Love it or hate it, sports have a tremendous impact on society. Be it soccer, tennis, golf, or you name it, sports are a world-changing medium, bringing people together while teaching community, teamwork, and unselfishness.
Being also one of the most well-paid professions, some athletes have been great ambassadors of their fields, helping the underprivileged and doing a number of philanthropic works.
Here are 10 of the most charitable athletes of all time.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Alongside being among the greatest soccer players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has been globally recognized for his charity work. Earning an estimated $700,000 a week (excluding endorsements), Ronaldo gives a fair chunk of his earnings to those in need. Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, he donated an impressive $9 million to the relief efforts. In 2004, he visited tsunami victims in Indonesia after seeing a touching video of a young fan wearing a Portugal jersey with his name.
He also teamed up with WorldBank.org and was a key figure in “11 Against Ebola,” a campaign raising awareness and support in the fight against Ebola.
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Serena Williams
The tennis icon is also a powerhouse of kindness off the court. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Serena Williams promoted education for 26 million underprivileged Asian children. She’s rolled up her sleeves with Build Africa Schools, helping build two schools in Kenya, and volunteered to immunize children in Ghana. Serena’s own charity, The Serena Williams Foundation, funds college scholarships for disadvantaged kids in the USA, fights against illegal guns, and supports those unfairly treated by the legal system. She’s a strong supporter of various causes, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Serena’s impact extends far beyond tennis, making a real difference in the world.
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Lionel Messi
The soccer superstar from Argentina has a heart as big as his talent or his net worth, which according to Forbes is $130 million. Having the classic form rags to riches story himself, Lionel Messi makes sure he gives back to the community as much as he can. In 2007, he founded the Lionel Messi Foundation to assist underprivileged children globally, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and social inclusion.
Currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi has actively supported various causes as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, including campaigns for HIV prevention, education, and the inclusion of disabled children. In 2020, he and his foundation generously donated $1 million to fight COVID-19, benefiting hospitals in Barcelona and his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
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Michael Jordan
Alongside being the richest NBA athlete of all time, with a net worth of $1 billion, Michael Jordan is also the most charitable one. Considered by many as the GOAT – or greatest of all time – of basketball, Jordan recently made headlines by donating a record breaking $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Jordan’s foundation James R. Jordan Foundation—in honor of his late father—provides support and resources to low-income communities in Chicago and North Carolina.
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John Cena
The WWE superstar has granted over 500 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and also played an essential role in the Susan G. Komen organization, helping to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer ,acting as the Grand Marshal for a charity run.
Over the years, Cena has sold the pink shirts he wears in the ring from September to November every year, raising over one million dollars for the foundation. Additionally, he noticed a young fan in the crowd wearing his gear and holding a sign that read, “I’m beating cancer,” and Cena invited her into the ring as a heartwarming gesture of support.
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Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick made headlines for his peaceful protest against police brutality when he took a knee during the national anthem at NFL games. Despite facing criticism from various corners, including right-wing media and former President Donald Trump, he remained unwavering in his commitment to social justice. Even after leaving the NFL, Kaepernick continued to use his platform to shed light on racial injustice, and he even partnered with Nike.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is curently the welthiest NASCAR driver with a net wort of over $300 million. But he is also known as one of the most charitable athletes of all time. His foundation, the Dale Jr. Foundation, focuses on providing aid for underprivileged children and families, a mission that has garnered widespread admiration. In 2016, Earnhardt Jr announced that he will donate his brain for concussion research
after he dies.
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Tiger Woods
Despite the well-known scandal surrounding the golfing legend, Tiger Woods has been a force for good in the world. Established in 1996, the Tiger Woods Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved youth through education, providing the resources and support needed to chase their dreams. Programs like the Tiger Woods Learning Center offer STEM-focused education for grades 5-12, while the Earl Woods Scholarship Program grants college scholarships to financially challenged students with academic excellence and community service commitment.
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Drew Brees
Drew Brees earned the 2010 Sportsman of the Year title for leading the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl win and aiding the city’s post-Hurricane Katrina recovery. What sets him apart is his choice to live in New Orleans itself, not just the suburbs.
Brees and his wife, Brittany, founded the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003, supporting cancer patients and research, later expanding to help Hurricane Katrina recovery projects. They’ve been deeply involved in these efforts, partnering with Operation Kids to rebuild facilities, parks, and more.
In July 2020, they donated $5 million to Ochsner Health System for healthcare centers in Louisiana. The Brees Dream Foundation has donated over $35 million globally.
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J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt called it a career in 2022, marking the end of an era in the NFL. But his legacy is not just about being one of the game’s all-time defensive greats; he’s also one of the most charitable athletes of all times.
In 2010, Watt’s founded the J.J. Watt Foundation that focuses on providing kids with after-school activities and sports opportunities in their communities. Impressively, they’ve raised over $6 million to support these programs all across the country.
When Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on his hometown, Houston, Texas, in 2017, Watt stepped up big time. He launched a fundraising campaign that pulled in an incredible $41 million.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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