Is Michael Jordan one of the most well known athletes ever ?

[usama123]

I was having a debate with my buddy earlier on about mj being one of the best known athlete of all time. I just think everyone knows you mj is, people who don

[TheLogo]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.

[alenleomessi]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.
:hammerhead:

[tommy3]

:hammerhead:
Maybe he is a Kobe fanboy, but he has his points right there.
It was never THAT clear that MJ is the GOAT. Go out there and ask a usual basketball fan who's the GOAT basketball player. They'll say MJ and it's not even close. While everyone here knows that Wilt, Russell, KAJ, are not that far from MJ in terms of being 'great'.
On topic, Michael Jordan is definitely one of the most well known athletes ever, if not the most. I'm from Europe, and everybody, even people who have never played/watched basketball in their lives, know who MJ was.

[jimmyzegg]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.

You just said that MJ is insecure and people are supposed to take you seriously?

Also if you think shoes are "the reason" why kids know who he is you're crazy.

I agree with you at least that his ridiculous amount of marketing and endorsements have a lot to do with it.

[TheLogo]

You just said that MJ is insecure and people are supposed to take you seriously?

Also if you think shoes are "the reason" why kids know who he is you're crazy.

I agree with you at least that his ridiculous amount of marketing and endorsements have a lot to do with it.

Yes, Jordan is insecure because it showed during the hall of fame speech..... "We already know, MJ...you are one of the best"

Yes, it's the shoes or how would 8 year olds know who he is? It's not because of his basketball skills that these kids witnessed.

[jimmyzegg]

Yes, Jordan is insecure because it showed during the hall of fame speech..... "We already know, MJ...you are one of the best"

Yes, it's the shoes or how would 8 year olds know who he is? It's not because of his basketball skills that these kids witnessed.

People don't talk about MJ the shoe guy, they talk about MJ the basketball player. You can't be serious. Do you really think people would buy his shoes or he would even still have a shoe brand if it wasn't for his basketball skills? And you wonder why your bar is red.

Oh, and I guess you have a degree in psychology since you can tell by a speech that the most successful basketball player (in terms of career achievements as well as business success) of all time is insecure.

[chains5000]

Who?

[beermonsteroo]

[QUOTE=usama123]I was having a debate with my buddy earlier on about mj being one of the best known athlete of all time. I just think everyone knows you mj is, people who don

[asdf1990]

he is amongst the most notable athletes of all time. idk he his on top. He globalized basketball.

[lilWesleyJ4]

He is among the most well known athletes ever, but Pele > MJ

[Kebab Stall]

Ali, Jordan, Pele and Beckham are probably the four most well known athletes ever.

Everyone knows who they are, everyone knows what they done/do, everyone knows their name and what sport they endorse. You can put their name on anything and it will sell. Just look at NBA 2k11 with Jordan on the front. That game is going to sell better than any other sports game, just because of Jordan. People who never regularly buy the game, will buy this year, just because of Jordan.

Also, I hate to say it, but TheLogo is right with what he says, but then again, even a broken clock is broken twice a day. Jordan wants his name on everything, he wants as much money as he can get, he wants to be relevant and he wants to be known as the greatest ever.

[OmniStrife]

When I was like 5, I used to get him and that other MJ, the one that grabbed his nuts all the time, mixed up all the time...

[ukplayer4]

id say when he was playing he was defiantly the most well known athlete in the world- all time, i dunno but unquestionably hes up there.

[Spell&Grammar]

I was having a debate with my buddy earlier on about mj being one of the best known athlete of all time. I just think everyone knows you mj is, people who do like sports know who mj is.. people like all around the world know who mj is young kids, like my 7 year old cuzin knows mj but he doesn’t know who kobe is or lbj is… I put this theory to the test once also my asking my moms aunt whose like 70 if she knew who mj was and obv she did however had no clue who kobe was..
What do you guys think ??

A grammatically correct, properly spelled, and appropriately worded alternative to the post above might read as follows:

I was recently debating my buddy on Michael Jordan's status as one of the best known athletes of all time. I believe everyone knows who MJ is, even people who do not follow sports. Even young kids around the world have heard of MJ. For example, my 7-year-old cousin is familiar with MJ. However, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. To further confirm my theory, I asked my 70-year-old great aunt the same question. She also was familiar with MJ, but was unfamiliar with Kobe Bryant. What is your opinion on this subject?



Spell&Grammar

[Batchoy]

I grew up in the "I wanna be like Mike era" (I was a freshman in high school when he entered the NBA) and he is/was one of the most popular athletes ever. And it was all well deserved. This coming from a Showtime Lakers fan who hated Jordan when he was playing.
Bird and Magic got basketball out of the 70's funk and put the sport back where it belonged. Jordon took what they did and made it global. You had to be there to experience what the Jordan era was like. It also helped that David Stern was a visionary and made the NBA influence expand worldwide, but it was Jordan and is accomplishments that propelled him and the NBA to new found heights.

[Jordan23GOAT]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.
:facepalm

[Calabis]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.

Although there is some truth to this, you still are trying way too hard to knock Jordan off his pedestal. If its all about marketing and nike, why have so many other great athletes never reached Jordan's status....

Kobe was marketed heavily when he came into the league and it was continued throughout his first chip runs, yet he never came close to reaching MJ's status, Shaq same thing.....Magic and Bird were heavily marketed by the NBA, yet they never reached his status....what's even worse is that many of today's generation athletes have a easier time to promote themselves, through the internet, tv, twitter, etc..... yet they can't touch MJ(who is freakin retired)......Jordan had none of those options in the 80's, yet was already, becoming a household name.

Unfortunately its sad that you cannot admit that the things he did on the court, are the main reasons people followed the guy, even your hero has copied Jordan so bad, he studied Jordan's interviews to sound more like him......people wanted to slam like Mike, do crazy lay-ups like Mike, score like Mike, that's how most of his fame came to be, his on court dominance.....

Ali, Pele, Jordan are on the Mount Rushmore of world's most recognizable athlete's, Beckham and Shaq probably can fight it out for the 4th spot

[Poochymama]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.
:facepalm

Way to miss the point

[jstern]

Everyone gets forgoten, even though MJ is still the most famous basketball player, as the years pass by, it's always a little less. It's true that someone like my mother knows who Jordan is, but wouldn't know Kobe. The NBA is not as popular as it was when Jordan played, and unfortunately for Kobe, much of his fame outside of the basketball world came when he got accused for rape by that slut. (Kobe didn't rape her.)

[Kellogs4toniee]

The answer is yes.

/thread

[SinJackal]

He is second to Ali

:facepalm

Ali is the self-proclaimed greatest of all time (in boxing)

Jordan was given that title by fans, other players, and the media. Meaning, he actually earned it through what he did. He didn't just keep calling himself that until everyone else started to call him that too. "The Greatest of All Time" is basically just a nicname for Ali, it's not reality.

I would take Lennox Lewis or George Foreman over Ali any day.

[Skywalker]

A grammatically correct, properly spelled, and appropriately worded alternative to the post above might read as follows:

I was recently debating my buddy on Michael Jordan's status as one of the best known athletes of all time. I believe everyone knows who MJ is, even people who do not follow sports. Even young kids around the world have heard of MJ. For example, my 7-year-old cousin is familiar with MJ. However, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. To further confirm my theory, I asked my 70-year-old great aunt the same question. She also was familiar with MJ, but was unfamiliar with Kobe Bryant. What is your opinion on this subject?

Spell&Grammar


http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/47/itstimetostoppostingCat.jpg

[SinJackal]

A grammatically correct, properly spelled, and appropriately worded alternative to the post above might read as follows:

I was recently debating my buddy on Michael Jordan's status as one of the best known athletes of all time. I believe everyone knows who MJ is, even people who do not follow sports. Even young kids around the world have heard of MJ. For example, my 7-year-old cousin is familiar with MJ. However, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. To further confirm my theory, I asked my 70-year-old great aunt the same question. She also was familiar with MJ, but was unfamiliar with Kobe Bryant. What is your opinion on this subject?



Spell&Grammar


Not that I personally care about this sort of shit, but since you made a gimmick account to correct people I'd like to point out that you're using incorrect grammar too.

I think you meant, you were, "debating with your buddy", not "you're debating your buddy". That would be like saying, "I was arguing my girlfriend". . .which makes no sense.

You also apparently don't have high level grammatical skills, since you didn't use a semi colon before the, "however", break, which is one of the few places that's even used. You should've written, "For example, my 7-year old cousin if familiar with MJ; however, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or LeBron James."

Gimmick fail, imo. You don't use perfect grammar yourself.



http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/47/itstimetostoppostingCat.jpg

:roll: cat ftw.

[jstern]

He is second to Ali
Boxing is not as big as basketball, particularly for kids. Basketball is something that more people can relate to, because they can easily play it, there are basketball teams in school, etc. The 1st time I ever heard of Ali I was like 11, and he made an appearance on WCW. I asked my father who that was, cause he was shaking and they were making a big deal about him, and he said Muhammad Ali. You have to look at all types of demographics. While my mother might know who Ali is, the average 20 year old girl might not know who he is, while all probably know who Jordan is.

[Kurosawa0]

I don't think any athlete has ever gotten to the level MJ did back in the 90's. I remember seeing a news story where they said like more sixth graders could recognize the back of MJ's head than a picture of Bill Clinton.

[Spell&Grammar]

Not that I personally care about this sort of shit, but since you made a gimmick account to correct people I'd like to point out that you're using incorrect grammar too.

I think you meant, you were, "debating with your buddy", not "you're debating your buddy". That would be like saying, "I was arguing my girlfriend". . .which makes no sense.

You also apparently don't have high level grammatical skills, since you didn't use a semi colon before the, "however", break, which is one of the few places that's even used. You should've written, "For example, my 7-year old cousin if familiar with MJ; however, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or LeBron James."

.


Thank you for replying to Spell&Grammar. Spell&Grammar will continue providing help to correct spelling and grammatical mistakes. We appreciate your feedback.

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Spell&Grammar

[SinJackal]

Thank you for replying to Spell&Grammar. Spell&Grammar will continue providing help to correct spelling and grammatical mistakes. We appreciate your feedback.

A semicolon can be used to separate two complete sentences. However, it is not required.

We strive to bring you the very best. Thank you for your continued support.



Spell&Grammar

Backpedalling? :facepalm

You also didn't address your other error, for which there is no excuse. :lol

[hateraid]

Yes, because he's now a brand name. His name will live forever in that sense like Calvin Klien. As a sport figure he's know to virtually every country and demographic although I'd think a guy like David Beckham is more know on a world stage.

[step_back]

He is definately very well known however some people are forgetting two Extremely famous people.

http://topnews.in/files/tiger-woods_5.jpg
http://www.topnews.in/files/Michael_Schumacher.jpg

[Sarcastic]

:facepalm

Ali is the self-proclaimed greatest of all time (in boxing)

Jordan was given that title by fans, other players, and the media. Meaning, he actually earned it through what he did. He didn't just keep calling himself that until everyone else started to call him that too. "The Greatest of All Time" is basically just a nicname for Ali, it's not reality.

I would take Lennox Lewis or George Foreman over Ali any day.

I hope you are joking about this...

[Soundwave]

He is definately very well known however some people are forgetting two Extremely famous people.

http://topnews.in/files/tiger-woods_5.jpg
http://www.topnews.in/files/Michael_Schumacher.jpg

*shrugs*.

Obviously I know Tiger, but I would never ever watch golf on TV.

I don't even know who the second dude is.

Michael Jordan was more than "athlete" famous. He was "super famous". A level of fame reserved for people like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Princess Diana.

[thejumpa]

*shrugs*.

Obviously I know Tiger, but I would never ever watch golf on TV.

I don't even know who the second dude is.

Michael Schumacher. Greatest F1 driver of all time. He isn't ****ing with MJ, though. Makes a shitload of money but can't compete with Jordan(or Tiger probably) in terms of worldwide recognition.

But yeah, this is a dumb question OP. Of course Jordan is one of the most well known athletes ever. He's Jordan. Look what he has built and turned into post-retirement.

[Soundwave]

Ali and Tiger are really the only other athletes you can compare to Jordan, and even with Tiger, I don't think many people who know him actually ever have really sat down and watched him play golf.

I remember Jordan talked once that he was at a mall or something, and had to use the washroom, and so he's sitting on the crapper doing his business and people are coming into the washroom and sliding photos and other things under the stall for him to autograph.

Literally he was so famous he couldn't take a sh-t in public without being bothered :oldlol:

He said that's one of the reasons he enjoyed being in Barcelona in '92 for the Dream Team, because there were certain areas where he could just walk around like a normal person and not get bothered.

[Spue]

He is one of the most well known athletes in the world

[chris2010]

yes

[jstern]

He is definately very well known however some people are forgetting two Extremely famous people.

http://topnews.in/files/tiger-woods_5.jpg
http://www.topnews.in/files/Michael_Schumacher.jpg
I have no idea who the second guy is. He might be the biggest thing in his sport, I assume racing, but that doesn't mean he's more famous than lets say Kevin Garnette. And someone like Tiger, I don't think he would be known in certain 3rd world countries, unlike Jordan. (I'm sorry, but golf is just not going to have that appeal.) Jordan had the highest Q rating for sports figure in 2010, and he doesn't even play anymore. I recognized every other sports guy in the top ten list, that racing guy was not there.

[B-Easy]

yes i was born in South America....EVERYBODY knew who Michael Jordan was.

Even Pippen , Rodman, and Toni Kukoc are known by some people more than any other player after Jordan ..the 90s bulls are world celebrities.

[gts]

I have no idea who the second guy is. He might be the biggest thing in his sport, I assume racing, but that doesn't mean he's more famous than lets say Kevin Garnette. And someone like Tiger, I don't think he would be known in certain 3rd world countries, unlike Jordan. (I'm sorry, but golf is just not going to have that appeal.) Jordan had the highest Q rating for sports figure in 2010, and he doesn't even play anymore. I recognized every other sports guy in the top ten list, that racing guy was not there.you would be wrong... maybe the only place he isn't well known is the USA... everywhere else he's probably a household name

his name is michael schumacher, he's a formula one driver, 7 world championships over a 10 year period... in 2006 forbes reported his career earning at a little over 650 million dollars in salaries and endorsements

[jstern]

you would be wrong... maybe the only place he isn't well known is the USA... everywhere else he's probably a household name

his name is michael schumacher, he's a formula one driver, 7 world championships over a 10 year period... in 2006 forbes reported his career earning at a little over 650 million dollars in salaries and endorsements
Is he well known in like countries like Jamaica?

What about countries that get their international sports news from the US, like the Dominican Republic?

We're talking about the most well known sports figure of all time, if the guy is not known in a big market like the US, or in reverse Europe, then it doesn't matter what a mega star that guy might be in his sport, he's not going to be in the discussion.

Edit: If you were referring to being better known than a Kevin Garnette, then you're probably right, but not in the discussion of a Michael Jordan.

[Sarcastic]

I have a hard time calling race car drivers "athletes".

[Micku]

What about Ali?

But Jordan is really popular. Probably the flagship person in the NBA. He definitely is one of the most known athletes.

[keep-itreal]

He is beyond a well know athelete, he's a global icon. He's more famous than celebrities

[DuMa]

I have a hard time calling race car drivers "athletes".

i have an even harder time calling golfers athletes but race drivers are definitely closer to basketball athletes than golf is.

[lilWesleyJ4]

The lack of people mentioning Pele in this thread is sickening. Pele was so popular he actually got the 2 main armies in the Nigerian civil war to stop fighting for 2 days just to watch him play soccer. SMH ISH:facepalm

[SinJackal]

I hope you are joking about this...

Not at all. Ali is overrated as hell.

[lakers_forever]

yes i was born in South America....EVERYBODY knew who Michael Jordan was.

Even Pippen , Rodman, and Toni Kukoc are known by some people more than any other player after Jordan ..the 90s bulls are world celebrities.


I'm south american (brazilian) and while Jordan is certainly famous, there are lot of people who don't know him, specially in the most poor areas.
I've asked a guy who works in my building and he has never heard of Jordan or Ali. He knows Tyson though. Jordan, Ali, Tyson and Hollyfield (because of Tyson( are the most famous american atheletes here.
They are not that big when you compare them with most famous soccer players like Pele, Maradona and Ronaldo.
Other guys in the thread: Schumacher (he is huge here, since F1 is very popular); Tiger Woods (mostly unknown, some people only heard of him because of the sex scandal thing).

And please, guys like Pippen, Rodman and Kukoc are unknown. Only true nba fans know them.

[gts]

Is he well known in like countries like Jamaica?

What about countries that get their international sports news from the US, like the Dominican Republic?

We're talking about the most well known sports figure of all time, if the guy is not known in a big market like the US, or in reverse Europe, then it doesn't matter what a mega star that guy might be in his sport, he's not going to be in the discussion.

Edit: If you were referring to being better known than a Kevin Garnette, then you're probably right, but not in the discussion of a Michael Jordan.

yes the US is a large market, but the world combined is bigger we don't get saturated here in the US with other than our own sports so it's easy to assume that some of these other folks are not well known...

the thread is not who is the richest or most powerful or whatever, it's the "one most well known" and there are arguments for many... tiger woods is global as is jordan, (the answer to the thread title is yes jordan is one of the worlds most well know athletes) but outside the US people like cristiano ronaldo *sp command huge audiences...

in 2003 David beckham was the most famous athlete in the world..

Today Facebook is polled for it's hits/folowers, i realize it's face book but it's telling
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Worldsmostpopathletes.jpg

above pic from this article
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2010/08/01/more-popular-than-god-ronaldo-messi-federer-and-kobe-but-not-beckham-020802/

don't confuse the US market with the world market, the US may be the largest singular market but the worlds most popular sports (which are barely blips on the american fans radar) are still much larger worldwide combined than the US market is alone

[Sarcastic]

Not at all. Ali is overrated as hell.

And Lennox Lewis isn't?

[N0Skillz]

A grammatically correct, properly spelled, and appropriately worded alternative to the post above might read as follows:

I was recently debating my buddy on Michael Jordan's status as one of the best known athletes of all time. I believe everyone knows who MJ is, even people who do not follow sports. Even young kids around the world have heard of MJ. For example, my 7-year-old cousin is familiar with MJ. However, he is not familiar with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. To further confirm my theory, I asked my 70-year-old great aunt the same question. She also was familiar with MJ, but was unfamiliar with Kobe Bryant. What is your opinion on this subject?



Spell&Grammar


Rep Me if you think this guy is a douche bag.

[sirkeelma]

Worldwide, YES! no doubt about it.

[elementally morale]

One of, yes. But he is not top3.

Pele
Ali
Maradona

Jordan may be in the top 5 though.

[elementally morale]

gts

I can see your point with the Facebook thingy, but some if not all of the guys above Jordan wil lfade away in a few years. Most athletes do. C. Ronaldo is at best on the Marco van Basten level. Federer will not be more well known than John McEnroe in 20 years. Etc.

[RaceBannana]

Is Michael Jordan one of the most well known athletes ever ?
nope.... lol jk.... imo, right now he is more known than Ali.... Ali is mostly known by people from earlier generations(50 years old+ people)....

[Willkill24]

One of, yes. But he is not top3.

Pele
Ali
Zidane

Jordan may be in the top 5 though.
fixed :banana:

[elementally morale]

fixed :banana:

Zidane over Maradona? :roll:

[elementally morale]

Is Michael Jordan one of the most well known athletes ever ?
nope.... lol jk.... imo, right now he is more known than Ali.... Ali is mostly known by people from later generations(50 years old+ people)....

Wouldn't those be people from earlier generations?

At any rate, the Jordan hype is going to die down a little. Not that he didn't deserve it back then, but he became way overrated over the years. As if he was not even human. Ali and Pele have been well known for over lots of decades after their respective careers were over. As for Jordan, it's not even a decade.

[Willkill24]

Zidane over Maradona? :roll:
As a player yes.

[elementally morale]

As a player yes.

Huh? This thread is about significance and not excellence. Roosevelt may have been a better leader than Hitler, but Hitler is most definitely more well known.

[jstern]

yes the US is a large market, but the world combined is bigger we don't get saturated here in the US with other than our own sports so it's easy to assume that some of these other folks are not well known...

the thread is not who is the richest or most powerful or whatever, it's the "one most well known" and there are arguments for many... tiger woods is global as is jordan, (the answer to the thread title is yes jordan is one of the worlds most well know athletes) but outside the US people like cristiano ronaldo *sp command huge audiences...

in 2003 David beckham was the most famous athlete in the world..

Today Facebook is polled for it's hits/folowers, i realize it's face book but it's telling
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Worldsmostpopathletes.jpg

above pic from this article
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2010/08/01/more-popular-than-god-ronaldo-messi-federer-and-kobe-but-not-beckham-020802/

don't confuse the US market with the world market, the US may be the largest singular market but the worlds most popular sports (which are barely blips on the american fans radar) are still much larger worldwide combined than the US market is alone

I think you should re read my post, I was talking about an F1 driver, not about famous soccer players and tennis player who are known in the us.

And it's not just the US, the US media has a lot of influence on surrounding countries. Like when I went to the Dominican Republic, the NBA was popular because they get US tv, and if you lived there you could even follow hockey through the sports news. That's all the effect of having the US near by, so when talking about the whole world, the US has influence on more than just people in the US. Plus the question is about all time in terms of well known, and Jordan was number 5 on your facebook list of current popular players, along with just current athletes who are still playing.

My argument was about the race car driver and I don't see him on that list. Jordan is number 5 on that list, which says a lot, considering also that it's a facebook popularity list and mostly young people use that, so it's expected to have a lot of teenagers vote for their current favorite players, the only players they know.

Pele was known well in the US and in Europe, not that race car driver, if you can follow my point.

[Sarcastic]

Think about how many people in China, and South East Asia have worked on putting together Air Jordan clothing/sneakers. They may not be fans of basketball, but they surely know who he is.

[theaussieguy]

LOL @ the people ITT who do not call F1 drivers athletes.

idiots

[magnax1]

He's up their with Pele and Maradona. For whatever reason Pele is well known in America, and Maradona isn't known as well. It seems to be the opposite elsewhere, though I could be wrong.
He's probably #1 for retired athletes, though I'm sure guys like C Ronaldo, and Messi are more well known.

[elementally morale]

though I'm sure guys like C Ronaldo, and Messi are more well known.

Yes, for a few years. After that, not any more. Ronaldo and Messi are not in the 1st tier as far as significance goes.

[magnax1]

Yes, for a few years. After that, not any more. Ronaldo and Messi are not in the 1st tier as far as significance goes.
Agreed.

[RaceBannana]

Wouldn't those be people from earlier generations?

At any rate, the Jordan hype is going to die down a little. Not that he didn't deserve it back then, but he became way overrated over the years. As if he was not even human. Ali and Pele have been well known for over lots of decades after their respective careers were over. As for Jordan, it's not even a decade.

sorry my bad .... yes earlier generations......

and yes.... I agree Jordan is overrated... Remember overrated =/= Bad.... it just that he is not as good as everybody thinks... still an amazing player, goat candidate but not by a mile... its pretty close.

[lakers_forever]

Wouldn't those be people from earlier generations?

At any rate, the Jordan hype is going to die down a little. Not that he didn't deserve it back then, but he became way overrated over the years. As if he was not even human. Ali and Pele have been well known for over lots of decades after their respective careers were over. As for Jordan, it's not even a decade.

Yep. Guys like Pele and Ali retired in the late 70's (Ali fought two 2 in the 80's, but was finished) and are still known by almost everyone.

They were so huge in their time without internet and without Nike. I'd rate them ahead of MJ ( who would be 3rd, not bad :p).

To think that a war was actually stopped so Pele could play a soccer game... Unreal...

He was the first black man to appear on the cover of America's Life magazine

Last year, Danish kids shouting Pele's name. Even their parents probably are just too young to remember Pele playing. Amazing.:applause:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53vDPJaJ8SI

http://heroesandlegendsltd.co.uk/images/0015%20Two%20Champions.jpg

[lakers_forever]

He's up their with Pele and Maradona. For whatever reason Pele is well known in America, and Maradona isn't known as well. It seems to be the opposite elsewhere, though I could be wrong.
He's probably #1 for retired athletes, though I'm sure guys like C Ronaldo, and Messi are more well known.


Nah. Pele is a little more famous around the world than Maradona as well. Specially among people not familiar with soccer. But still, I'd say almost everyone know them both, with Pele having a huge advantage in North America.

[theaussieguy]

Nah. Pele is a little more famous around the world than Maradona as well. Specially among people not familiar with soccer. But still, I'd say almost everyone know them both, with Pele having a huge advantage in North America.

I think you soccer fans are deluding yourself. Today is the first time i have ever heard of this Pele character and its not like i purposefully shun myself away from the sport i have watched the last 2 world cups and even played the game myself yet i have never heard of this guy. I guarnetee you more than 75% of Australia has no idea who that is.

Also on that note i do know who Maradona is but even still he would be just as unknown. Jordan however is even known by my mum and that is saying something.

[elementally morale]

Today is the first time i have ever heard of this Pele character and its not like i purposefully shun myself away from the sport i have watched the last 2 world cups and even played the game myself yet i have never heard of this guy


So you've played soccer yet you have never heard of 'this Pele character'? Now that's pretty interesting but I think it says a bit more about you than it does about Pele.

[Willkill24]

I think you soccer fans are deluding yourself. Today is the first time i have ever heard of this Pele character and its not like i purposefully shun myself away from the sport i have watched the last 2 world cups and even played the game myself yet i have never heard of this guy. I guarnetee you more than 75% of Australia has no idea who that is.

Also on that note i do know who Maradona is but even still he would be just as unknown. Jordan however is even known by my mum and that is saying something.
:facepalm :facepalm :facepalm @ you not knowing who Pele is.

[elementally morale]

:facepalm :facepalm :facepalm @ you not knowing who Pele is.

It's like saying someone into music not knowing who Mozart was. Or the Beatles. Come on, you just know them even if you are deaf. You just happen to know Einstein was a scientist even if you are not that much interested in physics.

[lakers_forever]

So you've played soccer yet you have never heard of 'this Pele character'? Now that's pretty interesting but I think it says a bit more about you than it does about Pele.

Indeed. :lol

[magnax1]

It's like saying someone into music not knowing who Mozart was. Or the Beatles. Come on, you just know them even if you are deaf. You just happen to know Einstein was a scientist even if you are not that much interested in physics.
I don't know if you live in US (If I remember right you don't) but it's really not that weird. Pele isn't that terribly well known in the US.

[Willkill24]

It's like saying someone into music not knowing who Mozart was. Or the Beatles. Come on, you just know them even if you are deaf. You just happen to know Einstein was a scientist even if you are not that much interested in physics.
Exactly.

[elementally morale]

I don't know if you live in US (If I remember right you don't) but it's really not that weird. Pele isn't that terribly well known in the US.

No, I'm not living in the US. Pele may not be well known in the US, but I can assure you whoever you think the best NFL or baseball player was is mostly unknown in Europe, too.

I don't blame anyone for not knowing who Pele was, but imagine if I told you I had played basketball and I watched the last few NBA Finals yet I have never heard of this 'Jordan character'.

Michael who?

[theaussieguy]

Thanks guys for ignoring my post. If you had read it properly you would of seen that i said at least 75% of Australia would have no clue who Pele is and i firmly believe that. So really its not saying much about me or even Australia at all, but more about Soccer and its inability to produce super super stars for the ages.

Im not having a go at soccer but thats just the way it is. Theres nothing superhuman about kicking a ball through a net but there is some magic about the way Jordan flew to the hoop. Deal with it he is nowhere near as renowned as Jordan.

[magnax1]

No, I'm not living in the US. Pele may not be well known in the US, but I can assure you whoever you think the best NFL or baseball players was is mostly unknown in Europe, too.

I don't blame anyone for not knowing who Pele was, but imagine if I told you I had played basketball and I watched the last few NBA Finals yet I have never heard of this 'Jordan character'.

Michael who?
With Jordan its a bit different because he's a brand also, but if he wasn't, I wouldn't be surprised. I have a friend who played soccer all of highschool and regularly watches it, and when I mentioned Pele he had no idea who I was talking about. Most people don't really care about the history of the sport they play and watch, and especially at younger ages.

[lakers_forever]

With Jordan its a bit different because he's a brand also, but if he wasn't, I wouldn't be surprised. I have a friend who played soccer all of highschool and regularly watches it, and when I mentioned Pele he had no idea who I was talking about. Most people don't really care about the history of the sport they play and watch, and especially at younger ages.

What does he watch? MSL? :lol How can some one watch football regularly and not know Pele?

[elementally morale]

If you had read it properly you would of seen


Would have, and I read it properly. I believe you 75% of Australians don't know who Pele was. But how many people are there in Australia?

Because there are plenty of people in South America, Latin America and in Europe you know.

[elementally morale]

With Jordan its a bit different because he's a brand also, but if he wasn't, I wouldn't be surprised. I have a friend who played soccer all of highschool and regularly watches it, and when I mentioned Pele he had no idea who I was talking about. Most people don't really care about the history of the sport they play and watch, and especially at younger ages.


Well, I believe you. I still find it strange, however. I mean... someone not at all interested in literature and over 14 years of age not knowing who Shakespeare was? No history classes ever taken and not having heard of Napoleon or Hitler? Never having heard of Picasso or Leonardo da Vinci?

I believe you... but it is strange, indeed. I might just be fu(ckin old then.

[theaussieguy]

Would have, and I read it properly. I believe you 75% of Australians don't know who Pele was. But how many people are there in Australia?

Because there are plenty of people in South America, Latin America and in Europe you know.


yeah i know but we are talking about athletes that CAN TRANSCEND the gap between 1st and 3rd world countries as well as becoming a common theme in countries that do not even play or support the sport. In that regard, there is no freakin way there is anyone greater than Jordan. Basketball is less popular in Australia than soccer, yet we all know who Jordan is. See what im trying to say here?

Isn't that the whole point of this thread? Wow so Pele is extremely famous in SOCCER PLAYING COUNTRIES . That means nothing considering it stops there. With Jordan it didn't matter, his influence was universal.

[magnax1]

Well, I believe you. I still find it strange, however. I mean... someone not at all interested in literature and over 14 years of age not knowing who Shakespeare was? No history classes ever taken and not having heard of Napoleon or Hitler? Never having heard of Picasso or Leonardo da Vinci?

I believe you... but it is strange, indeed. I might just be fu(ckin old then.
Well its all about exposure, and things like History you're exposed to through school, and TV and people, but there really is no exposure to soccer in the US, other then a few games on ESPN every week. I doubt many people in Europe know who Jerry Rice is, and though I could care less about Football I still know who he is because I'm exposed to football through the media. Same with Pele, just the other way around.

[gts]

I think you should re read my post, I was talking about an F1 driver, not about famous soccer players and tennis player who are known in the us.


My argument was about the race car driver and I don't see him on that list. Jordan is number 5 on that list, which says a lot, considering also that it's a facebook popularity list and mostly young people use that, so it's expected to have a lot of teenagers vote for their current favorite players, the only players they know.

Pele was known well in the US and in Europe, not that race car driver, if you can follow my point.it's a face book list, the reason he's not listed is because he doesn't have a facebook page.. there's a mickey mouse one made by a fan but it's not an official page

anyways you missed my point, it's that the US market is not the world, just because a person doesn't get tons of play in the US (which he did when he was active) doesn't mean they are not known world wide which is what this thread is about not just the US of A

since you seem to be on the "i havn't heard of him he must not matter" track i'll give you some info

60 minutes in 2002, and before you go running on about it's not who is the richest athlete, i'm pointing out here that 60 minutes thought he was important enough to run a piece on him...

although it is worth pointing out that marlboro and vodaphone combined to pay him 60 million or so a year in endorsements.. companies don't pay out that kind of money to people the world has never heard of...


(CBS) Who is the highest paid athlete in the world? Michael Jordan? Tiger
Woods?

According to Forbes magazine, it's Michael Schumacher, the German-born race-car driver whose name is a household word in Europe, reports Charlie Rose. A four-time world champion on the Formula One racing circuit, Schumacher, 33 drives for the Italian car company Ferrari.

In a sport known for its danger, speed, and glamour and followed by 300 million fans worldwide, Schumacher is well on his way to making $1 billion. His hat alone makes him a millionaire – that’s what he is paid to wear a hat in front of TV cameras.

Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Racing, estimates Schumacher earns in the neighborhood of $80 million a year.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/07/60II/main508224.shtml


2007 from forbes top 100 celebrities not just athletes but all famous people from all around the world



#24 Michael Schumacher
06.14.07, 6:00 PM ET

Power Rank 24
Pay $36 mil (Retired)
Pay Rank: 24
Web Rank: 37
Press Rank: 8
TV/Radio Rank: 88
E-Score Rank* 67

The greatest driver in the history of Formula One retired after the 2006 season. Schumacher's legacy includes seven championship titles, 91 race victories, 154 top-three finishes and 15 consecutive years with a win. Over his career, he earned $650 million in salary and endorsements deals, putting him on par with superstar athletes Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Last year, he provided the voice of a Ferrari in the Disney-Pixar movie Cars.

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/53/07celebrities_Michael-Schumacher_5WRJ.html

A Building in his name in UAE under construction now


The Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower, the first in a series of seven towers to be built worldwide. A unique branding concept envisioned by Joachim Swensson, founder of branding specialists PNYG:COMPANY, the building represents branded architecture’s next step.

“The Michael Schumacher Tower marks a departure from traditional architectural thinking”, state the architects Chris Bosse and Tobias Wallisser.

http://abudhabiliving.net/sites/default/files/michael1.jpg

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/dubai/michael_schumacher_tower.htm



anyways just a couple quick examples for you.. like i said just because you have never heard of the man doesn't mean the rest of the world hasn't


I can see your point with the Facebook thingy, but some if not all of the guys above Jordan wil lfade away in a few years. Most athletes do. C. Ronaldo is at best on the Marco van Basten level. Federer will not be more well known than John McEnroe in 20 years. Etc.

i was just pointing out to jstern that the US is not the end all be all of the world when it comes to global recognition... he says he has never heard of schumacher and so he must not be a big name on the world scene... and you're right they will fade away, they all do sooner or later, even jordan will

[elementally morale]

Well its all about exposure, and things like History you're exposed to through school, and TV and people, but there really is no exposure to soccer in the US, other then a few games on ESPN every week. I doubt many people in Europe know who Jerry Rice is, and though I could care less about Football I still know who he is because I'm exposed to football through the media. Same with Pele, just the other way around.

You are right on the money with this one.

Still, there are less than 350 million people in the US. There are more in South and Latin America, places where soccer is as important as religion. And there are plenty of people in Europe, more than twice as many as in the US. Africa...

Come on. Most well known ever is not about the US. At all.

[N0Skillz]

Who's Michael Jordan?

[elementally morale]

With Jordan it didn't matter, his influence was universal.


That was Nike, not Jordan.

And I can see what you are getting at, I just disagree. In fact, soccer is WAAAAAAAAAAY more significant in the world than basketball is. And I don't even like soccer.

[magnax1]

You are right on the money with this one.

Still, there are less than 350 million people in the US. There are more in South and Latin America, places where soccer is as important as religion. And there are plenty of people in Europe, more than twice as many as in the US. Africa...

Come on. Most well known ever is not about the US. At all.
Agreed. Though as far as I can see from my very limited perspective, Jordan, Pele and Maradonna are all about as popular as an athlete can become. Not so sure about Ali, though he's probably up there too.
It's interesting that Jordan can become that popular when Soccer is about 100 times more popular then Basketball is though.

[elementally morale]

Agreed. Though as far as I can see from my very limited perspective, Jordan, Pele and Maradonna are all about as popular as an athlete can become. Not so sure about Ali, though he's probably up there too.
It's interesting that Jordan can become that popular when Soccer is about 100 times more popular then Basketball is though.

Not for the sake of arguing, but actually I'm pretty sure there is a higher percentage of the population of Brazil that knows who Pele was than people in the US know who MJ was. Or Maradona in Argentina is more well known as MJ is in the US.

[magnax1]

Not for the sake of arguing, but actually I'm pretty sure there is a higher percentage of the population of Brazil that knows who Pele was than in the US knowing who MJ was. Or Maradona in Argentina is more well known as MJ is in the US.
Maybe. Like I said, my perspective is rather small, and I can't really know what's going on in Europe/Brazil/Argentina that well, and if there are any statistics on the subject, they probably aren't that terribly accurate. I'd expect all around the world that They're all pretty equal though.

[elementally morale]

Maybe. Like I said, my perspective is rather small, and I can't really know what's going on in Europe/Brazil/Argentina that well, and if there are any statistics on the subject, they probably aren't that terribly accurate. I'd expect all around the world that They're all pretty equal though.

May very well be. I don't know much about China and India in this regard, and there are 2 and a half billion people over there. I have to think Jordan is the most well known in China (after maybe Yao and Kobe being the 3rd) because there was virtually no media in China when Pele and Ali were big.

I'm not sure about India though.

[magnax1]

May very well be. I don't know much about China and India in this regard, and there are 2 and a half billion people over there. I have to think Jordan is the most well known in China (after maybe Yao and Kobe being the 3rd) because there was virtually no media in China when Pele and Ali were big.

I'm not sure about India though.
I know Cricket and field hockey is really popular in India, so there is probably some Cricket player who's the most well known athlete.

[gts]

I know Cricket and field hockey is really popular in India, so there is probably some Cricket player who's the most well known athlete.i was amazed at how big cricket is worldwide, (other than the US)

it's like the second or third most popular sport

[magnax1]

i was amazed at how big cricket is worldwide, (other than the US)

it's like the second or third most popular sport
Yeah, most US sports aren't very popular except maybe Basketball, though it's not near as popular as Cricket, Soccer, and even field Hockey.

[gts]

Yeah, most US sports aren't very popular except maybe Basketball, though it's not near as popular as Cricket, Soccer, and even field Hockey.just looking at some pics, they have some rockin cricket stadiums

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbs=isch:1&&sa=X&ei=D6-mTKC6J4aosQPK1amOBA&ved=0CCQQvwUoAQ&q=cricket+stadium&spell=1&biw=1270&bih=664

[OldSchoolBBall]

Regardless of whether MJ is more popular or well-known than guys like Ali or Pele, did anyone actually consider how ABSURD the OP's question is? "Is Jordan one of the most well known athletes ever?" I mean, do you REALLY need to ask that? :oldlol:

[theaussieguy]

That was Nike, not Jordan.

And I can see what you are getting at, I just disagree. In fact, soccer is WAAAAAAAAAAY more significant in the world than basketball is. And I don't even like soccer.

Lol we have already been over this in this thread. How can you say it was Nike, not Jordan. Would air jordan exist without the existence of Michael Jordan? You make it sound like Jordan was some baller who was made famous by Nikes ability to publicize. In part that is true, but there is no way in hell Air Jordan would of become what it is if it wasn't for Jordans absolute excellence in the sport of basketball. Everyone knew what Jordan was about and that was getting a lot of Air and in general just dominating the game in every aspect.

Secondly, since when we were arguing about which game is bigger in the world? In fact that was my point, Soccer is much more popular than basketball in Australia and the world, YET IT IS JORDAN who stands head and shoulders above any other athlete in terms of recognition despite playing a sport that isn't totally popular and that is saying a lot. You can put it down to nike or whatever but the truth is Pele just doesn't compare.

[Mamba]

Yeah, most US sports aren't very popular except maybe Basketball, though it's not near as popular as Cricket, Soccer, and even field Hockey.
i can let you know now, the only american sport people have an interest in around the world is NBA. not college bball.

take it from someone who has traveled the world quite a bit. sport popularity ranks like this:

Soccer


basketball
formula 1 racing
golf
rugby
cricket

baseball, alot of the world finds boring

[theaussieguy]

i can let you know now, the only american sport people have an interest in around the world is NBA. not college bball.

take it from someone who has traveled the world quite a bit. sport popularity ranks like this:

Soccer


basketball
formula 1 racing
golf
rugby
cricket

baseball, alot of the world finds boring

The Japanese are the only other country who are baseball crazy but they are pretty diverse in the amount of sports played. So is Australia i suppose we have a few baseball leagues over here.

[Mamba]

The Japanese are the only other country who are baseball crazy but they are pretty diverse in the amount of sports played. So is Australia i suppose we have a few baseball leagues over here.
the only thing about baseball currently in Australia is a kid that i got into a fight with 2 years ago, guy edmunds, that went to my school signed with the texas rangers.

[jlitt]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.


Ive been saying the same thing for years, but to the ish crowd its pure blasphemy. Jordan had a great vertical leap, but nike and gatorade come around and all of a sudden the guy can fly. Jordan was a great competitor but wheaties made him a legend.

ITs amazing what the right marketing and pr can do for a person.

[step_back]

I have no idea who the second guy is. He might be the biggest thing in his sport, I assume racing, but that doesn't mean he's more famous than lets say Kevin Garnette. And someone like Tiger, I don't think he would be known in certain 3rd world countries, unlike Jordan. (I'm sorry, but golf is just not going to have that appeal.) Jordan had the highest Q rating for sports figure in 2010, and he doesn't even play anymore. I recognized every other sports guy in the top ten list, that racing guy was not there.


As funny as it might sound F1 racing has got to be one of the most popular sports in Arab and Asian countries. Billions of people live there that's why I said Schumacher.

[elementally morale]

Lol we have already been over this in this thread. How can you say it was Nike, not Jordan. Would air jordan exist without the existence of Michael Jordan? You make it sound like Jordan was some baller who was made famous by Nikes ability to publicize. In part that is true, but there is no way in hell Air Jordan would of become what it is if it wasn't for Jordans absolute excellence in the sport of basketball. Everyone knew what Jordan was about and that was getting a lot of Air and in general just dominating the game in every aspect.


Jordan has a very good case to have been the GOAT. Yet he is overrated. Yes, his excellence was needed to become what he bacame. On the other hand, he also arrived at the right time, right after Magic and Bird had rebuilt the league and the NBA started it's worldwide expansion as far as viewership is concerned. There was almost no media coverage besides the sports sections of US papers on the likes if Wilt, Russell or the big O. Kareem had little exposure on TV. Magic and Bird have never been part of huge international marketing campaigns. Nike and Jordan, along with the globalizing world in the very late 80s and early 90s were just the perfect match. In part, Jordan made Nike what it is. And in part, Nike made Jordan who he is. He may have been better than Bird or Magic, but definitely not by a landslide as people now trying to make us believe.



Secondly, since when we were arguing about which game is bigger in the world? In fact that was my point, Soccer is much more popular than basketball in Australia and the world, YET IT IS JORDAN who stands head and shoulders above any other athlete in terms of recognition despite playing a sport that isn't totally popular and that is saying a lot. You can put it down to nike or whatever but the truth is Pele just doesn't compare.


How many countries have you been to?

And the question at hand was most well known. In terms of recognition worldwide if you just hear the name, Pele beats Jordan, I'm sure. If you include a photo, Jordan may become the winner of the two, but Maradona wins over him by a pretty big margin. Australia, Canada, the UK and the US are not the whole world. May be the the only places on Earth relevant to you personally, but by no means the whole world. Altogether less than 500 million people. Europe alone has more, not to speak of Asia.

[lakers_forever]

Not for the sake of arguing, but actually I'm pretty sure there is a higher percentage of the population of Brazil that knows who Pele was than people in the US know who MJ was. Or Maradona in Argentina is more well known as MJ is in the US.

I live in Brazil and I can say that when I don't even remember the first time I heard of Pele. It's like I was born knowing who he was. :lol I'd say there is no brazilian (without mental problems) who does not know who he is.

[comerb]

Michael Jordan was hyped and believe it or not, he's overrated, in terms of people saying he's the "undisputed" greatest of all time player. Nike and other products that he endorsed made his legacy in the world.

The reason why kids still know who he is because of his shoes. His shoes are being endorsed by other superstars and is keeping his name relevant.

MJ is very insecure where he wants his name out there till he dies, while other players like Magic, Bird and Kareem know what they meant to the game.

Keep dreamin' brother.:rolleyes: