Claim profile
2000–2099

The 21st century

Whose names filled the books of the 21st century — anyone at all, however long dead — counted as mentions per million words printed, so a period that simply published more does not inflate anyone.

Talked about then

Whose names appeared most in English books during the 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1JesusJesus5 BC–30 · 1st century · Religious Figures102
  2. 2AristotleAristotle384 BC–322 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics13
  3. 3PlatoPlato428 BC–348 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  4. 4SocratesSocrates470 BC–399 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Academics6.5
  5. 5HomerHomer900 BC–800 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers5.4
  6. 6CiceroCicero106 BC–43 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.2
  7. 7AugustusAugustus63 BC–14 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.1
  8. 8Johns HopkinsJohns Hopkins1795–1873 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders4.0
  9. 9RMRMborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians3.6
  10. 10VirgilVirgil70 BC–19 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers3.3
  11. 11George WashingtonGeorge Washington1732–1799 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians3.0
  12. 12SealSealborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2.5
  13. 13PinkPinkborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.4
  14. 14MadonnaMadonnaborn 1958 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.3
  15. 15George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians2.2
  16. 16OvidOvid43 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers2.2
  17. 17PlutarchPlutarch40–120 · 1st century · Academics1.9
  18. 18Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson1743–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  19. 19CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures1.9
  20. 20Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  21. 21GalenGalen129–300 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Doctors1.8
  22. 22Saddam HusseinSaddam Hussein1937–2006 · 20th century · Politicians1.7
  23. 23Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.7
  24. 24HerodotusHerodotus484 BC–425 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.6
  25. 25OrigenOrigen185–254 · 3rd century · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Academics1.5
  26. 26John the BaptistJohn the Baptist6 BC–30 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Religious Figures1.5
  27. 27Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.5
  28. 28Adam SmithAdam Smith1723–1790 · 18th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics1.4
  29. 29Mark TwainMark Twain1835–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1.4
  30. 30AhabAhab918 BC–852 BC · 1st millennium BC · Models1.3
  31. 31CharlemagneCharlemagne748–814 · 8th century · Historical Figures1.3
  32. 32John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.3
  33. 33IUIUborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians1.3
  34. 34EuripidesEuripides480 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  35. 35ThucydidesThucydides460 BC–395 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  36. 36HoseaHoseaborn 784 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures1.2
  37. 37Woodrow WilsonWoodrow Wilson1856–1924 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  38. 38RembrandtRembrandt1606–1669 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists1.2
  39. 39Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  40. 40LivyLivy59 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.2
  41. 41HadrianHadrian76–138 · 2nd century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.1
  42. 42BedeBede672–735 · 8th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers1.1
  43. 43Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians1.1
  44. 44Walt DisneyWalt Disney1901–1966 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1.1
  45. 45Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas1225–1274 · 13th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics1.1
  46. 46Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt1858–1919 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  47. 47EuclidEuclid333 BC–285 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  48. 48Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin1706–1790 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  49. 49Julius CaesarJulius Caesar100 BC–44 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.00
  50. 50SophoclesSophocles496 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.97
  51. 51GoliathGoliath1100 BC–1023 BC · 2nd millennium BC0.95
  52. 52PlotinusPlotinus205–270 · 3rd century · Academics0.94
  53. 53Jane AustenJane Austen1775–1817 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.92
  54. 54Charles II, Lord of MonacoCharles II, Lord of Monaco1555–1589 · 16th century · Politicians0.92
  55. 55Charles II, Duke of SavoyCharles II, Duke of Savoy1489–1496 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.92
  56. 56Charles II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsCharles II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1545–1617 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.92
  57. 57James MadisonJames Madison1751–1836 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  58. 58Richard NixonRichard Nixon1913–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  59. 59XenophonXenophon430 BC–354 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.92
  60. 60Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great356 BC–323 BC · 1st millennium BC · Historical Figures0.90
  61. 61AAbababorn 200 · 3rd century0.89
  62. 62John AdamsJohn Adams1735–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.89
  63. 63PythagorasPythagoras582 BC–490 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.88
  64. 64William JamesWilliam James1842–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.87
  65. 65PericlesPericles494 BC–429 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.87
  66. 66TertullianTertullian160–240 · 2nd century · Academics0.87
  67. 67Edward ElgarEdward Elgar1857–1934 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0.87
  68. 68AristophanesAristophanes445 BC–385 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.84
  69. 69Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf1882–1941 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.83
  70. 70Henry JamesHenry James1843–1916 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0.83
  71. 71Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh1890–1969 · 20th century · Politicians0.82
  72. 72Charles DarwinCharles Darwin1809–1882 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists0.80
  73. 73Charles DickensCharles Dickens1812–1870 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.79
  74. 74Tony BlairTony Blairborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians0.79
  75. 75Osama bin LadenOsama bin Laden1957–2011 · 20th century · Scientists0.78
  76. 76William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.76
  77. 77Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.76
  78. 78Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalenedied 100 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Academics0.76
  79. 79Brigham YoungBrigham Young1801–1877 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.75
  80. 80IrenaeusIrenaeus130–202 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0.75
  81. 81SuhartoSuharto1921–2008 · 20th century · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · Politicians0.75
  82. 82AeschylusAeschylus525 BC–456 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.74
  83. 83John BrownJohn Brown1800–1859 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.74
  84. 84Henry IV, Duke of BrabantHenry IV, Duke of Brabant1251–1272 · 13th century0.73
  85. 85Henry IV, Duke of LimburgHenry IV, Duke of Limburg1195–1247 · 13th century · Historical Figures0.73
  86. 86Henry IV, Holy Roman EmperorHenry IV, Holy Roman Emperor1050–1106 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0.73
  87. 87HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1463–1514 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.73
  88. 88Henry IV, Count of LuxembourgHenry IV, Count of Luxembourg1113–1196 · 12th century · Politicians0.73
  89. 89HIHenry IV, Count of Waldeck1300–1348 · 14th century0.73
  90. 90Oscar WildeOscar Wilde1854–1900 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.73
  91. 91Charles I, Duke of SavoyCharles I, Duke of Savoy1468–1490 · 15th century0.72
  92. 92CICharles I1516–1576 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.72
  93. 93Charles I, Count of NeversCharles I, Count of Nevers1414–1464 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.72
  94. 94Charles I, Count of FlandersCharles I, Count of Flanders1084–1127 · 12th century · Politicians0.72
  95. 95Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-PhilippsthalCharles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Philippsthal1682–1770 · 18th century0.72
  96. 96Henry FordHenry Ford1863–1947 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.72
  97. 97HippocratesHippocrates460 BC–370 BC · 1st millennium BC · Doctors0.72
  98. 98Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson1767–1845 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.71
  99. 99HesiodHesiodborn 776 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.71

Most read

Who people actually looked up in the 21st century, across the Wikipedia editions we measure (2015–2026 only — readership is measured from July 2015).

  1. 1Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians335M
  2. 2CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures282.5M
  3. 3Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures222.7M
  4. 4Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers210.9M
  5. 5Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders207.1M
  6. 6Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers177.9M
  7. 7Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians135.6M
  8. 8Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians123.7M
  9. 9XXXTentacionXXXTentacion1998–2018 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians123M
  10. 10Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians122.3M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians118M
  12. 12Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians117.2M
  13. 13Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians115.4M
  14. 14Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians114.1M
  15. 15Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  16. 16Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians113.5M
  17. 17Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  18. 18Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  19. 19Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  20. 20Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom101.8M
  21. 21Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  22. 22LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  23. 23Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  24. 24Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals98.4M
  25. 25Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players98.2M
  26. 26Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  27. 27Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  28. 28Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  29. 29Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  30. 30George VIGeorge VI1895–1952 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures90.2M
  31. 31Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  32. 32Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  33. 33Ted BundyTed Bundy1946–1989 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures87.9M
  34. 34EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  35. 35Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  36. 36Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978–2020 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players86.2M
  37. 37Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  38. 38Ryan ReynoldsRyan Reynoldsborn 1976 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors84.3M
  39. 39John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  40. 40Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  41. 41Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  42. 42Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  43. 43ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  44. 44Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  45. 45Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  46. 46Jason MomoaJason Momoaborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.9M
  47. 47Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  48. 48Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders78.7M
  49. 49Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  50. 50Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  51. 51Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  52. 52Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  53. 53Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  54. 54Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  55. 55Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  56. 56Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  57. 57Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  58. 58David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  59. 59Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  60. 60Conor McGregorConor McGregorborn 1988 · 21st century · Athletes73.1M
  61. 61NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  62. 62Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971–1996 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians72.7M
  63. 63Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  64. 64Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  65. 65Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  66. 66Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  67. 67Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures71.2M
  68. 68Mia KhalifaMia Khalifaborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actorsnot measured71M
  69. 69Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  70. 70Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  71. 71Charles MansonCharles Manson1934–2017 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians69.7M
  72. 72Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  73. 73Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  74. 74Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  75. 75Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  76. 76Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  77. 77Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  78. 78Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  79. 79Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  80. 80Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  81. 81ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  82. 82Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  83. 83Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  84. 84Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  85. 85Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  86. 86RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  87. 87Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  88. 88J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  89. 89Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  90. 90John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  91. 91Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  92. 92Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  93. 93Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  94. 94Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  95. 95BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  96. 96Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  97. 97Stephen CurryStephen Curryborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players64.2M
  98. 98Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  99. 99Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  100. 100Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopraborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇮🇳 India · Actors63.5M

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 21st century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 Spain🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 Canada🇧🇷 Brazil🇮🇹 Italy🇦🇷 Argentina🇦🇺 Australia
FieldAllActorsFootballersMusiciansPoliticiansAthletesTennis PlayersModelsDirectorsBasketball PlayersWriters
  1. 1Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  2. 2Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  3. 3Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  4. 4Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  5. 5Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroudborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  6. 6Thierry HenryThierry Henryborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  7. 7Paul PogbaPaul Pogbaborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  8. 8Ousmane DembéléOusmane Dembéléborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  9. 9Didier DeschampsDidier Deschampsborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  10. 10Franck RibéryFranck Ribéryborn 1983 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  11. 11Eric CantonaEric Cantonaborn 1966 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  12. 12Pierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick Aubameyangborn 1989 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  13. 13N'Golo KantéN'Golo Kantéborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  14. 14Nicolas AnelkaNicolas Anelkaborn 1979 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  15. 15Hugo LlorisHugo Llorisborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  16. 16Raphaël VaraneRaphaël Varaneborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  17. 17Patrick VieiraPatrick Vieiraborn 1976 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  18. 18Benjamin PavardBenjamin Pavardborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  19. 19Adrien RabiotAdrien Rabiotborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  20. 20Fabien BarthezFabien Barthezborn 1971 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  21. 21Lucas DigneLucas Digneborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  22. 22Jules KoundéJules Koundéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  23. 23Lucas HernandezLucas Hernandezborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  24. 24Aymeric LaporteAymeric Laporteborn 1994 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  25. 25Aurélien TchouaméniAurélien Tchouaméniborn 2000 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  26. 26Anthony MartialAnthony Martialborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  27. 27Théo HernandezThéo Hernandezborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  28. 28Dayot UpamecanoDayot Upamecanoborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  29. 29William SalibaWilliam Salibaborn 2001 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  30. 30Ibrahima KonatéIbrahima Konatéborn 1999 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  31. 31Bradley BarcolaBradley Barcolaborn 2002 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  32. 32Eduardo CamavingaEduardo Camavingaborn 2002 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  33. 33Lilian ThuramLilian Thuramborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  34. 34Randal Kolo MuaniRandal Kolo Muaniborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  35. 35David TrezeguetDavid Trezeguetborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  36. 36Mattéo GuendouziMattéo Guendouziborn 1999 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  37. 37Laurent BlancLaurent Blancborn 1965 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  38. 38Patrice EvraPatrice Evraborn 1981 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  39. 39Mike MaignanMike Maignanborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  40. 40Christopher NkunkuChristopher Nkunkuborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  41. 41Kingsley ComanKingsley Comanborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  42. 42Luca ZidaneLuca Zidaneborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  43. 43Marcus ThuramMarcus Thuramborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  44. 44Marcel DesaillyMarcel Desaillyborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  45. 45Adil RamiAdil Ramiborn 1985 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  46. 46Claude MakeléléClaude Makeléléborn 1973 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  47. 47Ferland MendyFerland Mendyborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  48. 48Samir NasriSamir Nasriborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  49. 49Jean-Philippe MatetaJean-Philippe Matetaborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  50. 50Benjamin MendyBenjamin Mendyborn 1994 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  51. 51Presnel KimpembePresnel Kimpembeborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  52. 52Issa DiopIssa Diopborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  53. 53André-Pierre GignacAndré-Pierre Gignacborn 1985 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  54. 54Bixente LizarazuBixente Lizarazuborn 1969 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  55. 55Malo GustoMalo Gustoborn 2003 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  56. 56Emmanuel PetitEmmanuel Petitborn 1970 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  57. 57Florian ThauvinFlorian Thauvinborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  58. 58Alexandre LacazetteAlexandre Lacazetteborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  59. 59Djibril CisséDjibril Cisséborn 1981 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  60. 60Robin Le NormandRobin Le Normandborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  61. 61Nabil FekirNabil Fekirborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  62. 62Sébastien HallerSébastien Hallerborn 1994 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  63. 63Yoann GourcuffYoann Gourcuffborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  64. 64Miralem PjanićMiralem Pjanićborn 1990 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  65. 65Hatem Ben ArfaHatem Ben Arfaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  66. 66Blaise MatuidiBlaise Matuidiborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  67. 67Robert PiresRobert Piresborn 1973 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  68. 68Georges MikautadzeGeorges Mikautadzeborn 2000 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  69. 69Warren Zaïre-EmeryWarren Zaïre-Emeryborn 2006 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  70. 70Hugo EkitikeHugo Ekitikeborn 2002 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  71. 71Thomas LemarThomas Lemarborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  72. 72Mathieu ValbuenaMathieu Valbuenaborn 1984 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  73. 73Dimitri PayetDimitri Payetborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  74. 74Bryan MbeumoBryan Mbeumoborn 1999 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  75. 75Eric AbidalEric Abidalborn 1979 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  76. 76Youri DjorkaeffYouri Djorkaeffborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  77. 77Mathieu FlaminiMathieu Flaminiborn 1984 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  78. 78William GallasWilliam Gallasborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  79. 79Jordan AyewJordan Ayewborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  80. 80Kalidou KoulibalyKalidou Koulibalyborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  81. 81Serhou GuirassySerhou Guirassyborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  82. 82Youssouf FofanaYoussouf Fofanaborn 1999 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  83. 83Corentin TolissoCorentin Tolissoborn 1994 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  84. 84Frank LeboeufFrank Leboeufborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  85. 85Nicolas PépéNicolas Pépéborn 1995 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  86. 86Raphaël GuerreiroRaphaël Guerreiroborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  87. 87Ludovic GiulyLudovic Giulyborn 1976 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  88. 88Christian KarembeuChristian Karembeuborn 1970 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  89. 89Yoane WissaYoane Wissaborn 1996 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  90. 90David GinolaDavid Ginolaborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  91. 91Moussa DiabyMoussa Diabyborn 1999 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  92. 92Lassana DiarraLassana Diarraborn 1985 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  93. 93Maxence LacroixMaxence Lacroixborn 2000 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  94. 94Florent MaloudaFlorent Maloudaborn 1980 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  95. 95Christophe DugarryChristophe Dugarryborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  96. 96Hervé RenardHervé Renardborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  97. 97Moussa SissokoMoussa Sissokoborn 1989 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  98. 98Alphonse AreolaAlphonse Areolaborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  99. 99Louis SahaLouis Sahaborn 1978 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  100. 100SaintSaintborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active — around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.