19. Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer and first player unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, is also an ordained Pentecostal pastor and outspoken Christian. His support for Israel flows directly from his reading of Scripture. He has stated that the Bible is centered on Israel and the Jewish people, that Jesus was Jewish, and that as a Christian he will not turn his back on the people and land of God’s choosing.

Rivera has travelled to Israel multiple times, describing the experience as one in which “the Bible comes to life.” He has spoken at Christians United for Israel summits, expressed support for moving embassies to Jerusalem, and linked his advocacy to friendship with Jewish communities and personal relationships. His public stance combines athletic stature, pastoral calling, and a clear biblical conviction that blessing Israel is part of Christian faithfulness.