Lin Dan, commonly known as "Super Dan", is regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time. He has won every major international title in the sport, including two Olympic gold medals, five World Championships, and six All England titles. His incredible record has cemented his place in badminton history, but whether he is the greatest player of all time is a subject of debate.

There have been many other great badminton players throughout history who have achieved remarkable feats. One such player is Rudy Hartono of Indonesia, who won eight consecutive All England titles from 1968 to 1975. He also won four World Championships and two Asian Games gold medals during his illustrious career. Another legendary player is Liem Swie King, who won the All England five times, reached the World Championship finals four times, and won two Asian Games gold medals.

While the achievements of these players are remarkable, Lin Dan's dominance in the sport during his prime cannot be ignored. He is the only player in history to have won all nine major titles in badminton, including the Olympics, World Championships, All England, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, World Cup, Asian Games, Asian Championships, and the Super Series Masters Finals. He has also been ranked as the world number one player several times during his career.

Lin Dan's playing style and mental strength are also factors that set him apart from other players. He is known for his lightning-fast reflexes, powerful smashes, and strategic play. He is a fierce competitor and has often shown incredible mental toughness under pressure, coming back from behind to win crucial matches.

However, comparisons between players from different eras can be challenging, as the sport has evolved over time. The level of competition today is much higher than it was in the past, with players being faster, stronger, and more skilled. The equipment used in the sport has also improved significantly, making it difficult to compare players from different eras.