In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Rafa Nadal, followed by Pau Gasol and Miguel Induráin.
Choosing the 10 greatest Spanish athletes of all time means comparing very different sports. We weighed titles, dominance in their discipline and impact on the country.
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1. Rafa Nadal
Tennis
22 Grand Slam titles, 14 of them at Roland Garros, a record that looks impossible to match. He also won Olympic gold in singles and doubles and several Davis Cups.
2. Pau Gasol
Basketball
Two NBA championships with the Lakers, world champion in 2006 and several EuroBasket titles. The great pioneer of Spanish basketball in the United States.
3. Miguel Induráin
Cycling
Five consecutive Tours de France between 1991 and 1995, plus two Giros d'Italia. Total dominance with a calm that became legendary.
4. Fernando Alonso
Formula 1
Formula 1 world champion in 2005 and 2006 and one of the longest-serving drivers in the championship's history. He brought F1 into every home in Spain.
5. Severiano Ballesteros
Golf
Three Open Championships and two Masters titles at Augusta. His talent and charisma transformed European golf and the Ryder Cup.
6. Marc Márquez
Motorcycle racing
World champion in 125cc, Moto2 and MotoGP. After years of injuries, his return to the top of MotoGP is one of sport's great comeback stories.
7. Carlos Alcaraz
Tennis
The youngest world number 1 in ATP history and a winner of several Grand Slams on different surfaces. The present and future of Spanish sport.
8. Carolina Marín
Badminton
Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and a multiple world and European champion in a sport dominated by Asia. An unprecedented achievement.
9. Iker Casillas
Football
Captain of the Spain side that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. His decisive saves are part of the country's collective memory.
10. Mireia Belmonte
Swimming
Olympic gold in the 200 metres butterfly at Rio 2016 and the Spanish swimmer with the most Olympic medals in history.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the greatest Spanish athlete of all time?
Rafa Nadal, with 22 Grand Slam titles and 14 at Roland Garros, tops most rankings, including ours.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.
