Sports sponsorships and in particular athlete endorsements are one of the most under-utilized social media marketing tools. The opportunity for brands to tap into influencer marketing - not just through athletes but also through an ever-growing number of self-made vloggers, Tik-Tokkers and fitness fanatics, is greater than ever before.

Below is a list of our top 10 athlete influencers, both current and retired, who have maximized use of their social media platforms to not only to boost their personal brand, but also to bring attention to important social justice movements.