The top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest sport stars have been revealed as part of a recent study – but you’ll never guess who has taken top spot!

The esteemed list, which was compiled by Illicitencounters.com, features a number of stars from different sports – ranging from boxing and football to NFL and F1.

The data was generated after 2,000 UK-based women were asked to rate 30 male sports stars on a scale from 1-10 in regard to their ‘𝓈ℯ𝓍iness’.

The list itself threw up some surprising names but it’s no shock to see the likes of long-term rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo once again going head-to-head.

So, here, Mail Sport reveals the top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest sport stars – and you’ll be shocked to see who has taken the crown!

Lionel Messi (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) both feature on the ‘Top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest sport stars’ list

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua also appears on the list – but isn’t at number one

 10. Conor McGregor

In at number 10 is Irish UFC star Conor McGregor.

The ‘Notorious’ has rarely been in the spotlight in the past two years after suffering a horrific leg-break against Dustin Poirier back in July 2021.

However, that hasn’t stopped him from scraping into the top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest active sports stars on the planet.

Perhaps it’s his new bulked-up, welterweight physique which has managed to sneak him onto the list.

9. Lionel Messi

He may have been crowned as the best football player in the world for 2023 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, but Lionel Messi can only sneak into ninth on this list.

The Argentina and Inter Miami star, who boasts a number of tattoos and a healthy beard, will surely be disappointed with his ranking – especially considering Cristiano Ronaldo’s position on the list.

UFC star Conor McGregor (L) and footballer Lionel Messi (R) rank 10th and 9th in the list

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy pips both McGregor and Messi in the rankings

8. Rory McIlroy

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy recently made headlines for his abrupt decision to leave the PGA Tour’s policy board – but now he’s in the spotlight for his good looks!

The former world number one comes in at number eight on this list and is the only golfer to feature.

7. Jack Grealish

The first Premier League footballer to feature on the ‘Top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest sports stars’ list is none other than Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

The former Aston Villa star has often been praised for his traditional long locks – which he recently ditched for a new, shorter hair-style. 

We’re sure that, no matter his choice of hair-style, the popular England international would find a way to sneak into this list.

Jack Grealish was seen with a new, short hair-style ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers

6. Erling Haaland

Surpassing his City team-mate Grealish by one place is Norwegian star Erling Haaland, who comes in at number six on this list.

The 23-year-old is known for his prolific goalscoring on the pitch but, it appears that he’s also now attracting interest off of it.

Perhaps his long, blonde locks – which he normally has tied up during games – are what swayed voters into placing him above Grealish.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

While he may be entering the twilight career and seldom gets voted for major individual football awards, Ronaldo will be pleased he’s pipped Messi in this list.

The Al-Nassr forward comes in at number five on the list, which is impressive given that the 38-year-old is the oldest sports star to feature.

However, it’s hardly a surprise given the dedication – and perhaps obsession – that he has over regarding his physique.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland is making headlines both on and off the pitch

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked at number five on the list

4. Lewis Hamilton

In the last few years, Lewis Hamilton’s grip on the Formula One crown may have slipped but that hasn’t stopped him ranking fourth in this list.

The Mercedes star has often been heralded for his good looks and well-picked outfits – and that remained the case during his recent trip to Las Vegas.

Hamilton opted for an all-black look at the Las Vegas Grand Prix red carpet, which had fans joking he had been ‘spawned in to the Matrix’.

3. Travis Kelce

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ll be well aware of who Travis Kelce is by now.

The Kansas City Chiefs star has been making headlines for his blossoming relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift – and it’s clear to see why!

In fact, Kelce’s older brother Jason was recently placed on People Magazine’s annual ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ list.

Travis Kelce has been making headlines since dating global superstar Taylor Swift

2. Anthony Joshua

While he may be pre-occupied with promoting his ‘Day of Reckoning’ fight with Otto Wallin on December 23rd, Anthony Joshua has ranked second in the ‘Top 10 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest sport stars’ list.

‘AJ’ has often been described as boxing’s poster boy and it’s clear to see why after he received a nine out of 10 rating on the survey.

1. Tyson Fury

Yes, you read that correctly. Tyson Fury has been named as the 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest active athlete on the planet.

The ‘Gypsy King’ – who will currently be preparing for his bout with Oleksandr Usyk next year – boasts a hulking frame and stands at a whopping 6ft 9.

While he’s certainly more used to making headlines inside the boxing ring than out of it, there’s no doubt he’ll be pleased to claim this title.

Tyson Fury was crowned as the 𝓈ℯ𝓍iest active athlete on the planet, according to the study

The ‘Gypsy King’ boasts a hulking frame and stands at a whopping 6ft 9