Athlete statues are supposed to immortalize iconic sports figures, capturing their essence for generations to admire. But sometimes, the execution is so poor that it leaves fans scratching their heads—or outright laughing. From bizarre poses to unsettling facial expressions, here’s a look at five of the worst athlete statues in America, including one that has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
1. Dwyane Wade Statue (Miami, FL)
When the Miami Heat unveiled a statue honoring Dwyane Wade, fans expected something that encapsulated the grace and flair of the three-time NBA champion. What they got instead was…nightmare fuel.
The statue shows Wade with his mouth wide open in a scream that’s more horror movie villain than basketball hero. Fans quickly pointed out that while Wade’s on-court intensity was legendary, this artistic choice feels more like an exaggeration. Charles Barkley, never one to hold back, roasted the statue on
Inside The NBA, saying Wade deserved better. Even Shaquille O’Neal, Wade’s former teammate and one of his biggest fans, joined in the critique.
The backlash was immediate, with some joking that the statue looked like Wade had just stepped on a Lego. Others wondered why such an important honor for one of Miami’s most beloved athletes wasn’t given a little more thought.
2. Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa (Philadelphia, PA)
Philadelphia’s Rocky statue is a fan favorite, drawing thousands of visitors every year. But let’s be honest: it’s also a little weird. While it’s meant to celebrate the fictional boxing hero from Stallone’s iconic film series, the statue doesn’t quite look like Stallone—or the Rocky we know from the movies.
Instead of the grizzled underdog who inspired a city, the statue feels more like a generic boxer with a passing resemblance to Stallone. Some critics have pointed out that the statue looks more like it belongs in a video game cutscene than as a tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved characters. Still, it remains a tourist attraction, proving that even a flawed statue can capture the public’s imagination.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo Bust (Madeira Airport, Portugal)
Okay, we’re cheating a little here because this one’s not in America, but it’s too infamous not to mention. The bust of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled at Madeira Airport in 2017 quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons. With its lopsided grin and uneven eyes, the statue became a meme almost instantly. It was eventually replaced, but the original still haunts our dreams.
4. Michael Jordan Statue (Chicago, IL)
Chicago’s Michael Jordan statue, titled
The Spirit, is iconic—but not in the way you might think. While the pose is classic MJ, the facial likeness has been criticized for being too generic. Fans have joked that the statue looks more like an anonymous action figure than the greatest basketball player of all time.
5. Ted Williams Statue (Boston, MA)
Outside Fenway Park stands a statue of Red Sox legend Ted Williams, which depicts him handing a small boy a baseball cap. Sweet, right? Sure—but the statue’s proportions are bizarre, making Williams look more like a cartoon giant than a baseball hero. The gesture is touching, but the execution feels more like a scene from
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
