Encounter 21 of the Most Alluring Men in the World of Sports

See some of the most genetically — and athletically — gifted guys in the game right now

Sexiest Men in Sports, Steph Curry, Travis Kelce, Shohei Ohtani
Sexiest Men in Sports: Steph Curry, Travis Kelce, Shohei Ohtani. PHOTO: ABC VIA GETTY; DAVID EULITT/GETTY; DANIEL SHIREY/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY

These professional athletes keep their heads in the game, but we’ve got our eyes on them!

From football and basketball to surfing and racing, superstars from every sport are scoring points and stealing hearts. Travis Kelce, Neymar Jr., Steph Curry and Shohei Ohtani are just a few game-winners heating up their respective leagues, giving fans more than a few reasons to cheer along.

Check out some of the most athletically and genetically gifted players who scored wins and stole hearts this year, in honor of PEOPLE’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive issue.


Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce, CMT Awards 2023
Travis Kelce.CATHERINE POWELL

Kelce is the dream man: a hard worker, a committed boyfriend and a big time Swiftie! This year, the tight end scored a Super Bowl win with his Kansas City Chiefs, beating his brother Jason Kelce’s team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce won again in the fall, when he successfully wooed Taylor Swift and struck up a romance with the pop icon.


Jason Kelce

Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after defeating the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on December 21, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jason Kelce.TIM NWACHUKWU/GETTY

The Philadelphia Eagles may have lost this year’s Super Bowl, but Kelce stayed on top as champion dad and total hottie. Football fans have gotten to know him better through his New Heights podcast with Travis, in which the brothers discuss all things on and off the field.

Plus, the world has fallen in love with the sweet family dynamic between Kelce, his wife Kylie and their three daughters Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett.


Jonathan Owens

Jonathan Owens #34 of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jonathan Owens.IAN MAULE/GETTY

Simone Biles really stuck the landing when she married one of the NFL’s hottest players, Owens. Who wouldn’t flip head over heals for this Green Bay Packers safety?

Braxton Berrios

Braxton Berrios #0 of the Miami Dolphins leaves the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Braxton Berrios.RICH STORRY/GETTY

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Berrios is a big name in stadiums and online, thanks to his budding relationship with TikTok sensation Alix Earle. The duo made their red carpet debut this summer, but don’t worry — Berrios might not be totally off the market just yet.

Back in July, sources told PEOPLE that the couple were keeping things casual. “The two have always agreed they were not exclusive or official,” the insider said. That said, her steamy birthday post for the athlete suggests things could be getting more intense!


Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022
Joe Burrow.COOPER NEILL/GETTY

Burrow entered the pros as the Cincinnati Bengals’ first overall draft pick in 2020. The quarterback made a quick impression with his game-time skills and his dashing good looks.

In 2022, Burrow led his team to the Super Bowl for their first time since 1988. And despite the pressure, the superstar player kept his famous composure. In fact, he’s been nicknamed “Joe Cool” by fans and sportscasters due to his consistently calm and collected demeanor.

Burrow has been dating his college sweetheart Olivia Holzmacher since 2017, much to the chagrin of some of his biggest fans. When rumors swirled about their possible engagement, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that a local bar started offering a “Sad Girl Shot” for only 9 cents (to match Burrow’s jersey number).


Lionel Messi

Argentine Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF player sits on the team bench before the Soccer Leagues Cup match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF outside DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 21 July 2023. Soccer Leagues Cup - Cruz Azul vs Inter Miami CF, Fort Lauderdale,
Lionel Messi.CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Messi is tough competitor on the soccer field, but he’s quite easy on the eyes. The Argentinian soccer star is a record-breaking athlete and widely regarded as one of the greatest players to take the field. At home, he’s a super-dad to sons Mateo, Thiago and Ciro, all of whom he shares with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior

Neymar Jr of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Reims at Parc des Princes on May 16, 2021 in Paris, France.
Neymar Jr.AURELIEN MEUNIER – PSG/PSG VIA GETTY

The Brazilian soccer pro has been scoring goals and stealing hearts for his entire career. In addition to his impressive work on the field, Neymar is equally dedicated at home. He has two kids, son Davi Lucca and newborn daughter Mavie, whom Neymar and his girlfriend welcomed in October 2023.


Son Heung-min

Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring the team's fifth goal and his hat-trick during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 02, 2023 in Burnley, England.
Heung-Min Son.GARETH COPLEY/GETTY

The South Korean forward was ranked at No. 26 on The Guardian’s 2023 list of the 100 best male footballers in the world. He’s currently single, but Son isn’t trying to find his soulmate just yet. In 2019, he told The Guardian that he’s not planning to settle down until he’s off the field.

Quoting his father’s advice, Son explained, “When you marry, the number one will be family, wife and kids, and then football. I want to make sure that while I play at the top level, football can be number one.”

Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates victory in the Men's Singles Round of 16 match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on Day 10 of the 2023 Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 11, 2023 in Shanghai, China
Grigor Dimitrov.LINTAO ZHANG/GETTY

Dimitrov is serving up some hot shots and good looks. Plus, the Bulgarian tennis player sports some fun and funky styles when he’s off the court.


Matteo Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini of Italy poses with the trophy in the locker room after winning against Filip Krajinovic of Serbia during the Men's Singles Final match on day seven of the cinch Championships at The Queen's Club on June 19, 2022 in London, England.
Matteo Berrettini.CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY

Berrettini made his name in 2022, when he became the first man born in the 1990s or later to reach at least the quarter-finals in all four major tennis tournaments that season.


Frances Tiafoe

Frances Tiafoe of the United States celebrates match point to defeat Rinky Hijikata of Australia during their Men's Singles Fourth Round match on Day Seven of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 03, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
Frances Tiafoe.SARAH STIER/GETTY

At just 25 years old, Tiafoe is putting his blood, sweat and tears into every match — especially his sweat. The tennis title-holder revealed he brings 20 extra shirts to each match due to some intense on-court perspiration, according to Insider. We respect the hustle!


Stephen Curry

The 2022 ESPYS Presented by Capital One is hosted by NBA superstar Stephen Curry.
Steph Curry.ABC VIA GETTY

Curry has led his Golden State Warriors to the NBA championships several times throughout his career. The point guard has also been named as a regular season MVP, an NBA Finals MVP and an All-Star Game MVP.

While his are some of the most impressive stats in the league, Curry has also made headlines as a family man. He and his wife, Ayesha Curry, share three kids: their daughters Riley and Ryan and their son, Canon. Back in 2015, Riley stole the show as she accompanied her dad at press conferences, interjecting with some hilarious commentary.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics poses for a head shot during NBA media day on September 27, 2021 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jayson Tatum.BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE VIA GETT

Boston Celtics star Tatum is another NBA dad we can’t get enough of! In October 2023, the on-court superstar opened up about balancing parenthood and professional sports in a Q&A for the NBA’s Starting 5 newsletter. He admitted that it’s hard to feel as though he’s missing his son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Jr., but added that the two have a lot to share.

“The best part about being his dad in season is the games,” Tatum said. “That’s something we have really bonded over.”


Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo during media day at Kaseya Center on October 2, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
Jimmy Butler.SAM NAVARRO/GETTY

Butler crushes it on the court playing for the Miami Heat, and he’s recently shared some new career goals: the small forward wants to record a country album! The double threat teased his plans to Rolling Stone this past October.

“There’s definitely going to be an album. That’s the goal. I just don’t know when,” he told the outlet.

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels poses for a photo during the Los Angeles Angels Photo Day at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona.
Shohei Ohtani.DANIEL SHIREY/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY

Ohtani has definitely earned his flashy nickname, “Shotime.” The Los Angeles Angels star can pitch and hit. In 2021, the Japanese athlete made history as the first MLB player to rack up high stats on offense and defense: he scored over 10 home runs, more than 20 stolen bases and upwards of 200 strikeouts.


Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a photo during the Los Angeles Dodgers Photo Day at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, March 17, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.
Mookie Betts. DANIEL SHIREY/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY

If his major league success isn’t enough to win you over, Betts has also proven himself to be a multi-sport athlete. The Los Angeles Dodgers player spent some time knocking down pins for the Professional Bowlers Association. In 2017, he bowled a perfect game at the World Series of Bowling.


Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a photo during the Los Angeles Dodgers Photo Day at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, March 17, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.
Cody Bellinger.DANIEL SHIREY/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY

Chicago Cubs player Bellinger proved he’s a total catch in 2021, when he spoke  about his then-girlfriend (and now-fiancé) Chase Carter’s pregnancy with their daughter, Caiden.

Detailing how he supported his pregnant partner, Bellinger said, “I want to make sure she’s comfortable in bed. Just the little things too, like getting her coffee. She’s pretty active. She works out every day. She’s a strong girl; she can get through most of it. But just doing the small things for her.”


Michal Kempný

Michal Kempny #6 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 26, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michal Kempny.LEN REDKOLES/NHLI VIA GETTY

Czech-born hockey star Kempný took his talents — and good looks — stateside in 2016 to play in the NHL. His on-ice defense skills helped lead the Washington Capitals to their Stanley Cup victory in 2018.


Kanoa Igarashi

Kanoa Igarashi of Japan after the Heat 1 of the Quarterfinals at Banzai Pipeline on February 05, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Kanoa Igarashi.KOJI HIRANO/GETTY

Igarashi is catching waves, and we’re catching feelings! Per his Instagram, the World Surf League champion and Olympic medalist travels around the globe meeting fans and checking out new oceanic hotspots.


Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton attends the Dior Fall 2023 Menswear Show on December 03, 2022 in Giza, Egypt.
Lewis Hamilton.STEPHANE CARDINALE – CORBIS/CORBIS VIA GETTY

Formula 1 driver Hamilton is a fierce competitor on the track, a staunch advocate for social causes and just a good-hearted human being — what could be sexier than that? Following his historic F1 championship win in 2020, Hamilton spoke to PEOPLE about the inspiration behind his success: his dad.

“I think probably every parent wants the best for their kids. My dad, he never went out. He never had new clothes. He wasn’t saving up to buy anything new,” Hamilton remembered. “Everything — remortgaging the house multiple times — went into go-karting, which sounds crazy. It is crazy, but he believed so much in me.”


Tommy Fury

Tommy Fury celebrates victory during the Misfits Cruiserweight fight between KSI (Olajide Olayinka Williams) and Tommy Fury at AO Arena on October 14, 2023 in Manchester, England.
Tommy Fury.MATT MCNULTY/GETTY

Fury is a man who can do it all: professional boxing and reality TV! The British fighter took time away from the ring to compete on season 5 of Love Island. Fury’s television stint proved to be a success, too. He and his costar Molly-Mae Hague have been together ever since. They’ve started a family together, welcoming their daughter Bambi in January 2023. A few months later, the couple — who came in second place on Love Island — announced their engagement!

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