The 20th century was an important time for sports. Some of the most popular sports that we still follow today gained prominence in the early-to-mid 20th century. Most notable among them are football/soccer, basketball, baseball, and boxing. All of these sports have produced some important and notable figures, who gained major popularity during the 1900s. In this article, we would like to go over the most popular athletes of the past century, and discuss their impact on the sport.
1. Pele – Association Football
Edson Arantes do Nascimento is one of Brazil’s most famous athletes, if not the most famous. Known worldwide by his nickname, Pele, the footballer first stepped onto the field at the tender age of 16. He quickly gained incredible popularity for his skills as a striker and dribbler, as well as for his incredible vision and playmaking ability.
Today, Pele is undoubtedly one of the most famous figures in one of the world’s most popular sports. With 3 billion fans around the globe, football is the undisputed king of sports. Online bookmakers like Novibet cover the game extensively and offer some excellent odds on the latest matches, whether on the club level or internationally. To top it all off, they also double as casinos, where you can play online slots, roulette, etc.
In 2001, Pele was one of the two players (the other being Diego Maradona) who were awarded the “Player of the Century” award by FIFA. A true acknowledgement of skill and success on the court.
2. Babe Ruth – Baseball
While football dominates the rest of the world, baseball is known far and wide as “America’s favorite pastime.” And though the game has spread in countries like Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, the sport remains linked to the United States.
And no name is so intrinsically linked with baseball as George Herman Ruth, more commonly known as “Babe Ruth” or “Baby Ruth”. The Sultan of Swat began playing baseball for the Red Sox. However, his career hit its peak when he was playing slugger for the New York Yankees.
Babe Ruth is one of the United States’ most iconic sports icons, and a key figure in American popular culture. He was one of the five inaugural members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, deservedly so. In his time, Babe Ruth broke the single-season home run record, scoring 29 home runs in 1919.
3. Muhammad Ali – Boxing
Boxing has endured the test of time. The sport is first mentioned in 3000 BC, though many historians believe it dates even further back. Today, boxing matches are the most watched combat sport events in the world. And though excellent boxers inhabit the ring today, none of them come close to the popularity of the 20th century’s greatest name in boxing.
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., better known by his later name, Muhammad Ali is often cited as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. His most notable fights saw him go up against Joe Frazier and George Foreman, two giants of the ring in their own right.
Muhammad Ali was named Sportsman of the Century by both Sports Illustrated and the British Broadcast Corporation, and is still remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Betting on the Greatest Athletes
Betting on the greatest athletes is a popular activity among sports fans and bettors alike. With so many iconic athletes in the 20th century, including Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Pele, Babe Ruth, and many others, there is no shortage of opportunities for people to place bets on their favorite sports stars.
One of the most common ways to bet on athletes is by placing outright bets on who will win a particular tournament, championship, or event. For example, in tennis, people can place bets on who will win the Wimbledon or US Open. In football, people can place bets on who will win the World Cup or the Super Bowl. These outright bets are popular because they offer a high potential payout if the chosen athlete or team wins the event.
Another popular way to bet on athletes is by placing proposition bets, also known as prop bets. These bets are typically based on specific occurrences within a game or event, such as the number of goals a football player scores, the number of strikeouts a baseball pitcher throws, or the total number of points scored in a basketball game. Prop bets can be a fun way to add some excitement to a game, and they often offer more favorable odds than outright bets.
When betting on the greatest athletes, it is important to keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future success. While some athletes may have had exceptional careers, they may not be in pFeak form anymore, or they may be facing tough competition. It is essential to consider all relevant factors, such as injuries, weather conditions, and recent performance, before placing a bet on an athlete.
Strategies for Betting on Athletes
When it comes to betting on athletes, there are several strategies that can help improve your chances of winning. Firstly, it’s important to do your research and gather information about the athlete’s past performance, current form, injuries, and other relevant factors.
It’s also a good idea to consider the odds and compare them across different bookmakers to ensure you get the best value for your bet. Additionally, setting a budget and sticking to it can help you avoid making impulsive bets and potentially losing more money than you can afford. Lastly, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest news and developments in the sport to make informed betting decisions.
Conclusion
Betting on the greatest athletes is a popular pastime that offers the potential for high payouts and excitement. However, bettors should be mindful of the risks and do their due diligence before placing a bet on an athlete
