Top Ten Sporting Stars to Watch in 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a year full of challenges and opportunities for athletes across various sports. A mix of rising stars and established champions are set to grab the spotlight. Uduak Oscar presents in this article, ten of the top athletes to watch this year:
Jannik Sinner (Tennis)
The Italian tennis sensation, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, will be one to watch in 2025. After a stellar 2024, winning the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, Sinner has proven himself as one of the most dominant players in the sport. With his aggressive style and impressive consistency, Sinner looks poised to continue his reign at the top.
Vinícius Júnior (Football)
The Brazilian forward from Real Madrid is expected to keep his place in the headlines after winning the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award in 2024. Vinícius Júnior will be key for Real Madrid as they look to challenge for the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga titles. His exciting style of play and leadership will be crucial for his team in 2025.
Oleksandr Usyk (Boxing)
As the current heavyweight champion, Usyk will be a focus in 2025, though he is planning a break after a gruelling 2024. Having defeated Tyson Fury twice, Usyk has solidified his position as the top heavyweight. Fans will be eager to see when he returns to the ring and who will challenge him for his titles in the future.
Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)
After signing with Ferrari for the 2024 season, Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari is one of the most exciting stories in Formula 1. The seven-time World Champion, now 40, will be racing alongside Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s experience and skill behind the wheel could lead to exciting performances and further challenges for the F1 title in 2025.
Coco Gauff (Tennis)
At just 19 years old, Gauff has already made a huge impact on the tennis world. Known for her agility, consistency, and maturity, she is expected to be a strong contender for major titles in 2025. Her potential to win Grand Slams, including Wimbledon and the Australian Open, is high as she continues to develop her game.
Max Verstappen (Formula 1)
Verstappen remains a dominant force in Formula 1, and 2025 will be no different. As the reigning World Champion, he continues to set records with his performance. His consistency and ability to win races will keep him in the hunt for more championships, further solidifying his place as one of the best drivers in F1 history.
Lebron James (Basketball)
LeBron James has included a player option for the 2025-26 season in his new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, signalling that his future will be decided year by year. This move essentially ensures that he will once again become a free agent in 2025.
While the possibility of him leaving remains uncertain, there is one compelling reason for LeBron to stay with the Lakers: his son, Bronny James, was recently signed to a four-year deal with the team. This could be a major factor in LeBron’s decision to remain in Los Angeles.
However, if LeBron continues his career, free agency in 2025 is almost certain. His 2025-26 player option is valued just under $54 million, but entering free agency could offer him slightly more ($54.1 million) and the opportunity to sign a long-term deal, ensuring financial security for the future.
Could LeBron take a pay cut? It’s possible, but unlikely. Regardless, free agency is inevitable.
Despite approaching his age-41 season, LeBron remains one of the top players in the league. His performance in 2024-25, where he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 59.2 percent on two-point shots, and 41.0 percent from three, shows that he can still compete at the highest level. If he maintains this form, LeBron will undoubtedly be one of the best players available in 2025.
Neeraj Chopra (Athletics)
The Indian javelin thrower, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will be a top athlete to follow in 2025. Chopra has his sights set on breaking more records and adding to his impressive list of accomplishments. His performance in international events this year will be highly anticipated as he aims to establish himself as one of the best in history.
Lamine Yamal (Football)
Just a teenager, the young talent from FC Barcelona is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football. Yamal’s skill, vision, and maturity on the pitch have already made waves, and he is expected to rise to even greater heights in 2025, potentially becoming one of football’s next superstars.
Katie Ledecky (Swimming)
The American swimmer has dominated long-distance events for years, and she remains a strong contender on the world stage. At 27, Ledecky continues to break records and solidify her legacy in swimming. In 2025, she will aim to add more gold medals to her collection and continue her dominance in international competitions.
These athletes are set to make their mark in 2025, each bringing their own unique strengths and exciting potential to their respective sports.
