Introduction: Modeling has consistently been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for conveying values, attitudes, and cognitive and behavioral patterns. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the characteristics of sports champions in their role as role models.

Methods: A qualitative approach was employed in this study, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 14 purposefully selected experts in sports management and sociology. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, Lincoln and Guba (1985) criteria for credibility and transferability were applied. Thematic analysis, facilitated by MAXQDA software, was used to analyze the interview data.

Results: After interviewing the experts, the initial coding phase resulted in the extraction of 98 primary themes and 63 foundational themes, which were categorized into 14 organized themes and 5 overarching themes. The overarching themes include personal and performance characteristics, cultural positioning, social dimensions of athletes, public appeal, and personality dimensions of athletes, all of which focus on their modeling and influence within society.

Conclusion: This research underscores the imperative of policymakers and decision-makers within the sports domain to leverage the influential capital of athletic figures in fostering and institutionalizing societal norms and values, particularly among the adolescent population. Consequently, the application of these findings in the formulation of overarching sports policies and the development of comprehensive sports programs can exert a profound impact on the enhancement of societal well-being, the augmentation of public engagement in sports, and the mitigation of future social maladies.