ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is often misconstrued as a roadblock to success, but it’s not always true, especially in careers like sports where you need to be focused and relentless. The common ADHD traits— restlessness, lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—may throw serious challenges to excel in sports, but by following the right approaches, the disadvantage can be turned into an advantage like turning lemons into lemonades.
ADHD qualities, which are generally frowned upon, can be your superpowers if used correctly. Prominent neurodivergent athletes across the world have used their challenges as driving forces, conquering their respective fields— whether on basketball and tennis courts, or football and soccer fields. Hence the two terms—ADHD and athletes—complement each other.
Here, we’ll look at some renowned male athletes with ADHD from diverse sporting backgrounds who thrived in their respective fields.
1) Michael Jordan ( Basketball)
Yes— the man, the myth, the legend— Michael Jordan has reportedly ADHD. He has been neurodivergent since childhood, but he used his hyperfocus as a weapon, becoming one of the greatest to dominate the NBA court. The secret to his success? His natural talent, hyperfocus ability as an ADHD person, and the winning mentality. Combining these traits and using them to his advantage, MJ established his legacy as an unstoppable force.
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During Jordan’s prime in the 1980s and 1990s, ADHD lacked significant mainstream awareness like today— he quietly overcame the obstacles. Even though he struggled academically, he possessed the natural talent on the basketball court from childhood. Playing 15 seasons in the NBA, Jordan is an impressive six-time NBA Championship winner, representing the Chicago Bulls.
2) Michael Phelps ( Swimming)
Another legendary Michael is the G.O.A.T. in his field and an athlete with ADHD. The American swimmer Michael Phelps is arguably the most accomplished Olympian of all time, winning an astounding 28 medals, including a record 23 gold medals. His personal medal tally surpasses the total medal collection of several countries throughout Olympic history— that alone speaks volumes about his legacy.
The renowned swimmer was first diagnosed with ADHD when he was studying in the sixth grade. When Phelps’ teacher told his mother Debbie that he lacked focus, she visited a doctor— only to be told he dealt with ADHD. However, Phelps made it his strongest suit, becoming hyper-focused and relentless in proving a point. He enjoyed success early on after setting a national record at the age of 10. He won medals in five Olympics from 2000 to 2016, etching his name in the history books as the greatest swimmer of all time.
3) Leo Messi (Soccer)
Leo Messi is one of the most recognized faces on the globe due to decades of his accomplishments on the soccer field. Unlike Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, Messi’s ADHD diagnosis isn’t confirmed nor has he publicly acknowledged having it. However, he has demonstrated common traits of neurodivergent people. The Argentine has shown shyness and social awkwardness repeatedly in numerous public events and interviews. Moreover, Messi became a brand ambassador of OrCam— an organization that helps people with ADHD and Dyslexia.
The former Barcelona forward is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner—the record for the most wins by a single player. Additionally, his accolades include the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Ligue 1 at the club level, while at the international level, he has won the Copa America and FIFA World Cup. Messi’s unmatched legacy shows ADHD is a blessing in disguise if utilized correctly.
4) Josh Freeman (Football)
Josh Freeman was an acclaimed quarterback, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Giants. Despite a promising start, his NFL career ended in 2018 when he retired from the game. In an interview with Pro Football Talk in 2013, Freeman opened up about his ADHD, saying,
“Like millions of Americans, I have ADHD and I have been prescribed and permitted to take medication to treat this condition for my entire NFL career”.
5) Glenn Phillips ( Cricket)
Glenn Phillips is a professional cricketer who plays for the New Zealand Cricket team. Renowned for his athleticism, he is brilliant on the ground— especially while fielding. Without a doubt, he is one of the best fielders in the world because of his agility and speed like a cheetah. What’s the secret behind his success? While he is genetically gifted, he has credited ADHD in honing his skills.
Playing for the IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, the star Kiwi batter opened up about his ADHD in an interview. Since childhood, he leveraged the neurodivergent condition as a strength, bringing more energy, resilience, and hyper-focus to his game. He noted that his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder pushed him to take up new hobbies other than Cricket and master them— from archery and hunting to horse riding and climbing mountains, his ADHD made him switch from one hobby to another.
6) Andres Torres ( Baseball)
Baseball may be one of the worst sports for people with ADHD, but exceptions challenge the norm. Andres Torres— a former MLB player representing the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets— is one of the well-known professional athletes with ADHD. He was diagnosed with the condition at 24 years old when he kick-started his MLB career.
Even though he was aware of his condition, he didn’t get prescribed medications until five years later. Today, as a retired athlete, Torres raises awareness about ADHD through various initiatives.
7) Zach Wilson ( Football)
No, it’s not a coincidence. Zach Wilson is another noteworthy NFL quarterback who deals with ADHD. The 25-year-old is currently with the Miami Dolphins—after being traded from the Denver Broncos. Previously, Zach played for the New York Jets.
He is neurodivergent, and the condition runs in his family. He was diagnosed with it in his childhood, but he positively channeled his traits on the football field, scoring touchdowns from an early age. Currently, he is one of the famous athletes with ADHD, having publicly acknowledged his condition.
The examples of these elite athletes show that ADHD isn’t a disadvantage but a powerful tool when leveraged efficiently. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, don’t be discouraged— have faith and confidence in your ability to attain new heights in your respective fields.
