Athlete
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics the year he turned 18, and became the world heavyweight champion the year he turned 22.
Muhammad Ali was born in 1942 and lived to age 74. Anyone born before 1942 is older than Muhammad. Anyone over 74 is older than Muhammad ever was.
Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky and died on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74. Muhammad would be 84 years old today.
Muhammad Ali would be 84 years old in 2026 and would have turned 84 on January 17, 2026. Muhammad Ali's age in every year ↓
Born
January 17, 1942
Died
June 3, 2016
World pop. at birth
~2.3B
Muhammad's age at death
74
Your age
20
Are you older than Muhammad Ali?
No — Muhammad Ali was born in 1942. You were born in 2006, making you 64 years younger. Muhammad lived to age 74. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Muhammad was when he died.
At your age (20), Muhammad had already won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics (the year he turned 18), but hadn't yet become the world heavyweight champion (the year he turned 22).
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Muhammad's Life Timeline
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in a segregated America, where he began boxing at the age of 12. His early life was marked by his determination and passion for the sport, which would later lead him to become one of the most celebrated athletes in history.
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Ali's career achievements began when he won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics at the age of 18. He became the world heavyweight champion in 1964 after defeating Sonny Liston, and shortly thereafter, he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Over his career, he became a three-time world heavyweight champion, known for his iconic fights against Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Ali's legacy extends beyond the boxing ring; he became a global icon for his stance on civil rights and social justice. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, which he battled for over three decades. Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and a commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics
Muhammad Ali was 18 years old when he won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics. This victory marked the beginning of his illustrious boxing career and showcased his talent on an international stage.
Muhammad Ali turned 18 in 1960, the year he won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became the world heavyweight champion
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he became the world heavyweight champion by defeating Sonny Liston. This victory was significant as it made him the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight title at that time.
Muhammad Ali turned 22 in 1964, the year he became the world heavyweight champion. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Changed his name to Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. This change symbolized his commitment to his beliefs and his rejection of racial discrimination.
Muhammad Ali turned 22 in 1964, the year he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Refused military service
Muhammad Ali was 25 years old when he refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. This decision led to significant legal battles and highlighted his stance on civil rights.
Muhammad Ali turned 25 in 1967, the year he refused military service. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Regained the heavyweight title
Muhammad Ali was 36 years old when he regained the heavyweight title by defeating Leon Spinks. This victory made him the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Muhammad Ali turned 36 in 1978, the year he regained the heavyweight title. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Retired from boxing
Muhammad Ali was 39 years old when he officially retired from boxing after a legendary career. His retirement marked the end of an era in boxing and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Muhammad Ali turned 39 in 1981, the year he retired from boxing. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
Muhammad Ali was 42 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This diagnosis led him to become an advocate for Parkinson's research and awareness, using his platform to help others.
Muhammad Ali turned 42 in 1984, the year he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Passed away
Muhammad Ali was 74 years old when he passed away on June 3, 2016. His death marked the loss of a cultural icon who had a profound impact on sports and social justice worldwide.
Muhammad Ali turned 74 in 2016, the year he passed away. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by year
How old was Muhammad Ali in each year?
- 2026
- Muhammad Ali would be 84 years old in 2026 and would have turned 84 on January 17, 2026.
- 1960
- Muhammad Ali was 17 at the start of 1960 and turned 18 on January 17, 1960. That year, he won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics.
- 1964
- Muhammad Ali was 21 at the start of 1964 and turned 22 on January 17, 1964. That year, he became the world heavyweight champion.
- 1978
- Muhammad Ali was 35 at the start of 1978 and turned 36 on January 17, 1978. That year, he regained the heavyweight title.
- 1981
- Muhammad Ali was 38 at the start of 1981 and turned 39 on January 17, 1981. That year, he retired from boxing.
Muhammad Ali's age in every year
Ages change on January 17: the first number is before that birthday, the second after it.
- 19420 years old
- 19430 → 1 years old
- 19441 → 2 years old
- 19452 → 3 years old
- 19463 → 4 years old
- 19474 → 5 years old
- 19485 → 6 years old
- 19496 → 7 years old
- 19507 → 8 years old
- 19518 → 9 years old
- 19529 → 10 years old
- 195310 → 11 years old
- 195411 → 12 years old
- 195512 → 13 years old
- 195613 → 14 years old
- 195714 → 15 years old
- 195815 → 16 years old
- 195916 → 17 years old
- 196017 → 18 years old
- 196118 → 19 years old
- 196219 → 20 years old
- 196320 → 21 years old
- 196421 → 22 years old
- 196522 → 23 years old
- 196623 → 24 years old
- 196724 → 25 years old
- 196825 → 26 years old
- 196926 → 27 years old
- 197027 → 28 years old
- 197128 → 29 years old
- 197229 → 30 years old
- 197330 → 31 years old
- 197431 → 32 years old
- 197532 → 33 years old
- 197633 → 34 years old
- 197734 → 35 years old
- 197835 → 36 years old
- 197936 → 37 years old
- 198037 → 38 years old
- 198138 → 39 years old
- 198239 → 40 years old
- 198340 → 41 years old
- 198441 → 42 years old
- 198542 → 43 years old
- 198643 → 44 years old
- 198744 → 45 years old
- 198845 → 46 years old
- 198946 → 47 years old
- 199047 → 48 years old
- 199148 → 49 years old
- 199249 → 50 years old
- 199350 → 51 years old
- 199451 → 52 years old
- 199552 → 53 years old
- 199653 → 54 years old
- 199754 → 55 years old
- 199855 → 56 years old
- 199956 → 57 years old
- 200057 → 58 years old
- 200158 → 59 years old
- 200259 → 60 years old
- 200360 → 61 years old
- 200461 → 62 years old
- 200562 → 63 years old
- 200663 → 64 years old
- 200764 → 65 years old
- 200865 → 66 years old
- 200966 → 67 years old
- 201067 → 68 years old
- 201168 → 69 years old
- 201269 → 70 years old
- 201370 → 71 years old
- 201471 → 72 years old
- 201572 → 73 years old
- 201673 → 74 years old
