List of athletes who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom: From Tiger Woods to Lionel Messi, honorees across U.S. history

On February 25, 2026, during his State of the Union address in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The announcement came just two days after the United States won its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal in 46 years in Milan. Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the gold medal game, a performance that drew a standing ovation inside the chamber.The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States. It was created in 1963 through an executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy. The award goes to people who make an “especially meritorious contribution” to national interests, world peace, or cultural and public life.

Over the years, athletes have increasingly been part of that story.

Athletes who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom including Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Simone Biles and Lionel Messi

Sports figures make up a small part of the total recipients, but their impact is easy to see. Here are 10 well-known athletes who received the honor:Jesse Owens (Track and Field) – Awarded by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Owens was recognized decades after his four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.Muhammad Ali (Boxing) – Honored by President George W. Bush in 2005 for his achievements in the ring and his humanitarian work.

Michael Jordan (Basketball) – Received President Barack Obama's medal in 2016. Jordan was lauded for his world influence on the game.Tiger Woods (Golf) – Awarded by President Donald Trump in 2019 following his Masters comeback victory.Simone Biles (Gymnastics) – As of 2022, both for her advocacy work as well as her athletic capabilities in gymnastics, she was recognized by President Joe Biden.Lionel Messi (Soccer) – He also received a medal from President Joe Biden in 2025 for his work and charity initiatives.Jackie Robinson (Baseball) – Posthumously, the Medal of Freedom from President Reagen was awarded to him. That was in 1984. He was the first black to play with the Major League for basketball.Billie Jean King (Tennis) – Honored by getting a nod from President Barrack Obama in 2009 for her efforts to achieve equal rights in sports.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Basketball) – In 2016, he was awarded the medal by President Barack Obama.Katie Ledecky (Swimming) – Conferred by President Joe Biden in 2024 after years of Olympic glory.The list demonstrates how national pride and sports often connect through athletes who have competed from Jesse Owens to Simone Biles and Lionel Messi. Presidents from both parties have used the award to draw attention to not just victories but also character, bravery, and cultural influence. The official medal award for Connor Hellebuyck would place him in an exclusive group of athletes whose sports accomplishments went beyond their respective fields of competition.