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 Chinese books during the 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians114
  2. 2Deng XiaopingDeng Xiaoping1909–1997 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians61
  3. 3Lu XunLu Xun1881–1936 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers36
  4. 4Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians36
  5. 5Hu JintaoHu Jintaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians30
  6. 6Zhou EnlaiZhou Enlai1898–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians26
  7. 7ConfuciusConfucius551 BC–479 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics19
  8. 8Sun Yat-senSun Yat-sen1866–1925 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians18
  9. 9Chen Shui-bianChen Shui-bianborn 1950 · 20th century · Politicians13
  10. 10Liu ShaoqiLiu Shaoqi1898–1969 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians13
  11. 11Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians12
  12. 12LaoziLaozi579 BC–500 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  13. 13Lee Teng-huiLee Teng-hui1923–2020 · 20th century · Politicians10.0
  14. 14Lee Kuan YewLee Kuan Yew1923–2015 · 20th century · Politicians8.8
  15. 15Ma Ying-jeouMa Ying-jeouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.5
  16. 16Wen JiabaoWen Jiabaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.1
  17. 17Lin BiaoLin Biao1907–1971 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians5.7
  18. 18Zhu DeZhu De1886–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.9
  19. 19Yuan ShikaiYuan Shikai1859–1916 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.6
  20. 20Jiang QingJiang Qing1914–1991 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors4.0
  21. 21Zhuang ZhouZhuang Zhou369 BC–288 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics3.9
  22. 22GMGao Ming1305–1370 · 14th century · Writers3.6
  23. 23Kang YouweiKang Youwei1858–1927 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3.6
  24. 24Chiang Ching-kuoChiang Ching-kuo1910–1988 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.9
  25. 25Yan FuYan Fu1854–1921 · 19th century · Writers2.8
  26. 26Li KeqiangLi Keqiang1955–2023 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.7
  27. 27Zhao ZiyangZhao Ziyang1919–2005 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.2
  28. 28Tsai Ing-wenTsai Ing-wenborn 1956 · 20th century · Politicians1.8
  29. 29Li PengLi Peng1928–2019 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.8
  30. 30Sima QianSima Qian145 BC–86 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.7
  31. 31Jack MaJack Maborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders1.7
  32. 32Zhang YimouZhang Yimouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Directors1.6
  33. 33Soong Ching-lingSoong Ching-ling1893–1981 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  34. 34Li HongzhangLi Hongzhang1823–1901 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  35. 35Zhu XiZhu Xi1130–1200 · 12th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.4
  36. 36Chen-ning YangChen-ning Yang1922–2025 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Scientists1.3
  37. 37Zhu RongjiZhu Rongjiborn 1928 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.3
  38. 38Cao XueqinCao Xueqin1724–1760 · 18th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  39. 39Qu YuanQu Yuan343 BC–278 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  40. 40Li BaiLi Bai701–762 · 8th century · Writers1.2
  41. 41Dong ZhongshuDong Zhongshu179 BC–104 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians1.0
  42. 42MoziMozi470 BC–391 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  43. 43Xun KuangXun Kuang313 BC–230 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.99
  44. 44KoxingaKoxinga1624–1662 · 17th century · 🇯🇵 Japan · Politicians0.99
  45. 45Zhuge LiangZhuge Liang181–234 · 3rd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.98
  46. 46Mo YanMo Yanborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.93
  47. 47LSLi Si280 BC–208 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  48. 48Hong XiuquanHong Xiuquan1814–1864 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  49. 49Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.88
  50. 50Zheng HeZheng He1371–1433 · 15th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.87
  51. 51Tao YuanmingTao Yuanming365–427 · 5th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.87
  52. 52Wang AnshiWang Anshi1021–1086 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.87
  53. 53Hai RuiHai Rui1514–1587 · 16th century0.86
  54. 54Du FuDu Fu712–770 · 8th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.78
  55. 55Jackie ChanJackie Chanborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.74
  56. 56Cao CaoCao Cao155–220 · 2nd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.72
  57. 57Han YuHan Yu768–824 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.69
  58. 58Wang YiWang Yiborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.69
  59. 59Wang YangmingWang Yangming1472–1529 · 16th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.65
  60. 60Lin YutangLin Yutang1895–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.61
  61. 61Li QiangLi Qiangborn 1959 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.59
  62. 62Ouyang XiuOuyang Xiu1007–1072 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.58
  63. 63Gu YanwuGu Yanwu1613–1682 · 17th century · Writers0.55
  64. 64Zeng GuofanZeng Guofan1811–1872 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.54
  65. 65Su ShiSu Shi1037–1101 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.54
  66. 66Liu ZongyuanLiu Zongyuan773–819 · 9th century · Writers0.52
  67. 67Emperor Wu of HanEmperor Wu of Han156 BC–87 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.51
  68. 68Wang FuzhiWang Fuzhi1619–1692 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.51
  69. 69Liu BeiLiu Bei161–223 · 2nd century0.49
  70. 70Huang ZongxiHuang Zongxi1610–1695 · 17th century · Academics0.49
  71. 71Wu ZetianWu Zetian624–705 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.48
  72. 72Lin Tse-hsuLin Tse-hsu1785–1850 · 19th century · Politicians0.48
  73. 73Li ZichengLi Zicheng1606–1645 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.47
  74. 74Wang XizhiWang Xizhi321–361 · 4th century · 🇨🇳 China · Artists0.45
  75. 75Liu XiangLiu Xiangborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Athletes0.45
  76. 76Yao MingYao Mingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Basketball Players0.44
  77. 77Hongwu EmperorHongwu Emperor1328–1398 · 14th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.43
  78. 78Jia YiJia Yi200 BC–168 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.43
  79. 79Hua GuofengHua Guofeng1921–2008 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.43
  80. 80Pu SonglingPu Songling1640–1715 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.42
  81. 81Tan SitongTan Sitong1865–1898 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.39
  82. 82Xu XiakeXu Xiake1587–1641 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.39
  83. 83Gui YouguangGui Youguang1506–1571 · 16th century · Politicians0.39
  84. 84Zhang ZhidongZhang Zhidong1837–1909 · 19th century · Politicians0.38
  85. 85Emperor Taizong of TangEmperor Taizong of Tang598–649 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.35
  86. 86Pang DePang De170–219 · 3rd century0.35
  87. 87Ma HuatengMa Huatengborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders0.34
  88. 88Kim Il-sungKim Il-sung1912–1994 · 20th century · Politicians0.33
  89. 89Wen TianxiangWen Tianxiang1236–1283 · 13th century · Politicians0.31
  90. 90Ma LongMa Longborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors0.30
  91. 91Li NaLi Naborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Tennis Players0.29
  92. 92Gao XingjianGao Xingjianborn 1940 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.29
  93. 93ZengziZengzi504 BC–435 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.29
  94. 94Liu XiaoboLiu Xiaobo1955–2017 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.28
  95. 95Teresa TengTeresa Teng1953–1995 · 20th century · Musicians0.27
  96. 96WCWang Chong27–97 · 1st century · Scientists0.27
  97. 97Zuo ZongtangZuo Zongtang1812–1885 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.26
  98. 98Bai JuyiBai Juyi772–846 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.25
  99. 99Park Chung-heePark Chung-hee1917–1979 · 20th century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Politicians0.24
  100. 100Guan ZhongGuan Zhong720 BC–645 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.24

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. 1Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians73M
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers67.9M
  3. 3Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers64.3M
  4. 4Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures50.9M
  5. 5Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians47.1M
  6. 6Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians41.8M
  7. 7Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians39M
  8. 8Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers38.4M
  9. 9Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders37.1M
  10. 10Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians34.7M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians34.7M
  12. 12Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists34M
  13. 13Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians32M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians30.5M
  15. 15ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians30.5M
  16. 16Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · 21st century · Politicians30.4M
  17. 17Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians29.7M
  18. 18NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  19. 19Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  20. 20Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  21. 21Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  22. 22Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  23. 23Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  24. 24CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  25. 25Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  26. 26Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  27. 27Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  28. 28Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  29. 29Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  30. 30Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  31. 31Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  32. 32Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  33. 33Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  34. 34Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  35. 35Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  36. 36Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  37. 37NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  38. 38Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  39. 39Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  40. 40Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  41. 41Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  42. 42Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  43. 43Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  45. 45Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  46. 46Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  47. 47Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  48. 48Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  49. 49Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  50. 50Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  51. 51Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  52. 52Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  53. 53Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  54. 54Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  55. 55Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  56. 56Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  58. 58Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  59. 59José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  60. 60Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  61. 61Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  62. 62Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  63. 63EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  64. 64Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  65. 65Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  66. 66Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  67. 67Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  68. 68Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  69. 69Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  70. 70Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  71. 71Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  73. 73RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  74. 74Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  75. 75Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  76. 76Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  77. 77Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  78. 78Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  79. 79Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  80. 80Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  81. 81Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  82. 82Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  83. 83Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  84. 84Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  85. 85Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  86. 86Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  87. 87Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  88. 88Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  89. 89Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  91. 91Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  92. 92Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  93. 93Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  94. 94Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  95. 95Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  96. 96Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  97. 97Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  98. 98Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians15.4M

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. 1Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers1 decades
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers2 decades
  3. 3NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers1 decades
  4. 4Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  5. 5Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  6. 6RonaldoRonaldoborn 1976 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballersnot measured—
  7. 7RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers3 decades
  8. 8Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  9. 9Lamine YamalLamine Yamalborn 2007 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  10. 10David BeckhamDavid Beckhamborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  11. 11Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  12. 12Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  13. 13Robert LewandowskiRobert Lewandowskiborn 1988 · Footballers0 decades
  14. 14Harry KaneHarry Kaneborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers0 decades
  15. 15Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroudborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  16. 16Luka ModrićLuka Modrićborn 1985 · Footballers0 decades
  17. 17Thierry HenryThierry Henryborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  18. 18Manuel NeuerManuel Neuerborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  19. 19Erling HaalandErling Haalandborn 2000 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Footballersnot measured—
  20. 20Thomas MüllerThomas Müllerborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers4 decades
  21. 21James RodríguezJames Rodríguezborn 1991 · Footballers1 decades
  22. 22Mohamed SalahMohamed Salahborn 1992 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Footballers0 decades
  23. 23Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiolaborn 1971 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  24. 24Gianluigi BuffonGianluigi Buffonborn 1978 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 decades
  25. 25Xabi AlonsoXabi Alonsoborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  26. 26Sergio RamosSergio Ramosborn 1986 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers4 decades
  27. 27Paul PogbaPaul Pogbaborn 1993 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  28. 28Ousmane DembéléOusmane Dembéléborn 1997 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  29. 29Jürgen KloppJürgen Kloppborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  30. 30Mario BalotelliMario Balotelliborn 1990 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers1 decades
  31. 31Gianni InfantinoGianni Infantinoborn 1970 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Footballersnot measured—
  32. 32Roberto BaggioRoberto Baggioborn 1967 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers3 decades
  33. 33Francesco TottiFrancesco Tottiborn 1976 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 decades
  34. 34Gerard PiquéGerard Piquéborn 1987 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  35. 35Vinícius JúniorVinícius Júniorborn 2000 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballersnot measured—
  36. 36Miroslav KloseMiroslav Kloseborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  37. 37Didier DeschampsDidier Deschampsborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  38. 38Kevin De BruyneKevin De Bruyneborn 1991 · Footballers0 decades
  39. 39Sadio ManéSadio Manéborn 1992 · Footballersnot measured—
  40. 40Ángel Di MaríaÁngel Di Maríaborn 1988 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers0 decades
  41. 41Mesut ÖzilMesut Özilborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  42. 42Franck RibéryFranck Ribéryborn 1983 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  43. 43Romelu LukakuRomelu Lukakuborn 1993 · Footballersnot measured—
  44. 44Samuel Eto'oSamuel Eto'oborn 1981 · Footballers2 decades
  45. 45Alessandro Del PieroAlessandro Del Pieroborn 1974 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers3 decades
  46. 46Jude BellinghamJude Bellinghamborn 2003 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballersnot measured—
  47. 47Eden HazardEden Hazardborn 1991 · Footballers0 decades
  48. 48Iker CasillasIker Casillasborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  49. 49Andrea PirloAndrea Pirloborn 1979 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers1 decades
  50. 50Lukas PodolskiLukas Podolskiborn 1985 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  51. 51Andrés IniestaAndrés Iniestaborn 1984 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  52. 52Bastian SchweinsteigerBastian Schweinsteigerborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  53. 53Diogo JotaDiogo Jota1996–2025 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballersnot measured—
  54. 54Eric CantonaEric Cantonaborn 1966 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  55. 55Didier DrogbaDidier Drogbaborn 1978 · Footballers2 decades
  56. 56Thibaut CourtoisThibaut Courtoisborn 1992 · Footballers0 decades
  57. 57Toni KroosToni Kroosborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  58. 58Paolo MaldiniPaolo Maldiniborn 1968 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers3 decades
  59. 59Luis EnriqueLuis Enriqueborn 1970 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  60. 60Edinson CavaniEdinson Cavaniborn 1987 · Footballers0 decades
  61. 61Pierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick Aubameyangborn 1989 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballersnot measured—
  62. 62Xavi HernándezXavi Hernándezborn 1980 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  63. 63Joshua KimmichJoshua Kimmichborn 1995 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  64. 64N'Golo KantéN'Golo Kantéborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  65. 65Fabio CannavaroFabio Cannavaroborn 1973 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 decades
  66. 66Fernando TorresFernando Torresborn 1984 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers4 decades
  67. 67Vincent KompanyVincent Kompanyborn 1986 · Footballers0 decades
  68. 68Andrey ArshavinAndrey Arshavinborn 1981 · Footballers2 decades
  69. 69Oliver KahnOliver Kahnborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  70. 70RaúlRaúlborn 1977 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers0 decades
  71. 71Marcus RashfordMarcus Rashfordborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers0 decades
  72. 72RodriRodriborn 1996 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  73. 73Alexis SánchezAlexis Sánchezborn 1988 · Footballers1 decades
  74. 74Sergio AgüeroSergio Agüeroborn 1988 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers1 decades
  75. 75Achraf HakimiAchraf Hakimiborn 1998 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  76. 76KakáKakáborn 1982 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers1 decades
  77. 77Ferran TorresFerran Torresborn 2000 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  78. 78Riyad MahrezRiyad Mahrezborn 1991 · Footballersnot measured—
  79. 79Mikel ArtetaMikel Artetaborn 1982 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  80. 80Paulo DybalaPaulo Dybalaborn 1993 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballersnot measured—
  81. 81Álvaro ArbeloaÁlvaro Arbeloaborn 1983 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers0 decades
  82. 82Antonio ConteAntonio Conteborn 1969 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers5 decades
  83. 83Javier HernándeJavier Hernándeborn 1988 · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Footballersnot measured—
  84. 84Gennaro GattusoGennaro Gattusoborn 1978 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers0 decades
  85. 85Wayne RooneyWayne Rooneyborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  86. 86Filippo InzaghiFilippo Inzaghiborn 1973 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 decades
  87. 87Gianluigi DonnarummaGianluigi Donnarummaborn 1999 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballersnot measured—
  88. 88David VillaDavid Villaborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  89. 89Álvaro MorataÁlvaro Morataborn 1992 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  90. 90Gareth BaleGareth Baleborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballersnot measured—
  91. 91Cesc FàbregasCesc Fàbregasborn 1987 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  92. 92Diego ForlánDiego Forlánborn 1979 · Footballers1 decades
  93. 93Michael OliseMichael Oliseborn 2001 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballersnot measured—
  94. 94Arjen RobbenArjen Robbenborn 1984 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Footballers0 decades
  95. 95Mario GötzeMario Götzeborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  96. 96Daniel AlvesDaniel Alvesborn 1983 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers0 decades
  97. 97Antonio RüdigerAntonio Rüdigerborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  98. 98Arturo VidalArturo Vidalborn 1987 · Footballers1 decades
  99. 99Khvicha KvaratskheliaKhvicha Kvaratskheliaborn 2001 · Footballersnot measured—
  100. 100Son Heung-minSon Heung-minborn 1992 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Footballers0 decades

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.