The 10 most followed footballers on Instagram 2024
Footballers are often viewed as role models with huge followings which is why we compiled the list of the most followed stars on Instagram.
Football players are often seen as more than just athletes. Many fans view them as role models and public figures worth admiring for both their talent on the field and their personalities off the field. As social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of people around the world, it's no surprise that fans turn to platforms like Instagram to keep up with their favourite footballers.
With just a few clicks, fans can stay up-to-date on the latest news, photos, and videos from their favorite players, and even interact with them directly through comments and messages. It's no wonder that social media has become such an important tool for footballers to connect with their fans and build their brands.
We have compiled a list of the most followed footballers on Instagram. The footballer who tops the list at number one does so with stunning and shocking numbers.
The list includes footballers from various European leagues, including;
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10. Mohamed Salah 63.4 million followers
Mohamed Salah, also known as the 'King of Egypt' or Mo Salah to many, is the most followed African footballer on the social media platform Instagram and the 10th most followed footballer with over 60 million followers. It is of no surprise that Mohamed Salah ranks at number 10 on the list as the football star has continued to be a role model many look up to in the world of football today.
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 64.3 million followers
Even in retirement, the popularity of Sweden and AC Milan's legendary forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has continued to soar and it is showing absolutely no chance of slowing down. Zlatan holds the number nine spot among the most-followed footballers on Instagram for the year 2024. The football powerhouse has continued to receive endorsement deals from major brands that recognise his popularity amongst football fans in different parts of the world.
8. Marcelo 67.4 million followers.
Marcelo Vieira is a renowned Brazilian footballer who has won the hearts of millions of fans across the globe. He has played for Real Madrid FC (successor of another great left-winger Roberto Carlos), Galatasaray F.C., and currently represents Fluminense F.C. Marcelo has also played for the Brazilian national football team.
Throughout his illustrious career, Marcelo has won 22 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and five Spanish top professional “La Liga” titles with his team. With over 60 million followers, Mercelo has continued to be a face of prominent global marketing campaigns for brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, Emirates Airlines, Amazon Prime Video, and many others.
7. Benzema 75.6 million followers
Karim Benzema holds the number seven spot of the most followed footballers on Instagram for the year 2024 with over 75 million followers keeping tabs on the French international's page even after his departure from the Spanish giants Real Madrid. Benzema's social media platform exudes just how much the footballer takes his aesthetics as well as his fashion statements seriously whilst also reminding them of how good he is on the field of play as well.
6. Ronaldinho 75.7 million followers
Arguably one of the greatest to ever play the game of football, Brazil icon and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho holds a spot on our list of the most followed footballers on Instagram. Even after over 10 years of retiring from the beautiful game of football, Ronaldinho has continued to have a huge following across major social media platforms making him one of the faces of what many under to be the most lucrative sport in the world (football).
5. David Beckham 87 million followers
Inter Miami owner and former Manchester United legend and football icon David Beckham starts our top five countdown of the most followed footballers on Instagram with over 86 million followers on the platform.
Even though David Beckham has abandoned the football boots and jersey for the suit and tie, fans never get tired of following the English star to catch up on his day-to-day activities and also follow up on his latest marketing campaigns as well.
4. Kylian Mbappe 112 million followers.
Often categorized as the leader of the new generation, Kylian Mbappe takes our number four position with over 11 million followers. The PSG and France frontman is a force to be reckoned with on and off the pitch. At 25 Mbappe has shown excellence and why he is viewed as one of the powerhouses of football, he is an influential figure in France's football history today.
The French football superstar is a highly sought-after personality in the world of marketing and advertising. He has already made a mark in numerous campaigns with some of the biggest brands across various industries. Some of the notable brands that he has been associated with include FIFA, the popular football video game franchise, and EA Sports, a leading sports gaming company.
He has also worked with Good Goût, a French organic baby and children's foods brand, Sony Playstation, Nike Football & Jordan brands, Hublot watches, and Bulk Homme, a Japanese skincare brand, among others. With his talent, charm, and popularity, Kylian has become a valuable asset for brands in their promotional activities.
3. Neymar Jr. 219 million followers.
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian and PSG talented genius, is ranked third with a staggering 219 million followers. Neymar, who currently has a documentary on Netflix, has one of the coolest profiles on Instagram. Neymar is made for social media and has a platform many youngsters would want to check out for its relatable content as well as a glimpse into the life of one of the richest and most flamboyant football stars in the world today.
2. Lionel Messi 500 million followers
Lionel Messi never shies away from breaking records on the pitch and unlocking 500 million followers on the social media platform Instagram can also be categorised as the football star's way of breaking records off the pitch as well. Following his move to Inter Miami as well as winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi's popularity has continued to soar with more fans showing rekindled interest in the Argentine captain.
Lionel Messi, widely known as Leo Messi, has a massive following and a huge platform which has made him a marketing sensation. His marketing niche has been described as highly relatable, as he represents the average person in many ways. This relatability has been replicated in his brand endorsement deals, which are quite diverse.
Messi has endorsed brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Lays, Budweiser, and video gaming companies such as PUBG, Call of Duty Warzone2 ModernWarfare 2, and Sorare. Alongside these, he has also endorsed Adidas, Cirque du Soleil, Hard Rock Cafe, Apple TV, Saudi Tourism Authority (visitsaudi), Louis Vuitton, Socios.com, and Bitget (Crypo exchange platform). Messi's endorsements span across various industries, making him a versatile and highly sought after brand ambassador.
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1. Cristiano Ronaldo 623 million followers
With a total number of 623 million followers, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed footballer and the most-followed person on Instagram by a huge margin, as he boasts a total number of 623 million followers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, is a marketing genius who has established his brand as a successful business mogul. His name has become synonymous with money-making ventures, as he has launched various businesses that have all proven to be highly lucrative. One of his most notable ventures is the Pertana CR7 hotel chain, which has received rave reviews from guests worldwide. In addition to hotels, Ronaldo has also ventured into the world of health and fitness with his 7egent app and CR7 Crunch fitness gym.
But that's not all. Ronaldo's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to expand his brand into other markets. He has launched a range of eyewear, underwear, footwear, and fashion products that have found success across the globe. His collaborations with global brands, including Nike, Insparya (haircare), Herbalife Nutrition, Dazn (sports app), Clear (haircare), SixPad (fitness gear), and Free Fire (Gaming app), have also been highly successful.
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