side of controversy, ego, or fan division. But now and then, a rare unicorn comes along—an athlete so universally beloved, respected, or just downright likable that nobody seems to root against them.
Whether it was their personality, humility, style of play, or off-field charm, these stars pulled off the near-impossible: escaping the wrath of sports fans, media critics, and rival teams. These are the 20 sports icons who made everyone cheer, no matter the jersey.
20. Joe Mauer
Even fans outside Minnesota could appreciate Joe Mauer’s calm demeanor and steady bat. He was the rare hometown hero who stayed loyal, quiet, and classy.
19. Larry Fitzgerald
You’d come up empty if you tried to find a bad word about Larry Fitzgerald. The man caught touchdowns like poetry and handled losses like a statesman.
18. Buster Posey
Buster Posey, a model of composure behind the plate, never gave fans or media a reason to dislike him. He won with grace and lost with perspective.
17. Chris Paul (until very recently)
For most of his career, CP3 was the steady veteran leader you wanted on your team—and didn’t mind on someone else’s. Only late-career antics started chipping at the goodwill.
16. Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm didn’t just win—she made you believe in greatness. Even opponents admired her relentless style and team-first mentality.
15. Henrik Lundqvist
“The King” was all class on the net and all elegance off the ice. New York fans adored him, and somehow, so did everyone else.
14. Joey Votto
Funny, weird, smart, and talented—Votto was the thinking fan’s favorite player. He talked to fans mid-game and still mashed baseballs with quiet confidence.
13. Shaun White
Even when he dominated snowboarding and reinvented the sport, Shaun White remained likable. He gave off chaotic energy in the best possible way.
12. Tim Duncan
No flash, no drama, just perfect fundamentals and zero enemies. Tim Duncan was the human version of a steady heartbeat.
11. Rafael Nadal
Even Federer fans had to admit Nadal was impossible to root against. His grit, humility, and sportsmanship made him universally respected across the tennis world.
10. Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw’s postseason struggles made people love him more. There was never a sense of ego—just a lot of dominant pitching and sincere effort.
9. Sue Bird
No matter where she played, Sue Bird brought leadership and quiet cool. She was the kind of player who elevated everyone around her—teammates, league, and fans.
8. Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro combined unmatched skill with a mysterious charm, making him beloved everywhere from Seattle to Tokyo. He was quirky, respectful, and impossibly good.
7. Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn hit like a machine but acted like your favorite uncle. You couldn’t watch him play without smiling—especially if you loved a good contact hitter.
6. Pau Gasol
Pau brought a touch of European finesse to the NBA and had zero haters despite playing with Kobe and under intense L.A. pressure. He always seemed genuinely kind.
5. Simone Biles
Dominant, joyful, and full of humility, Simone made it hard for anyone to root against her. Even when she stumbled, fans had her back.
4. Derek Jeter
Yankee haters had to bite their tongues when it came to Jeter. He avoided drama, played the game right, and always delivered in the clutch.
3. Wayne Gretzky
Unless you’re Wayne Gretzky, you don’t get nicknamed “The Great One” and walk away without some hate. He played with elegance and never gave anyone a reason to dislike him.
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2. Roger Federer
Smooth, stylish, and always respectful, Federer made tennis fans swoon for two decades. Even rivals rooted for him, which tells you everything.
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1. Steph Curry
Steph changed the game and somehow made it fun for everyone. He smiles, shoots from the moon, and does it all without becoming a villain.
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