Sports have a massive impact globally. Just look at soccer, where it's estimated that 4% of the world's population participates in the sport in some way. Sports are a world-changing medium, bringing people together and inspiring them to achieve while teaching teamwork, community, unselfishness, and more. Some professional athletes go above and beyond in this pursuit; their philanthropic efforts are world-changing, in addition to their excellence in their field of play. They dedicated themselves to impacting communities in several ways, giving back to the communities around them, and in the meantime, have affected millions across the globe. So while it may not be a competition, let's look at the most charitable athletes in the world. 

The 25 Most Charitable Athletes in the World

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most charitable professional athlete in the world. Alongside being among the greatest football players of all time, he's been globally recognized for his charity work in his home country of Portugal. Alongside being one of the greatest football players of all time, he's also the most charitable. He's patterned with WorldBank.org and represented the “11 Against Ebola,” a public health awareness campaign that looks to grow the support in fighting against Ebola. Other players, such as Brazil's Neymar Jr. and Spain's Gerard Piqué, also stand alongside him. 

In a recent list put together by LooktotheStars.org, Cristiano took home the top spot for going above and beyond for those around him. The Portuguese-born soccer star gave back to his home country by donating more than €1.5 million (estimated) to fund a cancer center that went on to treat his mother. He's donated more than $83,000 to a 10-year-old fan that needed brain surgery. In 2020, Ronaldo and his agent, Jorge Mendes, donated €1 million to three intensive care units in Portugal to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is one of the most dominant tennis players of all time, and she's had a similar impact off the clay, grass, and hard courts that she's most known for playing on. Her philanthropy and activism in the black community are incredible. 

In 2004 and 2005, the Williams sisters released an ESPN episode that details their charity matches that raised money for local Ronald McDonald House Charities in predominantly black cities. She's founded her charitable foundation, the Serena Williams Foundation, which has helped fund a Secondary School in Matooni, Kenya. 

She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and has been recognized by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater L.A. and Inland with the “Young Heroes Award” and the “Family Circle and Prudential Financial Player Who Makes a Difference Award.” The impact on the Los Angeles community doesn't stop there, as her foundation helped build the Yetunde Price Resource Center in her hometown of Compton, California. 

Serena is a big advocate for the youth community. One example of her impact would be in 2016 when Williams teamed up with Unilever to launch the “Unstoppable Together” campaign, which aimed to empower young people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. She's also actively involved in other notable charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, Hearts of Gold, the Small Steps Foundation, the Eva Longoria Foundation, and the Cure for MND Foundation—incredible work. Williams has also been involved in various initiatives to promote racial justice and support Black-owned businesses.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi recently won the world cup playing for his home country of Argentina. He's one of the most recognized footballers in the world, and his charitable efforts are just as powerful as he is on the pitch. 

Messi has been explicitly involved in charitable efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable children. This stems from struggles he had as a child due to medical difficulties. Messi has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010 and completed his first field mission while traveling to Haiti to support the country after a devastating earthquake. He's been a big part of the UNICEF mission, joining campaigns around HIV prevention, education, and the social exclusion of disabled children. 

In 2020, Messi and his foundation donated €1 million to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. The donation was split between two hospitals in Barcelona and another in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. This is among his most notable charitable efforts. He established the Lionel Messi Foundation in 2007, focusing on supporting children in need worldwide, emphasizing healthcare, education, and social inclusion.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is the most charitable NBA athlete of all time. He's also undoubtedly the richest NBA athlete, recently passing a net worth of $1 billion. Thankfully, he gives a lot back with his bouts of philanthropy. He recently made headlines by donating a record $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Michael formed the James R. Jordan Foundation in honor of his late father. The foundation provides support and resources to low-income communities in North Carolina and Chicago, specifically towards education and opportunities for the youth. Jordan's iconic brand namesake, Jordan Brand, also pledged to donate $100 million over the next ten years (2020-2030) to organizations that promote racial equity, social justice, and more significant excess to education. This came after the horrific George Floyd incident. 

Jordan has received numerous awards for his philanthropic efforts, including the presidential medal of freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America. In addition to everything listed above, Jordan has supported various other causes, both financially and by raising awareness, including cancer research, disaster relief, scholarship programs, education reform, and more. 

John Cena

John Cena was the face of WWE professional wrestling for a long time. Nowadays, he's primarily working as an actor but has remained a strong advocate for his place as one of the most well-known professional athletes in the world. He's been lauded for his efforts with the prominent Make-A-Wish foundation, granting over 650 wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, by far the most of any athlete in the world. He's the most requested celebrity wish granter in the history of Make-A-Wish. Due to his passion for Make-A-Wish, he's earned the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.

Cena is a robust vocal advocate for the Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Organization for the Cure, and the Military. He works with organizations that help support veterans and their families. He's formed his foundation, the John Cena Foundation, which aims to support children with life-threatening medical conditions. 

In conclusion, Cena's charitable efforts have touched countless lives. His turn from wrestling-heel-to-babyface-to-actor has never been without Cena taking the time to impact the world positively. 

 

Lebron James just passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs all-time leading scorer, and he's also on the list of the most charitable NBA players in the world. Lebron James' upbringing is truly a tale of resilience, community, and an awe-inspiring amount of pressure that Lebron rose to and even surpassed. Lebron is a role model for many, he has never been involved in a scandal, and this is while being the face of the NBA for almost 20 years. He lived up to the reputation of King James while being one of the most honest and charitable NBA players ever.  

The Lebron James Family Foundation, a non-profit organization, teamed up with the University of Akron to build the “I Promise School,” a public school for underprivileged youths in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The school's mission is to help young children achieve a higher education level and provide the necessary resources to struggling families to support their children in the best way possible. It's impacted too many families and children to count. The school has also expanded from an elementary school to include more students of all ages. 

Even Lebrons lowest sports moment, the live-TV event “the Decision,” was an event where all the money raised from advertisers was donated to charity. It raised over $2.5 million for the Boys and Girls Club of America. His largest personal donation was to the tune of $2.5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which supported an exhibit on the life of civil-rights activist and American sports hero Muhammad Ali. That's almost as much as the most expensive Lebron James basketball care ever sold!

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick made headlines when he knelt in protest against police brutality when the NFL performed the national anthem at NFL games. He was vilified by right-wing media, former president Donald Trump, and others for standing for social justice and peacefully protesting. He has since used his platform to continue to raise awareness about racial injustice, even becoming a Nike athlete despite no longer playing in the NFL.

The Know Your Rights camp is an organization that has gained immense popularity following Kaepernicks work to bring awareness to their plight. The organization provides education and training on legal rights, self-empowerment, and social justice for young people in struggling communities. Kaepernick founded the organization in 2016.

Kaepernick has also been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform. He has supported organizations such as the ACLU and the Innocence Project, which work to reform the criminal justice system and help those who have been wrongfully convicted. Kaepernick has used his platform to raise awareness about police brutality and racial profiling.

One of Kaepernick's most significant charitable efforts came in 2020 when he launched the Know Your Rights COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund dedicated itself to funding the necessary resources for disaffected communities impacted by the COVID-19 virus. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is probably the most well-known Nascar driver ever and one of the richest. I don't follow the sport, and even I know how incredible he was when he was out there turning left. And now I know not only was he excellent on the track, but his philanthropy has helped countless people worldwide. 

Although classifying himself as a Republican, Earnhardt has been vocal about his opposition to the modern display of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events. 

“I think it means something different to me than it does to y'all…” he responded. He has distanced himself from race fans who display the flag, explaining, “It never really was me.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his biography Driver #8. 

Even in death, Dale wants to help, pledging to donate his brain for concussion research. In addition to his work with the Dale Jr. Foundation, Earnhardt has also been involved in other charitable initiatives. He has supported organizations that assist families affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, and he has participated in events to raise funds for various charitable causes.

Eli Manning

Eli Manning is a retired NFL quarterback most remembered for winning two Super Bowls over the New England Patriots. Since retirement, he has been doing charitable deeds while remaining on television as part of the Manningcast alongside his brother Peyton Manning. 

Both the Mannings volunteered after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. They assisted in delivering water, Gatorade baby formula, and other essentials to the people impacted by the disaster in New Orleans. In 2007, Eli undertook the challenge of personally funding the construction of “The Eli Manning Children's Clinics,” a branch of the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Mississippi. He's been vocal about oil usage, raising awareness against the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

Finally, Manning has hosted the largest charity gold event in Westchester County, New York, the Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Golf Classic. The organization is a nonprofit guide dog school that serves the blind and visually impaired worldwide and children on the autism spectrum. 

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps has 23 Olympic Gold Medals and is the greatest swimmer in the world. He's now retired from the Olympics but still dedicates much time to philanthropy. He has used his platform to support several organizations and initiatives that aim to help others. 

He works tirelessly alongside the Michael Phelps Foundation, which he founded in 2008 after winning $1 million from his Olympic performance. Given his swimming background, the foundation's primary focus is on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for children, emphasizing water safety. He's donated $100,000 to start the Level Field Fund, providing financial assistance to qualified swimmers. He's also helped fun Caps-for-a-Cause, another charity that helps provide resources to underprivileged swimmers. 

Phelps' philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award and the USA Swimming Foundation's Humanitarian Award. He has also been named to the Forbes list of the world's most generous celebrities.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian professional tennis player who has made a significant impact not only on the tennis court but also through her philanthropic effort. Throughout her career, Sharapova has dedicated herself to improving the world around her. Sharapova's philanthropic work has not gone unnoticed, as she has received numerous awards and recognition for her efforts. In 2012, she was awarded the WTA Humanitarian of the Year award for her charity work, and in 2015, she received the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards ceremony. It's great that she's giving back, given her substantial net worth.

She founded the Maria Sharapova Foundation in 2007 with the primary goal of helping children worldwide achieve their dreams. Particularly it focuses on children from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation provides scholarships, financial support, educational opportunities, and more to needy children. 

Sharapova is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP, working on poverty-related issues and human development. She has raised money for cases like Chornobyl recovery-related issues and a development program in Belarus. 

Tiger Woods

Unfortunately, when you hear the name Tiger Woods, you might be reminded of the scandal that took place, but behind that, he has continued to contribute to the betterment of the world both pre-and-post incidents. He is one of the greatest golfers ever and an inspiration to many in the sport and worldwide. 

The Tiger Woods Foundation, founded in 1996, is focused on empowering underserved youth through education, providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve their dreams. The foundation offers a variety of programs, including the Tiger Woods Learning Center, which provides STEM-focused education to children in grades 5-12, and the Earl Woods Scholarship Program, which offers college scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service. In addition to his philanthropic work, Woods has also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes. For example, he participated in the “Drive to End Hunger” campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat senior hunger in America. Woods also served as the honorary chairman of the Tiger Woods Foundation's “Tiger Jam” event, which raised money for various charities.

Woods has also been involved in other charitable initiatives, such as the Notah Begay III Foundation, which promotes physical fitness and wellness among Native American children, and the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, which raised money for hurricane relief efforts in 2005. Woods' has received recognition for the continued work he does. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his philanthropy. In 2009, he was named the PGA Tour's “Player of the Year,” in part due to his charitable contributions. He was also awarded the “Innovator in Philanthropy” award by the Golf Writers Association of America in 2014.

Woods' philanthropy took a significant step forward in 2020 when he announced the establishment of the “TGR Foundation,” a rebranding of the Tiger Woods Foundation. The new foundation seeks to expand its reach beyond just education, focusing on providing access to opportunities in sports, technology, and life skills to underserved youth.

Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr. is another footballer whose notable philanthropic efforts have helped countless individuals. He established his Neymar Jr. Institute in 2-14, focusing on helping underprivileged children in Brazil with education, sports, and cultural opportunities. His foundation provides access to facilities and academic and vocational training programs. 

Every year Neymar Jr. and fellow Brazilian footballer Nenê organize a charity football event in Nenê's hometown of Jundiaí, Brazil. The proceeds are used to supply food to needy families. Neymar has also been involved in several campaigns to raise awareness and funds for various causes. He has supported organizations focused on cancer research, disaster relief, and education. He has also advocated for environmental reasons, supporting initiatives to protect Brazil's rainforests and biodiversity.

Drew Brees

In 2010, Sports Illustrated released an article about the Sportsman of the Year Award featuring Drew Brees. Here are some of the quotes. 

“an athlete as adored and appreciated as any in an American city today”.

“For not only leading the New Orleans Saints to the first Super Bowl title in the franchise's history, but also for helping lead the city of New Orleans' rebirth after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina”. 

-On the Impact Drew Brees made on the Commuinity

That's high praise and showcases Brees's incredible impact on his community. 

Through the Brees Dream Foundation, he has impacted countless lives across America. The Brees Dream Foundation's primary mission is to provide support and assistance to children facing severe health challenges—the foundation partners with providers of medical equipment, treatments, and more. Educational programs and incentives are also important. The Foundation donated $5 million to the state of Louisiana to support childhood education programs. 

Brees' philanthropic work has not gone unnoticed. He was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2006, recognizing his work in the community. He has also been recognized by the NFL Players Association for his philanthropic efforts and was named the Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year in 2020. And no, that's not dedicated to a white NFL player. That's a last name. Don't worry. I thought the same thing.

J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt announced his retirement from the NFL following the 2022 season. In his wake, he leaves a legacy of one of the best defensive players in the game's history and is a role model and stand-up human off the field of play. His charitable efforts are numerous, and he's always wanted to help the community around him. 

He founded the J.J. Watt Foundation, which primarily focuses on after-school activities and opportunities for children to experience athletics in their community. He aims to use sports to help develop character and teamwork. Since the organization was founded in 2010, it has raised over $6 million to support programs across America.

Watt has also been a supporter of disaster relief efforts. In 2017, he launched a fundraising campaign to support the victims of Hurricane Harvey, which devastated his hometown of Houston, Texas. The campaign raised over $41 million and provided resources for those affected by the hurricane, including shelter, food, and medical care.

Watt works with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide resources and support for those in need. One of Watt's most significant charitable efforts came in 2020 when he helped provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked with his foundation and various other organizations to donate over $6 million worth of PPE to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States.

Derek Jeter

While Jeter may be one of the most-hated baseball players ever, he's undoubtedly helped plenty of people in need. The former professional baseball player and current CEO of the Miami Marlins has been an active participant in various charitable causes throughout his career. He is among the top money-makers on the richest baseball player ever list.

His work with Turn 2 Foundation has been incredible. He founded the organization in 1996, and it continues to provide resources and support for youth development programs across America. Jeter has raised million of dollars through the foundation to support youth sports initiatives all over New York, Tampa, and Miami. He's worked alongside organizations dedicated to cancer research, specifically the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, establishing the Derek Jeter Center and the latter in 2011.

One of Jeter's most significant charitable efforts came in 2017 when he donated $10 million to establish the Derek Jeter Mental Health and Wellness Center at the Brandon Regional Hospital in Florida. The center provides comprehensive mental health services to individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area, including counseling, therapy, and support programs.

Yuna Kim

Yuna Kim, also known as the “Queen of Figure Skating,” is a retired Olympic figure skater who has spent much of her retirement focussing on giving back. One of Yuna Kim's most notable charitable efforts is her work with the Yuna Kim Foundation, which she established in 2011. The foundation focuses on providing opportunities for children in Korea to pursue a life in both sports and arts, promoting cultural exchange and international relationships. 

She's personally donated more than 5 billion won (USD 3.8 million) to causes as of 2022. She's been an International UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, with her stated aim being to help vulnerable children worldwide. She's represented Korea on the world stage plenty of times, being invited to the International Day of Peace and being an ambassador at the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. 

To pursue their dreams in sports and the arts, with a particular emphasis on promoting cultural exchange and international understanding. Through the foundation, Yuna Kim has supported various programs and initiatives, such as providing scholarships and training opportunities for young athletes and artists.

She owns a national figure skating team that she donates money towards and pledges to help skaters struggling with the sport's financial aspect. She's donated her prize money from the 2011 World Championship to those affected by the 2011 Japan Earthquake. On top of this, she has contributed to the disaster relief efforts in Nepal, Haiti, and the Philippines. She's recently donated $100,00 for the emergency relief efforts after the 2023 Turkey earthquake. 

She advocates for gender equality, participating in a 2022 Roundtable in Seoul with Kamela Harris. She supports organizations focused on children's health, education, animal welfare, etc. Overall, she has donated over $1.2 million USD to various organizations and causes.

Russel Wilson

Russel Wilson is an American football quarterback, most known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Russel was an active member of the Seattle community, visiting the Seattle children's Hospital weekly while he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He hosts the Russel Wilson Passing Academy, a youth football camp whose proceeds go towards the Charles Ray Diabetes Association and other charities. In the 2013 and 2014 NFL seasons, Russel partnered with Russel Investments to donate $3000 to Wilson's foundation for every touchdown he scored. Thankfully that partnership wasn't for the 2022 NFL season. 

Like many athletes on this list, Russel partners with others around him to spread the love. He hosts an annual charity gold event with NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne that supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Wilson's Why Not You Foundation, which he founded in 2016 with his wife Ciara, raised over $1 million for the Seattle Children's Hospital after an event in 2016. 

Russell Wilson has also been involved in several campaigns to raise awareness and funds for various causes. He has supported organizations focused on children's health, educational opportunities, and well-being, including the Seattle Children's Hospital and Strong Against Cancer. He has also advocated for social justice and equality, supporting initiatives aimed at combating systemic racism and promoting positive change in communities.

David Beckham

David Beckham is an English former professional footballer and the current president and co-owner of Inter Miami C.F. since his retirement from playing professional football. He's one of the most recognized footballers in the world and was renowned for his passing, crossing, and bending free-kicks inspiring the iconic “Bend-it like Beckham” saying.

Since his early days at Machester United, Beckham has supported UNICEF and became an ambassador in 2005. He's politically active, meeting with the U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012 to call for more action to help children affected by malnutrition. He's founded his charity, the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, which focuses on supporting underprivileged children. 

In 2013, while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he donated his entire £3.4 million salary to two children's charities in France. He's also the founding member of Malaria No More UK, launching the charity in 2009 alongside tennis star Andy Murray. He's impacted the world, making it a better place in a positive way throughout his career. 

Curtis Granderson

Curtis is a retired baseball player who has contributed significantly in terms of philanthropy since he left the game. Granderson is the founder of the Grand Kids Foundation, which he started in 2007 with the goal of empowering underserved youth by providing them with educational opportunities and support. The foundation has helped fund programs promoting education, health, and wellness for needy children. Through the Grand Kids Foundation, Granderson has also provided college scholarships to deserving students and has supported various community projects, such as creating a baseball field in his hometown of Chicago.

In addition to his foundation work, Granderson has also been involved in several other charitable initiatives, such as the Players Trust, an organization run by Major League Baseball players that provides assistance to those in need. Granderson has been actively involved in the Players Trust, contributing both his time and money to support its various programs, such as disaster relief efforts and the distribution of baseball equipment to underprivileged youth.

Furthermore, Granderson has also been a staunch advocate for educational initiatives, partnering with various organizations such as MLB's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, which aims to provide opportunities for inner-city youth to play and learn about baseball. Granderson has also been involved in education-focused initiatives such as the “Let's Go Learn” program, which provides educational resources and support for children in underserved communities.

Throughout his career, Granderson has received numerous awards and recognition for his charitable work, including the prestigious Marvin Miller Man of the Year award in 2016, presented to a player who makes significant contributions on and off the field. He has also been a finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players who exhibit outstanding character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.