If you could be #1 in the world in a sport

Few different ways to approach this… but they mostly all end at soccer

1. For those not in the United States that desire worldwide fame — Soccer or, Futbol. If I were hungry to be famous across the world, I would choose soccer. Plainly because it is the most famous sport across the world and being the best means that there are people across the world that know your name.

2. Fame (within the United States), Football. Everyone in the U.S. knows Tom Brady’s name, without fail. You could argue for basketball and mention that everyone also knows Lebron + MJ’s name, but it’s just not quite the same. Football is considered “America’s sport”, so I’d have to go with it.

3. Riches — Soccer or Futbol, whatever you want to call it, easily. Lionel Messi’s contract was $673.8 million over 4 years.. that’s absolutely ridiculous. In comparison — Patrick Mahomes’ contract is $503 million over 12 years.. you just can’t beat contracts for sports that are famous across the globe.

I guess for riches you could also say UFC, but that takes way more of a hit on your body than soccer.

Formula 1 for sure.  Fame, money, 20 races a year in a new exotic location each time.  Now I know the F1 Champ isn't going to be as well known as tom brady in america or the top football player in europe (unless you get to schumacher level) just due to the demographics that watch each, but all the people i'd want to be famous with would know who the F1 no.1 was.

I'd go with F1. Badass cars and you can make lots of money.

F1. My only issue with that sport is you have a higher probability of death compared to others.

Women's beach volleyball (I'm a man)

Golf or surfing for sure. Make enough money that you never have to worry about anything, and basically be as famous or incognito as you'd like.

Plus you can do it until you're old.

Golf 100%

I'm fairly risk averse so I would go with the sport that has the lowest risk of getting injured. Golf to me seems like a near 0 risk of even getting injured temporarily, much less permanent disability or death.