​This year has been one of the most unforgettable years in sports history. Between the nonstop excitement surrounding the World Cup, the New York Knicks capturing their first NBA championship in 53 years, and huge moments across the NFL, MLB, tennis, gymnastics, soccer, and beyond, sports fans have had plenty to celebrate. With so many legendary athletes still dominating headlines, breaking records, and showing up on the biggest stages, it is the perfect time to look back at how some of the most famous sports stars looked at the very beginning of their careers compared with how they look now.
From soccer icons and basketball legends to tennis champions, baseball superstars, football greats, and Olympic heroes, these side-by-side athlete transformations show just how much has changed over the years. Some of these pros started their careers as teenagers with enormous potential, while others became household names almost immediately. Now, decades later in some cases, they are still among the most recognizable athletes in the world.
To start, here is Lionel Messi in 2005, early in his legendary soccer career: Jorge Dominelli / El Grafico / Getty Images. By 2026, Lionel Messi had become one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history, known around the world for his incredible skill, vision, and career achievements: Zhizhao Wu / Getty Images. Seeing Lionel Messi’s 2005 photo next to his 2026 photo is a reminder of how long he has remained at the very top of world soccer: Jorge Dominelli / El Grafico / Getty Images, Zhizhao Wu / Getty Images.
Here is LeBron James in 2003, when he first entered the NBA with massive expectations and quickly became one of basketball’s biggest names: David Liam Kyle / NBAE via Getty Images. In 2026, LeBron is still one of the most famous athletes on the planet, continuing to define greatness, longevity, and influence in professional basketball: Luke Hales / Getty Images. When you compare LeBron James in 2003 with LeBron James in 2026, the transformation tells the story of one of the longest and most dominant careers in NBA history: David Liam Kyle / NBAE via Getty Images, Luke Hales / Getty Images.
Here is Tom Brady in 2000, right at the start of what would become one of the most iconic careers in NFL history: Focus On Sport / Getty Images. Decades later, Tom Brady in 2026 remains one of the most recognizable figures in football and sports media: Monica Schipper / Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS. Looking at Tom Brady then and now shows just how far he came from a young quarterback to a seven-time Super Bowl champion and global sports icon: Focus On Sport / Getty Images, Monica Schipper / Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS.
Here is Serena Williams in 1998, when she was emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in tennis: Simon Bruty / Anychance / Getty Images. In 2026, Serena Williams continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time, with a legacy that goes far beyond the tennis court: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images. Comparing Serena Williams in 1998 with Serena Williams in 2026 highlights the journey of a champion who helped transform women’s tennis forever: Simon Bruty / Anychance / Getty Images, Cameron Spencer / Getty Images.
Here is Venus Williams in 1998, during the early years of her groundbreaking tennis career: David Madison / Getty Images. By 2026, Venus Williams remains a respected and beloved figure in sports, admired for her power, grace, and lasting impact on tennis: Alberto Gardin / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images. Seeing Venus Williams then and now is a powerful reminder of her incredible longevity and influence as one of the sport’s true trailblazers: David Madison / Getty Images, Alberto Gardin / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images.
Here is Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, during his early Manchester United days, before he became one of the most famous soccer players in the world: Matthew Peters / Manchester United via Getty Images. In 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo is still a global sports superstar, known for his goal-scoring ability, discipline, and massive international fan base: Hannah Peters – FIFA / FIFA via Getty Images. The side-by-side comparison of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026 captures the evolution of a young football phenom into one of the greatest players in soccer history: Matthew Peters / Manchester United via Getty Images, Hannah Peters – FIFA / FIFA via Getty Images.
Here is Simone Biles in 2013, when she was beginning to make her mark as an extraordinary gymnast: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle via Getty Images. In 2026, Simone Biles continues to be recognized as one of the greatest gymnasts and Olympic athletes of all time: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis / Getty Images. Looking at Simone Biles then and now shows the growth of an athlete who redefined what was possible in gymnastics: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle via Getty Images, Stephane Cardinale – Corbis / Getty Images.
Here is Shohei Ohtani in 2017, before he fully became one of baseball’s most electrifying two-way stars on the global stage: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images. By 2026, Shohei Ohtani is one of the biggest names in MLB, admired for his rare ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher: Harry How / Getty Images. Comparing Shohei Ohtani in 2017 with Shohei Ohtani in 2026 makes it clear why he is considered one of the most unique talents in modern baseball: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images, Harry How / Getty Images.
Here is Steph Curry in 2009, early in his NBA career before he changed the way basketball is played: Rocky Widner / NBAE via Getty Images. In 2026, Steph Curry remains one of the most influential basketball players ever, known for his unmatched shooting range and championship success: Juan Ocampo / NBAE via Getty Images. The before-and-after photos of Steph Curry show the rise of a player who went from promising rookie to one of the greatest shooters in NBA history: Rocky Widner / NBAE via Getty Images, Juan Ocampo / NBAE via Getty Images.
Finally, here is Michael Jordan in 1984, at the start of a career that would make him the most legendary basketball player of all time: Bettmann / Getty Images. In 2026, Michael Jordan remains a towering figure in sports culture, business, and basketball history: David Jensen / Getty Images. Seeing Michael Jordan in 1984 next to Michael Jordan in 2026 is a reminder of how his legacy has continued to grow long after his playing days ended: Bettmann / Getty Images, David Jensen / Getty Images.