In the era of digital influence and social media stardom, footballers have transcended the boundaries of the pitch to become global icons.
Among the myriad platforms where they command the attention of millions, Instagram stands as a prominent stage for these athletes to engage with their legions of fans.
In this digital age, the number of Instagram followers can serve as a barometer of a player’s popularity and reach.
So, let’s dive into the captivating world of football’s digital superstars and unveil the Top 10 Most Followed Footballers on Instagram.
From Cristiano Ronaldo’s astounding follower count to the rising star of Kylian Mbappe, this list reflects the immense influence these players wield in both the footballing and digital realms.
Join us as we explore the most followed footballers on Instagram and discover the stories they share with their devoted followers, showcasing a side of their lives that extends beyond the boundaries of the beautiful game.
Below is the list of Top 10 Most Followed Footballers on Instagram:
| Sr.no | Player Name | Instagram Followers |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 602 Million |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 485 Million |
| 3 | Neymar | 213 Million |
| 4 | Kylian Mbappe | 108 Million |
| 5 | Marcelo | 65.2 Million |
| 6 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 62.8 Million |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | 62.1 Million |
| 8 | Sergio Ramos | 60.8 Million |
| 9 | Paul Pogba | 60.5 Million |
| 10 | James Rodriguez | 51.8 Million |
Below are the details of the Top 10 most followed footballers on Instagram:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 602 Million Followers
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, is renowned in the world of soccer.
He represents both the Portuguese national team and the Saudi club Al Nassr. Widely known as Cristiano Ronaldo or CR7, he is considered one of the greatest and highest-earning footballers in history.
With 118 goals in 196 appearances for the Portuguese national team, he has earned the status of the greatest Portuguese footballer of all time.
In the realm of social media, where the number of followers serves as a testament to a player’s popularity and influence, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to claim the top spot among the most followed footballers on Instagram.
With a staggering 602 million followers, the Portuguese legend’s presence on the photo-sharing platform is nothing short of remarkable.
Ronaldo’s Instagram feed is a reflection of his multifaceted persona, showcasing glimpses of his cherished family moments, his stunning girlfriend, and his impeccably chiselled physique.
It’s a formidable position that seems challenging for anyone to dethrone shortly, with only Kylian Mbappe coming remotely close to the younger generation of football talents.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s status as arguably the best to ever grace the sport is well-established, and his Instagram following is a testament to his global appeal. Nobody from the football fraternity is close to the success of Ronaldo yet.
2. Lionel Messi – 485 Million Followers
Despite his runner-up position in this most followed footballers on Instagram followers list, Lionel Messi isn’t likely to be overly concerned.
The Argentine football legend boasts a colossal 485 million followers on the platform, a significant number that suggests a dedicated following.
However, it’s not inconceivable that someone manages his Instagram presence on his behalf, given his introverted nature.
Messi’s magic unfolds primarily on the football pitch, and it’s his on-field performances that have endeared him to fans worldwide throughout his illustrious career.
3. Neymar- 213 Million Followers
In third place among the most followed footballers on Instagram is the Brazilian superstar, Neymar, who has accumulated an impressive 210 million followers throughout his glittering career.
While some critics argue that Neymar hasn’t fully realized his potential, his talent remains undeniable. Recently, he made headlines by posting a somewhat unusual apology on Instagram to his girlfriend, although it remains uncertain if this affected his follower count.
At 24 years old, Neymar is widely considered one of the best players in the world, and his remarkable statistics on the pitch align with his substantial Instagram following.
4. Kylian Mbappe – 108 Million Followers
The young and electrifying talent of Kylian Mbappe secures him the fourth spot in this most followed footballers on Instagram followers list, with an impressive 108 million followers.
This count puts him significantly ahead of the fourth-placed Marcelo and not too distant from the top three on this list.
Mbappe’s rise in the football world has been a thrilling spectacle, captivating a new generation of football fans.
Known for his distinctive curly hair and silky style of play, Mbappe is an emerging superstar whose Instagram following is poised to grow substantially in the years ahead.
5. Marcelo – 65.2 Million Followers
Marcelo, the Brazilian full-back, unexpectedly ranks fourth among the most followed footballers on Instagram, boasting 65.2 million followers.
His social media presence is characterized by glimpses into his family life and his daily activities, often related to his Brazilian club, Fluminense.
Marcelo’s career has been illustrious, marked by his time with Real Madrid, where he clinched an impressive five UEFA Champions League trophies.
His social media antics have endeared him to fans, and his following on Instagram reflects his enduring popularity in the football world.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 62.8 Million Followers
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both in the real world and the virtual realm exudes unshakable confidence, and he revels in showcasing his extravagant lifestyle to his substantial Instagram following of 62.8 million fans.
Recently, the formidable forward even treated his followers to a glimpse of a workout session with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev, sparking speculation about a potential foray into mixed martial arts.
Love him or not, Zlatan has struck a chord on social media, as his following continues to expand year after year. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly among the list of most followed footballers on Instagram.
7. Mohamed Salah – 62.1 Million Followers
Moving on to Liverpool’s star winger, Mohamed Salah, he has emerged as arguably the most recognizable African player in the world today, and this is reflected in his impressive 62.1 million Instagram followers.
Salah frequently shares snapshots of himself and his family during their vacations. Beyond the personal posts, he’s not shy about expressing his thoughts on Liverpool’s performances, as recently evidenced by a heartfelt post lamenting the club’s absence from Champions League football.
8. Sergio Ramos – 60.8 Million Followers
Sergio Ramos, the illustrious four-time UEFA Champions League winner and World Cup champion, undeniably ranks among football’s greatest.
His Instagram following, standing at 60.8 million, solidifies his status as the eighth most followed footballers on Instagram in 2023.
Ramos provides his followers with a glimpse into his personal life, sharing pictures of his family and daily workout routines, which resonate with his 59 million and growing fanbase.
9. Paul Pogba – 60.5 Million Followers
Paul Pogba, known for his extroverted personality both on and off the pitch while representing various top clubs, has managed to leverage his charisma into an impressive Instagram following of 60.5 million loyal supporters.
Paul Pogba is in ninth position among the list of most followed footballers on Instagram.
His crowning achievement thus far remains winning the 2018 World Cup with France. However, Pogba’s career trajectory since then has been less than ideal, especially during his tenure at Juventus.
10. James Rodriguez – 51.8 Million Followers
As for James Rodriguez, he boasts an astonishing 51.8 million followers on Instagram, illustrating the tremendous support he garners from South American countries. James Rodriguez is in 10th position among the list of most followed footballers on Instagram.
The midfield maestro, who previously clinched two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, is currently without a club.
His short stint in the Premier League with Everton under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti did provide glimpses of his brilliance, potentially adding to his global Instagram appeal.
Also, check out Top 10 Football Clubs With the Most Fans In The World
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