We don’t know about you but whenever we hear the word influencer, we can’t help but find our thoughts drifting to youtubers, fashionistas, and the Kardashians.
With social media focusing on only a few big names, it can become easy to forget that athletes deserve the title “influencer” just as much as anybody else, if not more; not only are they respected but many people around the world look up to them and want to be like them.
After proving themselves in the sports industry, the world’s biggest athletes have also showcased the influence they hold by becoming some of Instagram’s most followed users which has given them the opportunity to widen their reach but also secure whopping athlete sponsorship and brand deals.
Let’s take a look together at the most followed athletes on Instagram, who hold just as much power online as they do offline.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Besides breaking football records, receiving four Ballon d’or trophies and being one the most-paid football players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo was the first athlete to reach 200 million followers in 2019. With almost 420 million followers at the moment, he is the most followed person on Instagram (yes, he has more followers than Kylie Jenner!); we can understand why brands are always racing to sign this player.
Virat Kohli
As an international cricketer, Virat Kohli has also done a great job expanding his social media following. With around 189 million followers under his belt, he is considered to be one of the best players; he has even made it to ESPN’s list of the world’s most famous athletes in 2016, and has also partnered with major brands like UBER.
Lebron James
It’s no surprise that the NBA star is a household name. Millions of people admire his personality journey and elite court skills; he’s won four NBA championships while also founding the Lebron James Family Foundation and partnering with worldwide brands such as Nike.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is another NBA player who keeps making history with his 3 pointers and his brand partnerships. Having more than 41 million loyal followers on Instagram also pushed the basketball player to even launch his own brand, Curry Brand, which as expected has been met with great success.
Serena Williams
You don’t need to be a tennis fan to know Serena Williams. This energetic athlete is not only influential in the world of sports, but she is also admired for her stance on women’s rights in the industry and is one of the sportswomen that has brands racing to close deals with her.
Floyd Mayweather
Even though Mayweather is now a retired boxer, his legacy is still very much alive. His undefeated career has earned him millions of followers and has allowed him to venture into different businesses and even the metaverse!
Simone Biles
There’s no one who does artistic gymnastics like Simone and her Olympic gold medals can prove it. Thanks to her influencer status, Biles makes at least $5 million annually in endorsements according to Forbes.
Lionel Messi
Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi is loved and admired for his good deeds and his skills, which have led him to become one of the world’s most renowned football players. His 316 million followers sure know how to show their love to this athlete, with his posts getting millions of likes from all around the world.
Roger Federer
After turning pro in 1998, Roger Federer earned himself the most Grand Slam singles in history in addition to an army of fans who have continued to follow his every move on social media.
Neymar
Since football is the number one sport in the world, it comes as no surprise that Neymar is the third player on our list. Whether you’re a fan of him or not is up to you, but we cannot deny his influence; even when he dyes his hair pink, his devotees rush to recreate the look.
The list surely doesn’t end here. There are endless athletes who deserve recognition such as tennis player Naomi Osaka or figure skater Nathan Chen who are on their way to building their Instagram army little by little.
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