Forget comedians — sometimes athletes can be the funniest people on the planet.
While we generally admire sportspeople for their physical prowess and supreme athletic ability, there are a plethora who have us cracking up as well.
We at GiveMeSport thought now was the time to pay tribute to some of the most hilarious athletes ever, featuring side-splitting names from both past and present.
In total, we’ve chosen 30 individuals and ranked them downwards, with the number one spot awarded to the athlete we’ve deduced to be the most amusing of them all.
It’s worth noting that this list is entirely subjective and ultimately just a harmless bit of fun. You may well have your own opinion on who makes you laugh the most, or maybe you’ll agree with our list completely.
Anyway, enough rambling. Check out our ranking below and reminisce about some of these rib-tickling moments.
Who are the funniest athletes of all time?
- 30. Kevin Keegan - Football
Keegan’s infamous outburst aimed at Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United is still iconic: “I would LOVE it if we beat them. LOVE it,” he exemplified.
Unfortunately for Keegan and his Newcastle side, they didn’t.
VIDEO: Kevin Keegan's memorable rant as Newcastle manager
https://youtu.be/mk87a7r0V60
- 29. Usain Bolt - Athletics
Joker. Entertainer. Legend.
From his questionable dance moves after race wins, to pulling faces during serious interviews, Bolt is far more than just the fastest person on earth.
- 28. Novak Djokovic - Tennis
Aside from being one of the best tennis players ever, Djokovic has a talent for impersonations.
Our personal favourites include him mimicking Maria Sharapova's iconic grunt and his attempt to re-create Rafael Nadal's trademark serving routine.
- 27. Alexandra Popp - Football
Want to know the best way to respond to reporters comparing you to male players?
Turn up to your next press conference wearing a fake moustache.
Well played, Alexandra. Well played.
VIDEO: Alexandra Popp turns up to press-conference in disguise
https://youtu.be/qaq-CmFkMR4
- 26. Nick Cummins - Rugby Union
Nicknamed the Honey Badger, the former Australian rugby star has delivered some of the best one-liners ever seen in interviews.
Many contain language too colourful for this article, but this one just about makes the cut: “He was sweating like a bag of cats at a greyhound meet.”
- 25. Iga Swiatek - Tennis
After winning $2.6 million (£2.4m) at the US Open this year, Swiatek joked that her winnings were not in cash.
She also channelled her inner Steffi Graf after a fan proposed to her in San Diego last month.
VIDEO: Fan asks Iga Swiatek to marry him during her San Diego Open celebrations
https://twitter.com/eni_87ch/status/1581823508736143362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1581823508736143362%7Ctwgr%5E6129d8b51b59fdf1d902b374a22dc786b88c7509%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givemesport.com%2F88072634-iga-swiateks-brilliant-response-after-marriage-proposal-at-san-diego-open
- 24. Jamie Vardy - Football
Weird, wonderful and whacky. These are all words to describe one of football's biggest characters.
From christening Harry Maguire 'Slabhead' to mocking Charlie Austin's diving, Vardy has delivered countless laughs over the years.
- 23. Mark Wood - Cricket
England star Wood is renowned for two things. Pace bowling and prating around.
A born and bred Geordie, Wood channelled his inner Newcastle fan during a Test match against New Zealand last year -- yelling "Asprilla" as he kicked the ball at the stumps.
- 22. Ruby Tui - Rugby Union
Like Cummins, Tui is another rugby star who's famous for her unconventional interviews.
During the Tokyo Olympics, she went viral for what some described as 'the best sports interview ever.'
VIDEO: Ruby Tui's hilarious interview at Tokyo Olympics
https://twitter.com/henryfraser0/status/1421050484056543232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1421050484056543232%7Ctwgr%5E7d015feec0ad3dd598a9727a32edd65d16de40a9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givemesport.com%2F1730614-best-sports-interview-ever-olympic-nz-sevens-star-responds-brilliantly-to-reporter
- 21. Micah Richards - Football
This one needs no introduction. Richards has been a revelation since becoming a pundit, and his high-energy and distinctive laugh remain infectious.
- 20. Roy Keane - Football
Keane's unlikely friendship with Richards was something nobody saw coming, but fans still can't get enough of it.
The former Manchester United skipper is not known for his humour but many still find him hilarious -- even if it's unintentional.
VIDEO: Roy Keane and Micah Richards' best moments together
https://youtu.be/9y7MSZBv1zA
- 19. Caroline Wozniacki - Tennis
Back in 2011, Wozniacki hijacked Djokovic's Wimbledon press conference by pretending to be a reporter.
That same year, she also mocked Rafael Nadal's calf cramp during her post-match interview at the US Open.
Oh, and she also once claimed she was attacked by a kangaroo.
- 18. Phil Tufnell - Cricket
Tufnell was hilarious as a captain on Question of Sport and continues to provide hysterical commentary on Test Match Special.
- 17. Nick Kyrgios - Tennis
The Aussie is one of the most polarising figures in sport, but there's no getting away from the fact he can be amusing at times.
Some of Kyrgios' interactions with the crowd over the years have been brilliant -- especially the time he asked a random individual which way he should serve.
VIDEO: Nick Kyrgios' funniest moments
https://youtu.be/Xi4xyM6piXM
- 16. Serena Williams - Tennis
From one tennis player to another. Williams has also had her fair share of funny moments.
Remember the time she ordered an espresso mid-match? Only Serena could get away with that.
- 15. Freddie Flintoff - Cricket
"Mind the windows, Tino", said Flintoff to Tino Best during England's game against West Indies in 2004.
The next ball, Best proceeded to swing wildly and get out, much to the amusement of the all-rounder.
It was "possibly the best thing I did" on a cricket field, Flintoff has since admitted.
VIDEO: Freddie Flintoff sledges Tino Best during England vs West Indies
https://youtu.be/ZoxfK2jn03Y
- 14. Muhammad Ali - Boxing
Ali was a cultural icon and some of his one-liners will forever be iconic.
His most famous quote will always be: "Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee, your hands can't hit, what the eyes can't see."
- 13. Jill Scott - Football
Scott was part of the Lionesses team that won Euro 2022 and the moment she called a German player a "p***k" will live long in the memory.
This year, she's also heading to the jungle to take part in the new series of I'm A Celebrity.
Will she take part in the infamous food challenges? We'll certainly be voting for her to do so.
- 12. Paul Pogba - Football
Pogba's antics have divided many over the years, but we personally think his crazy interviews and mad dance moves are pretty harmless.
Graham Souness may beg to differ though...
- 11. Lando Norris - Formula 1
You can never quite be sure what's going to come out of Norris' mouth.
One thing's for sure, don't ever ask him about a Thai massage.
VIDEO: F1 reporter jokes with Lando Norris about going to Amsterdam
https://youtu.be/2ZRNJFymuzM
- 10. Molly McCann - UFC
McCann has delivered two Knockout of the Year contenders in 2022 and has won fans' hearts for her eccentric personality.
An avid Everton fan, McCann led a hilarious 'Meatball' chant in an ode to herself ahead of the Toffees' game against Crystal Palace in the Premier League last season.
VIDEO: Molly McCann's Knockout of the Year contender
https://youtu.be/wfaZhsqzgao
- 9. Paddy Pimblett - UFC
Pimblett has catapulted to UFC stardom this year.
Some of his press conferences with McCann have been nothing short of bonkers and the Liverpool-born fighter has delivered some memorable quotes.
From calling out Mark Zuckerberg to claiming he'll take over the UFC, Pimblett is box-office entertainment.
VIDEO: Paddy Pimblett's brilliant interview at UFC London
https://youtu.be/xEzVyq8-S1E
- 8. Tyson Fury - Boxing
Fury's rendition of 'American Pie' after beating Deontay Wilder epitomised three things -- he's an incredible boxer, he's unpredictable and he's hilarious.
Whether it's coining the term 'dosser' or mocking his opponents in the ring, the British fighter never fails to fascinate boxing fans.
VIDEO: Tyson Fury sings 'American Pie'
https://youtu.be/FvP9SE0QA9o
- 7. Mario Balotelli - Football
One thing's for sure, there are some pretty wild stories about Balotelli.
If you're not convinced, just check out some of the reasons why he got fined at Man City.
His infamous 'Why always me' shirt will forever be etched in the memory, while his embarrassing miss against LA Galaxy still has to be seen to be believed.
VIDEO: Mario Balotelli's failed trick shot vs LA Galaxy
https://youtu.be/Ea6t_FCQ6Vc
- 6. Claressa Shields - Boxing
Shields beat Savannah Marshall in an epic fight at the O2 last month, but her incredible ring walk drew plenty of plaudits as well.
The American pulled out an elaborate dance routine to the tune of The Champ is Here by Jadakiss and it really is something special.
After her stunning victory, there is no disputing she is the GWOAT when it comes to women's boxing.
VIDEO: Claressa Shields' epic ring walk at the O2
https://youtube.com/shorts/mdmWs7ujazY?feature=share
- 5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Football
Is it arrogance, or is it just extreme confidence? Either way, Zlatan's quotes about himself are absolutely brilliant.
The Swedish icon "doesn't do auditions", laughs at "how perfect" he is, and maintains he can match John Carew's football skills with an orange.
Even at the age of 41, Ibrahimovic is still scoring goals at the top level. Maybe he really is "God", as he proclaims.
VIDEO: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's funniest moments
https://youtu.be/r3V12mwVcSc
- 4. Jimmy Bullard - Football
Bullard and banter go hand in hand.
In fact, the former Hull star is arguably more renowned for his mischievous antics than he was for actually playing football.
His 'team talk' celebration, which mocked then Hull manager Phil Brown is up there in Premier League folklore.
VIDEO: Jimmy Bullard's hilarious player walkout
https://youtu.be/Tnca5gse8Nk
- 3. Shaquille O’Neal - Basketball
Shaq is one of the best players to ever grace the NBA, but his off-court shenanigans were unmatched.
Dance moves, dunking and even diving into the crowd -- O'Neal's legacy is permanent.
VIDEO: Shaquille O'Neal funny moments
https://youtu.be/u_HZtJc9gFA
- 2. Peter Crouch - Football
Crouch was once voted Britain's funniest sportsperson and it's easy to see why.
The former striker invented the iconic 'robot' celebration and his one-liners are still quoted to this day.
His podcast is also comical and in one episode Crouchy even has a beer with Prince William.
VIDEO: Peter Crouch performs the robot
https://youtu.be/79YsdTCeiqI
- 1. Conor McGregor - UFC
Just admit it, McGregor is the king of Trash Talk.
Don't try and win a war of words with the Irishman, because it's simply not possible.
VIDEO: Conor McGregor interview after UFC 205
McGregor has undoubtedly done a lot wrong in his career, but he is a born entertainer.
Like him or not, he is one of a kind.