José Mourinho names America's four-time Olympic gold medalist Greatest Sportsperson of All Time

Legendary manager José Mourinho has weighed in on the heated debate over the greatest sportsperson of all time, naming Olympic icon Jesse Owens as his choice.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the Fenerbahce coach surprisingly picked the American athletics legend over fellow superstars like Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Pele.

In an interview with TNT Sports, the Portuguese tactician explained his admiration for Owens transcends mere athletic achievements on the track. 

“They did history and history that cannot be deleted. I would say Jesse Owens,” the Portuguese football coach added. 

Owens cemented his legend at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler to defiantly shatter the Nazi regime's stance on Aryan supremacy. 

While countless elite athletes over the decades have eclipsed the American sprinter and long jumper's mind-blowing performances, Mourinho alluded to Owens' courageous stand for racial equality on the biggest stage cementing an enduring legacy unmatched in sport.

The two-time Champions League winner's surprising take highlights how Owens' heroics in Berlin fundamentally challenged intolerance, ensuring his name will forever be etched into the annals of history for reasons far greater than just his incredible speed and athleticism.

In singling out Owens, Mourinho has offered a fresh perspective on the greatest of all time debate - putting societal impact and the ability to drive positive change on a par with sporting brilliance.