LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, and raised by his single mother, Gloria James, under difficult economic circumstances. Although he faced instability and frequent moves during his youth, LeBron had incredible basketball skills from the early days of his life. LeBron emerged as a national phenomenon competing for St. Vincent and St. Mary High School, treated like a future NBA legend. In 2003, he was selected number one overall in the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight out of high school. Later the same year, at age 18, LeBron signed a historic 90 million dollar endorsement deal with Nike before ever playing a professional game. That partnership has since turned into a life deal worth over a billion dollars. Over the years, LeBron has become one of the greatest basketball players in history, having NBA championships attached to his legacy for the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Off court, he is a dedicated philanthropist, most famously by founding the LeBron James Family Foundation and creating the I PROMISE School in Akron for underprivileged youth. He is also a media mogul, social justice advocate, and an entrepreneur. The transformation of LeBron from a difficult beginning to international celebrity is a tale of colossal talent, determination, and impact on and off the court.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, a small island off the coast of Portugal. Ronaldo grew up in a poor home and had to contend with money troubles early in life but showed amazing talent and dedication to soccer at a very early age. At the age of 12, he left his home and family behind to train at Sporting Lisbon's youth academy, where his speed, agility, and work ethic received national attention. Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in 2003, starting his international career and becoming one of the most talented young players in the world. He ultimately achieved legendary status with Real Madrid, where he won numerous honors, including a string of Champions League titles, and became the club's record goalscorer. He has also played for Juventus and is now playing his trade for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while continuing to break goals, appearance, and play on the world stage records. Outside of football, Ronaldo has become a brand in himself. In 2003, he signed the first of what would be numerous endorsement contracts with Nike, and in 2016 signed a lifetime contract with the company, only the third player in history to achieve this. He has branched out on his own, opening his own clothing line, CR7, and is synonymous with his unyielding discipline, fitness routine, and charity work. He has millions of adoring fans all over the globe and the most popular social media following ever. Cristiano Ronaldo's story is one of ultimate dedication, sacrifices, and sheer tenacity.
Rafael Nadal was born on June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain. He is from a sporting family and took up tennis at an early age, with his coach and mentor being his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him through his junior career. Nadal's competitiveness and concentration soon became apparent as he worked his way through the junior ranks. Nadal turned pro when he was just 15 years old and swept the world with his superlative play and die-hard mentality. Nadal triumphed in his first French Open in 2005 when he was 19 years old, and it marked the beginning of his clay court domination. Tenderly referred to as the "King of Clay," Nadal is the all-time record 14-time French Open champion, solidifying his place as one of the all-time greats of tennis. Overall, he has amassed 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including multiple Wimbledon, U.S. Open, and Australian Open titles. His on-court rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have defined an era in tennis. Off the court, Nadal is humble, a sport, and philanthropic. He founded the Rafa Nadal Foundation in 2008, through which he seeks to provide educational tools and resources to disadvantaged children. In addition to his on-court achievements, Nadal signed a highly lucrative endorsement deal with Nike early in his career. This partnership has been a staple of his brand, Nike producing his signature "Rafa" tennis shoes and apparel, designed to enhance his on-court play. Nadal's partnership with Nike is still one of the best-selling athlete-brand partnerships. Aside from tennis, Nadal is also a passionate golfer and likes to spend time with his family and friends. His tale of persistence, passion, and devotion makes him a much-loved tennis and charitable icon across the world.