Most Influential 2014: Jason Collins & Cristiano Ronaldo Join Time's Annual List

TIME Magazine has released its 2014 list of 100 most influential people in the world. Traditionally, a number of athletes make the list, falling into categories like Icon, Titan and Pioneer. Aside from their superb athletic performances, TIME also considered off-court activities and contributions. Particularly NBA player Jason Collins and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made the list, along with other athletes Serena Williams, Richard Sherman and Lydia Ko.

The Titan and Icon categories usually include people who have established themselves as legends in their respective fields as well as paving the way for future stars, writes Gamedayr. The Pioneer category includes people who initiated movements or promoted the welfare of minorities.

Jason Collins belonged to the Pioneer category for being the first athlete to be openly gay in all four American sports. Despite not being a starter for the Brooklyn Nets, Collins has touched several others by admitting that he was gay in April. He played in 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2013-2014 NBA regular season. He also wears jersey No. 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was violently murdered in 1998 in Wyoming. Collins contributes and helps many LGBT charities, such as the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Even Chelsea Clinton has written praises about Jason Collins, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

A more popular player, Cristiano Ronaldo, also made the TIME influential list under the Icon category. In a span of five years, one soccer player joins the annual list, according to NBC Sports. Through the years, Ronaldo has established himself as one of the greatest players in football history. He has matured and taken on the leadership role in his Real Madrid team, matching his skills on the field with strategy and a calmer demeanor. He may not be known as a philanthropist or humanitarian off the field but his competitive mindset and passion in playing certainly guarantees his iconic status. He joined other soccer players previously on the list namely Lionel Messi, Mario Balotelli and Didier Drogba.