Decade’s Dominators: Best Footballers and Tennis Players of the 2010s

Staff Writer

21/08/2023

The 2010s heralded an era where sports stars not only dazzled with their skills but also with their character, charm, and influence on and off the field. Whether you cheered for them in a packed stadium or watched their jaw-dropping performances from the comfort of your home, these athletes etched their names in the annals of history. This article will lead you through a nostalgic path, remembering the very best in football and tennis from the 2010s.

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Football’s Giants of the 2010s

1. Lionel Messi

Achievements: 6 Ballon d’Or titles during the decade, numerous La Liga titles, and a Champions League triumph.
Impact: Referred to as “The Alien” for his otherworldly skills, Messi’s dribbling, vision, and finishing prowess have left fans and critics astounded.
Influence: Beyond his playing role, Messi’s philanthropic activities, especially for children, make him a global icon.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Achievements: 4 Ballon d’Or titles, Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid and a Euro Championship with Portugal.
Impact: Ronaldo’s relentless drive, incredible work ethic, and goal-scoring ability make him a standout.
Influence: His brand CR7, various charitable initiatives, and status as a social media powerhouse underline his worldwide impact.

3. Neymar Jr.

Achievements: La Liga titles, a Champions League win, and significant success with Paris Saint-Germain.
Impact: Known for his flamboyant style and flair on the pitch.
Influence: Neymar has become a brand in his own right, with several endorsements and a massive social media presence.

Tennis Titans of the 2010s

1. Novak Djokovic

Achievements: Dominated the Grand Slam scene, holding all four titles simultaneously in 2015-2016.
Impact: Djokovic’s flexibility, return game, and mental fortitude have made him a tennis legend.
Influence: His efforts in humanitarian causes, particularly for children, have cemented his legacy off the court as well.

2. Serena Williams

Achievements: Won numerous Grand Slam titles, maintaining her dominance from the previous decade.
Impact: Serena’s power-packed game and resilience have inspired many.
Influence: Apart from tennis, her ventures in fashion and stand on social issues have made her a significant influencer.

3. Rafael Nadal

Achievements: Multiple Grand Slam victories, especially his unparalleled success at the French Open.
Impact: Nadal’s topspin-laden shots and tenacity on the clay court are unmatched.
Influence: His Rafa Nadal Academy and charitable endeavors have made significant contributions to tennis and society.

Rising Stars of the Late 2010s

As the decade progressed, we saw the emergence of new talents who have shown the potential to dominate the next decade. Their early performances hint at a promising future, and while they might not have the same portfolio as the established stars, their potential is undeniable.

Football’s Promising Prodigies

Kylian Mbappé

Achievements: FIFA World Cup winner with France in 2018 at just 19 years old, several Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
Impact: Mbappé’s speed, ball control, and finishing ability have earned him comparisons with football greats.
Influence: Being an ambassador for sport among the youth and his charitable actions, particularly in Africa, highlight his growing stature.

Erling Haaland

Achievements: Quick rise to prominence with RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, becoming one of Europe’s top strikers by the end of the decade.
Impact: Haaland’s goal-scoring ability, physical presence, and youthful energy have added a new dimension to modern striking roles.
Influence: With a rapidly growing fan base and media attention, he’s set to be a prominent figure in football’s next era.

Tennis’s New Guard

Naomi Osaka

Achievements: Winner of multiple Grand Slam titles in quick succession, establishing herself as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
Impact: Osaka’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play have been pivotal to her success.
Influence: Off the court, she has been a voice for social justice, using her platform to raise awareness about racial inequality.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Achievements: Rapid climb up the ATP rankings, reaching the French Open final and winning the ATP Finals.
Impact: Tsitsipas is known for his all-round game, combining powerful groundstrokes with a classic serve-and-volley approach.
Influence: His charismatic presence and deep philosophical outlook make him a unique figure in modern tennis.

Decade’s Breakout Nations

While traditional powerhouses continued to impress, the 2010s also witnessed some nations breaking the mold, delivering performances that left the world in awe.

Football: Belgium

Achievements: Reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and topping the FIFA rankings.
Impact: With a golden generation including players like Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, Belgium showcased a brand of football that was both efficient and aesthetic.
Influence: Their rise inspired smaller nations, proving that with the right infrastructure and talent, success is achievable.

Tennis: Canada

Achievements: The rise of players like Denis Shapovalov and Bianca Andreescu, with the latter winning the US Open.
Impact: Canada, traditionally not a tennis powerhouse, started producing players capable of challenging the elites.

Influence: The country’s success might inspire further investment in tennis infrastructure and training in regions not typically known for the sport.

Conclusion

The 2010s graced us with unparalleled talent in both football and tennis. These athletes have not only displayed exemplary skills on the field but have also shaped the culture and direction of their respective sports. Their legacy, both in terms of achievements and their influence, will be remembered for decades to come. For more in-depth information on such iconic sports figures, you can visit this Wikipedia page.