5 Top Athletes with the Highest Instagram Followers in 2024

Sports June 25, 2024

This post was last updated on July 1st, 2024

In today’s age social media has dramatically changed how people connect with each other, and more so celebrities who update their fans daily. Instagram is one such way that provides a platform for communication among people all across the globe. Here we will understand the top athletes with the highest Instagram followers.

top athletes with the highest Instagram followers. — ^{Image: AAPT Digital}

Star athletes in a previous era were almost Gods for their millions of fans worldwide. Hoping to meet your favorite footballers like Maradona or Pele seemed like an impossible dream.

However digital technology has made it possible for top athletes to talk to and meet their followers from across the world through social media platforms like Instagram.

Here’s a current list of the top 5 most followed athletes accounts on Instagram:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) – 632 million

2. Lionel Messi (@leomessi) – 502 million

3. Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) – 269 million

4. Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) – 222 million

5. LeBron James (@kingjames) – 259 million

Take a look at the top athletes with the highest Instagram followers:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) 632 M

Cristiano Ronaldo is the top-rated athlete on Instagram with 632 million followers. He is a star footballer who plays as a forward for the Al Nassr Football Club and is also the captain of the Portugal national team. He has a net worth of $500 million that he earns via endorsements, football contracts and investments in a variety of businesses.

He has launched a bevy of brands like CR7 fragrances, hotels, and gyms (CR& Crunch Fitness). Health and fitness app (7egent), eyewear, footwear, and underwear. He has modeled for brands like Nike, Binance, Herbalife, Clear, Insparya, Kickoff by Juju, American Tourister, Free Fire Gaming and Live Score. His Instagram handle gives followers a peek into his life, training schedule, charity work and brand endorsements. The massive Instagram following is a reflection of his popularity as a sports icon both on and off the field.

2. Lionel Messi (@leomessi) 502 M

Lionel Messi comes second among athletes with 503 million Instagram followers. He is captain of the Argentinian national team while and plays forward for the famous club Inter Miami. Lionel Messi has a massive fan base who religiously follow his talent on the field and charity work. His Instagram profile gives a peek into his sports achievements, family events and his public appearances for various brand endorsements.

He has a net worth of $600 million by endorsing various brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lays, Budweiser and video gaming brands like Call of Duty, Warzone and Modern Warfare. He has contracts with reputed football clubs and has made a number of profitable business investments. He is a brand ambassador for Adidas, Cirque du Soliel, Apple TV, Hard Rock Café, Louis Vuitton and Bitgate and Saudi Tourism Authority.

3. Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) 269 M

Virat Kohli is among the most popular sportsmen and cricketers with 269 million followers on Instagram. His Insta page reveals a lot about his game, family life, and social and public events that he attends. He is a brand ambassador for a plethora of brands like Puma, Pepsi, Lafarge, Max Life Insurance, Hero, Vicks, Too Yumm, Xiaomi India to name a few. With a net worth of $126 million, he has invested in businesses that are into sportswear, restaurants and healthy snacking.

4. Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) 222 M

Neymar Jr is among the top athletes with the highest Instagram followers of 222 million. Club, A Hillal Presently he is a striker for the Saudi Pro League. He is a rapper, and celebrity singer along with being an accomplished football player. He has a net worth of $185 million. His Instagram page gives a peek into his football goals, fashion style, fun outings, and brand representations. Neymar has collaborations with top brands like Nike, Puma, Epic games and contracts with several reputed football clubs across the world.

5. LeBron James (@kingjames) 259 M

LeBron James is among the most popular athletes with the top Instagram followers of 159 million. He is a star basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. LeBron James has a net worth of $1 billion. He has been the face of several popular brands like Nike, Sprite, Mc Donald’s, TNT, Samsung, Powerade, Ladder and GMC Hummer. He is the owner of Blaze Pizza which has franchises across the US.

Poll

FAQs

Who is the most followed Athlete on Instagram in 2024?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed athlete on Instagram with 629 million followers.

Who has the highest Instagram followers in Athletes?

Cristiano Ronaldo has the highest Instagram followers among pro athletes.

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo so popular?

Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding footballer with the maximum number of goals and is the winner of five Ballon d’Or awards. He is among the most outstanding and talented football players of this generation and this is the reason for his immense popularity.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo a billionaire?

In 2020, Ronaldo became the first team-sport athlete to make $1 billion in career earnings.

These Instagram rankings prove the power and importance of social media among today’s youth. Instagram is a powerful social media tool and followers of top athletes with the highest Instagram followers have an emotional connect with their idols that brands can utilise social to enhance their reach and connect among target audiences.