ESPN named their top 100 athletes of the 21st century. Where did Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby rank on the list?

On Thursday, ESPN ranked the top 100 professional athletes of the 21st century. Considering hockey’s place among the most popular sports in the world, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that only three NHL players made the list.

When swiping through the top 10, some of professional sports most iconic names vied for the top spot, including Tom Brady, Lebron James, and Lionel Messi. However, Michael Phelps took home top honors.

Hockey’s first name pops up at No. 22 on the list, and it is none other than Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, arguably the greatest player of his generation.

Since his debut in 2005, Crosby has won three Stanley Cup titles and two Olympic Gold Medals and climbed into the top 10 scoring in NHL history.

The only player who stands in his way from becoming the all-time leading scorer in club history is his former linemate and landlord, Mario Lemieux.

Approaching 37, Crosby has shown no signs of slowing down, and with a contract extension on the horizon, there’s a good chance that Penguins fans will see him skate in black and gold until at least 40.

As he enters his 20th NHL season, Crosby is on the cusp of 600 goals and 1,600 points. Only eight other skaters have achieved those totals, so once he reaches those milestones, it will further cement his legacy as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Whether in Pittsburgh, in arenas across the NHL, or on the international stage, Crosby has been an ambassador for professional hockey and the face of the league for almost two decades.

Even though he’s had a long, storied rivalry with Alex Ovechkin (No. 54 on the list), and despite who thinks he’s passed the torch to Connor McDavid (No. 98), there’s no doubt that Crosby is the best hockey player in the 21st century.