The present invention relates to a negative active material, a negative electrode including the negative active material, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the negative electrode. The negative active material of a negative electrode of a rechargeable lithium battery, the negative active material including a metallic active material core and a polymer, having a tensile strength of at least 40 MPa, coated on particles of the metallic active material. The polymer controls the volumetric expansion of the negative active material and enhances the cycle-life characteristics of the battery.