Who is the Slovenian the world admires? He dreamed of being a footballer, now earns €10 million annually

Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar cemented his legendary status by clinching his fifth Tour de France victory on Sunday, at the remarkable age of 27. This achievement places him in elite company, equaling the record of five wins held by cycling icons Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.

Pogačar has firmly established himself as the most dominant cyclist of his generation and is increasingly recognized as one of the sport's all-time greats. His first Tour de France win came at just 21 years old, making him the youngest winner since 1904. Reaching five victories by age 27 makes him the youngest rider ever to achieve this milestone, surpassing legends like Merckx (who won his fifth at 29), Anquetil (30), Hinault (31), and Indurain (31). Many anticipate Pogačar will break these records and stand alone at the pinnacle of cycling history.

Beyond his record-breaking wins, Pogačar possesses a remarkable set of physical attributes and skills. He is the only cyclist in history to have exceeded 6,000 UCI points. During the Tokyo Olympics, his maximum power output was measured at an astonishing 1253 watts, and he has reached speeds of 106 km/h on descents. His versatility allows him to excel in both Grand Tour stage races and demanding one-day 'Classics,' drawing comparisons to the legendary Eddy Merckx, known as 'The Cannibal.'

Pogačar's journey began in his youth, idolizing Alberto Contador and practicing on a small green bicycle. His early skill was evident even in unicycling, which likely contributes to his exceptional balance and bike handling. He joined the powerful UAE Team Emirates at 18, quickly making a name for himself. His first major senior victory was at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal. The 2020 Tour de France win was particularly historic, making him the first Slovenian to win the race, with his compatriot Primož Roglič finishing second – a moment that created one of the region's most memorable sporting narratives.