Table of Contents
ToggleTop 50 Most Admired People in the World 2025
The Ultimate Rankings of Global Inspiration & Respect
The most admired people of 2025 represent humanity's highest aspirations—leaders who transform nations, innovators reshaping technology, athletes inspiring excellence, and humanitarians healing the world.
Based on TIME100, Gallup polls, YouGov surveys, and global sentiment analysis, these 50 individuals command unprecedented respect through their actions, character, and positive impact on billions worldwide.
Elon Musk
Featured on TIME100 2025 Leaders list, Musk shapes global discourse through Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, X platform, and unprecedented government influence as DOGE head.
Michelle Obama
Multiple years as Gallup's most admired woman, Michelle inspires through education advocacy, health initiatives, and authentic leadership beyond politics.
Donald Trump
Reelected November 2024, TIME100 Leader, and historic Gallup most admired man—commanding unprecedented voter devotion and reshaping American politics.
Narendra Modi
World's highest approval rating among major leaders at 72%, leading 1.4B people through digital transformation and economic growth.
Pope Francis
Consistent Gallup top 10 most admired, Pope Francis leads global faith with climate advocacy, migration compassion, and interfaith dialogue.
Taylor Swift
Most powerful entertainer 2025, voter registration drives, economic impact worth billions, and unprecedented fan devotion spanning generations.
Pharrell Williams
Voted world's most inspiring person by international CALL 100 jury for "creative vision and influence on modern culture" as UNESCO Ambassador.
Serena Williams
Three-time TIME100 honoree, Williams inspires through athletic excellence, venture capital success, and motherhood advocacy.
Mark Zuckerberg
Five-time TIME100 inclusion, Zuckerberg shapes global communication for 3.2B users through Meta's platforms and AI investments.
Oprah Winfrey
Decades of Gallup top 10 placements, Oprah's media empire and philanthropy inspire millions globally through authentic connection.
Demis Hassabis
Google DeepMind CEO featured on TIME100 cover, Nobel Prize winner shaping AI's future responsibly for humanity.
Demi Moore
TIME100 cover star's "Substance" comeback inspires aging gracefully and artistic reinvention at 62.
Dalai Lama
Consistent Gallup most admired list, the Dalai Lama inspires compassion, mindfulness, and peaceful resistance worldwide.
Bill Gates
Twenty consecutive years on Gallup most admired list, Gates fights disease and poverty through $50B+ foundation work.
Ed Sheeran
TIME100 cover artist inspiring authenticity, mental health openness, and charitable giving across global tours.
LeBron James
TIME100 honoree for athletic excellence, I Promise School founder, and vocal social justice advocate.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Most-followed person on Earth inspires through athletic longevity, discipline, and charitable donations exceeding $100M.
Lionel Messi
2022 World Cup winner inspires through humility, generosity, and transcendent skill admired across generations.
Queen Elizabeth II Legacy
Posthumous admiration continues for duty, service, and stability across seven decades of global change.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
TIME Person of the Year 2022, Zelenskyy's wartime courage inspires democratic resistance worldwide.
Malala Yousafzai
Youngest Nobel laureate inspires girls' education globally through Malala Fund reaching 130M+ students.
Keanu Reeves
Legendary humility, countless acts of kindness, and zero ego despite billion-dollar franchises make Keanu universally admired.
Dolly Parton
Imagination Library sends 200M+ free books, COVID vaccine funding, and humble generosity earn universal admiration.
Beyoncé
Renaissance/Cowboy Carter tours, BeyGOOD Foundation, and artistic excellence inspire global admiration.
Satya Nadella
Transformed Microsoft through empathetic leadership, accessibility focus, and $3T+ market cap growth.
Angela Merkel
Former Chancellor's refugee compassion, EU stability, and scientific approach earn lasting global respect.
Dwayne Johnson
Motivational energy, Make-A-Wish commitments, and genuine fan dedication inspire millions daily.
Jacinda Ardern
Christchurch response, COVID handling, and empathetic governance redefined modern leadership.
MacKenzie Scott
Largest individual philanthropist distributes billions to 2,000+ nonprofits without fanfare.
Roger Federer
Retired legend's sportsmanship, foundation work, and graceful exit inspire athletic integrity.
Ryan Reynolds
Anxiety awareness, humor, and genuine persona make Deadpool star universally beloved.
Selena Gomez
Rare Impact Fund, lupus advocacy, and authentic vulnerability inspire young people globally.
Tom Hanks
Decades of kindness, WWII advocacy, and trusted persona earn "America's Dad" status.
Greta Thunberg
Fridays for Future movement inspires millions of young climate activists globally.
Jimmy Carter
Former President's post-presidency service through Carter Center and Habitat builds earned universal respect at 100.
Shah Rukh Khan
3B+ global fans, rags-to-riches inspiration, and humble demeanor despite superstardom.
David Attenborough
97-year-old broadcaster's lifetime dedication to nature education inspires environmental awareness globally.
Priyanka Chopra
East-West cultural bridge, children's rights advocacy, and entrepreneurial success inspire millions.
Trevor Noah
Born a Crime memoir, thoughtful commentary, and bridging cultures through comedy earn respect.
Emma Watson
HeForShe campaign, sustainable fashion advocacy, and intellectual depth beyond acting.
Barack Obama
Record 12-time Gallup most admired man, Obama Foundation work, and memoir success continue inspiring.
Jensen Huang
TIME100 leader powering AI revolution through chips enabling global technological transformation.
Simone Biles
Olympic return after mental health break inspires athletes prioritizing wellbeing over medals.
Sundar Pichai
Humble leadership, AI responsibility focus, and immigrant success story inspire globally.
Virat Kohli
Cricket's global superstar inspires through fitness dedication, charity work, and passionate play.
Rihanna
Fenty empire, Clara Lionel Foundation, and inclusive beauty revolution inspire entrepreneurs.
Hugh Jackman
Laughing Man coffee charity, Broadway talent, and genuine kindness make him universally loved.
Lewis Hamilton
Racing excellence, Mission 44 foundation, and motorsport diversity advocacy inspire change.
BTS (Group)
UN speeches, UNICEF partnership, and positive messaging inspire 100M+ ARMY worldwide.
Pedro Pascal
LGBTQ+ advocacy, genuine fan interactions, and emotional vulnerability make him 2025's most beloved celebrity.

