Legendary basketball player Michael Jordan was voted the greatest athlete by American fans

As the sport gained popularity, clubs began to formalize their structures and compete against one another in local and regional competitions. The formation of leagues, such as the English Football League in 1888, provided a structured platform for clubs to compete regularly and establish their dominance.

Throughout the 20th century, football clubs evolved into powerful institutions, attracting significant fan bases and financial investments. Iconic clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich became synonymous with success both domestically and internationally, winning numerous league titles and prestigious European competitio