For football(soccer for the yanks) The best is Pele. You cannot compare many footballers of these days to him, he had the whole package. Speed, skill, aerial ability and great finishing prowess. He led Brazil to world cup victory when he was only 17. Maradona, Cruyff, and Bobby Moore also are greats.

Still on football, The Manchester United team of the 90's. Won 5 league titles, 3 cups, 2 european titles. The team was nothing short of remarkable. After about 1995, the senior team were retiring etc. and people were suggesting a downfall, but a great new generation of players; Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Neville, Keane, Schmiechel, helped united win more titles including Champions league win in 99, one of the most memorable matches.