25 Sporting Heroes in association with Holland & Barrett: 1-5

With a long hot summer ahead of us, we thought it was the perfect time to celebrate those sporting heroes who have captured our hearts.

Here, in no particular order, we present the the 25 sportsmen who have impressed Attitude with their talents, made an impact on their sport and got us hot under the jock-strap. We’ll be bringing you five of our list each day this week, so make sure to check back tomorrow to see who else has made the cut.

1) Robbie Rogers

Although he impresses many with his on-pitch skills for LA Galaxy, his heartfelt coming out story filled us with joy and admiration most of all. One of the first major football players to be out, he is most definitely one of Attitude’s sporting heroes!

2) Rafael Nadal

With forearms that make Madonna’s seem twig-like, Rafael Nadal is arguably Spain’s most famous sportsman. Off the court, the 13-time Grand Slam champion and curretn world number one has also featured alongside Colombian songstress Shakira in the music video for Gypsy.

3) Michael Sam

This year Michael Sam became the first openly gay player in history to be drafted into the NFL when he was selected for the St Louis Rams. Sam received the news during a live broadcast where he melted all our hearts by immediately snogging long-term boyfriend Vito Cammisano.

4) Jonnie Peacock

Now 21, the Paralympian sprinter sped into our hearts (and the pages of Attitude) after London 2012, and still ranks among our biggest sporting crushes almost two years after winning gold.

5) Pelé 

Described as the greatest footballer who ever kicked a ball, Pelé’s rep as a living legend cannot be questioned. During his amazing career, the Brazilian helped his home country of Brazil win three world cups and scored a whopping 1200 goals! He is now a UN Ambassador and has been Minister for Sports in his country.  

Come back tomorrow when we’ll be bring you numbers 6-10 in our list of the 25 greatest sporting heroes, in association with Holland & Barrett.