Who wins the GOAT debate in 2025? Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, John Cena or Lebron James

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (via Getty Images)
The "GOAT" debate is still very much alive in 2025, with
Lionel Messi
,
Cristiano Ronaldo
,
LeBron James
, and
John Cena
just a few of those putting forward their cases across different sports. Fans, critics, and spectators from all the different sports realms argue and engage in constant debate—who among these names is the Greatest Of All Time?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reign over football's
GOAT debate
in 2025
In football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain unmatched as both keep breaking records and scooping awards.
Lionel Messi, fresh from winning the Club World Cup with Inter Miami, has continued the trend with more silverware added to a trophy room that already boasts a FIFA World Cup, several Champions League titles, and Ballon d'Or awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues rewriting the record books. He is still the men's football all-time leading scorer, a position no player has ever surpassed, according to Welch College. His recent performances in Saudi Arabia are proof of his sporting longevity and worldwide fame.
LeBron James keeps testing basketball's GOAT title in Year 22
In the
NBA
, meanwhile, LeBron James is in his 22nd year and still playing at a superlative level. The star of the Los Angeles Lakers and his career durability and consistency keep him very much in the discussion with Michael Jordan. His ongoing domination, even in his 40s.
Who is the World's No.1 Famous Sports Icon Right Now?😲#ytshorts #ronaldo #messi
John Cena's wrestling legacy is solid, but his GOAT argument is contested
A 16-time WWE Champion, John Cena's legacy is secure, especially with his work during the PG era and crossover success in Hollywood.
But the "GOAT" of wrestling is a more difficult crown to crown.
John Cena is invariably mentioned in the discussion, but there are also debates about names such as Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, each with different individual eras of superiority and cultural impact.
Final word: Who takes the GOAT crown?
The names listed—Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, John Cena, and LeBron James—are all highly recognizable and successful figures, each achieving global fame in their respective fields.
Also read:
'Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi...': Google CEO Sundar Pichai picks his favourite
Though a lot of sports enthusiasts online would put Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi forward given their excellent contributions in football, this is not just a matter of one winner—it's a matter of enjoying once-in-a-lifetime greatness from various eras and sports. Therefore, the answer is that there isn't one GOAT in this debate.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

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