Footballers have a strong presence on social media, with many using platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to connect with fans and share insights into their personal and professional lives.
With millions of followers across these platforms, footballers are among the most influential people on the internet. They use their platforms to promote products, causes, and their own personal brands.
Footballers’ use of social media has both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it allows fans to feel more connected to their favorite players and offers a glimpse into their lives that wasn’t possible before.
However, it has also led to a significant increase in scrutiny of player behavior and several high-profile controversies, including inappropriate comments on social media and leaked private photos.
Regardless, the presence of footballers on social media continues to play an important role in esports and is likely to increase in the years to come. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five most followed footballers on social media.
#5 Marcelo Vieira – 115.6 million followers Real Madrid CF celebrate winning the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League final
Marcelo is one of the most popular footballers of his generation. The Brazilian left-back has captivated fans with his exquisite skills and is a player with plenty of flair. But he is far from just being a flashy footballer.
Marcelo is one of the most successful Brazilian footballers of all time. He has won five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga titles with Real Madrid and is the historic club’s most successful player.
Marcelo is considered one of the best left-backs of all time. At 34, he is well past his prime and currently plays for Greek club Olympiacos.
#4 Kylian Mbappe – 125.9m followers Argentina – France: Final – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Kylian Mbappe is the crown prince of football. Already at the age of 34, he has had a glittering career and almost led France to glory in back-to-back World Cups. Mbappe was in outstanding form for Les Bleus at the recently concluded World Cup in Qatar.
In eight tournament games, he scored eight goals and provided two assists, earning him the Golden Boot. Mbappe has also been in spectacular form for Paris Saint-Germain. He is currently one of the most recognizable faces in the world of football and has 125.9 million followers on social media.
#3 Neymar Jr. – 385M followersCroatia – Brazil: Quarterfinals – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Neymar is one of the most popular footballers in the world, known for his skill, speed and creativity on the pitch. He has a huge following on social media, with millions of fans from around the world tuning in to see his latest games, highlights and other content.
The Brazilian icon’s popularity isn’t just limited to his on-field performance. The 31-year-old is also known for his charismatic personality, fashion sense and sense of humor which has earned him a reputation as one of the most likeable players in the sport.
Neymar’s popularity has also translated into significant commercial success, with a long list of endorsement deals and sponsorships placing him among the most marketable athletes in the world. He has 385 million followers on social media.
#2 Lionel Messi – 541m followersSL Benfica v Paris Saint-Germain: Group H – UEFA Champions League
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His popularity transcends borders, with millions of fans around the world following his movements on and off the pitch.
Despite his success and global fame, Messi is known for being a relatively quiet person in contrast to some of his more outspoken peers. His calm and reserved demeanor has only reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s most humble and down-to-earth superstars.
Messi’s popularity stems largely from his exceptional skills on the pitch, which has seen him win numerous prizes and awards throughout his career, including seven Ballon d’Ors.
Described as a one-of-a-kind player, he remains one of the most followed and loved personalities in the world of football. Messi has a whopping 541 million followers on social media.
Leo Messi now has three of the top five most popular posts on Instagram:
1 – Messi
2 – egg
3 – Messi
4 – Ronaldo
5 – Messi
Dominate everywhere
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo – 813.5M followersAl Ittihad v Al Nassr – Saudi Super Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo may end his football career but there isn’t a single footballer in the world more popular than the Portuguese icon. Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players of all time, he has made a career out of taking the clutch when his teams need him most.
Ronaldo is also a confident and outspoken individual who doesn’t shy away from raising the stakes and overdoing himself. His big personality has earned him many fans and haters. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him.
Ronaldo is the most followed footballer on social media and there really is no competition. He has 813.5 million followers.
Al-Nassr has racked up over 5.1 MILLION followers on Instagram in just two days since announcing Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing
