Pledge Sports

Most Followed Sports People On Instagram

There are billions of sports fans around the world and as 700 million of us actively use Instagram every month, there is a huge opportunity for fans to get closer to their favourite athletes.

At PledgeSports, we work with athletes to raise money, but also raise their online profile and make them more attractive to sponsors and endorsements. However, the list of 10 athletes below is on a whole other level to every other athlete when it comes to social media presence.

Here’s a countdown of the 10 Most Followed Sports People On Instagram.

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10. Karim Benzema – 19.1 million

Karim-Benzema-transfer-latest-592481 The Real Madrid striker is the only Frenchman to make it on our list of most followed sports people on Instagram.

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Extremely popular among Madrid fans, Benzema trumps fellow famous countrymen like Paul Pogba to sneak into our ultimate compilation.

9. Luis Suarez – 22.7 million

092915-soccer-barcelona-luis-suarez-pi-ssm.vresize.1200.675.high_.69Part of the formidable attacking force that is Barcelona’s MSN, Suarez is actually the lowest-ranked out of Barcelona’s notorious front-three.

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8. Ronaldinho – 23.8 million

637027_barcelona-s-ronaldinho-shows-his-ballon-d-or-golden-ball-award-as-european-footballer-of-the-year-before-spanish-first-division-soccer-match-against-sevilla-in-barcelonaThe former Ballon d’Or winner’s popularity will never die.

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The enigma that is Ronaldinho is perhaps one of the more surprising entries on our list of most followed sports people on Instagram, but just like in his prime, the tricky Brazilian has a habit of sneaking into spaces many other could not.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 25.9 million

nintchdbpict000307767741The man. The myth. The legend. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Zlatan The Great has given a boost to every league he has played in.

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A fan favourite at each of his past clubs, it’s no surprise the big Swede has made our most followed sports people on Instagram list. Here’s hoping the 35-year-old’s career isn’t over just yet.

6. Gareth Bale – 29.8 million

Real Madrid CF v Rayo Vallecano - La LigaWho ever could have predicted a Welshman would be one of the most followed sports people on Instagram?!

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With almost 30 million followers, Bale is an example of what it means to be a great pro in today’s game. He was worthy of his big-money move to Madrid back in 2013 and his hard work has continued to boost his profile worldwide.

5. LeBron James – 31 million

USP NBA: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS AT DALLAS MAVERICKS S BKN USA TXKing James may have just missed out on his fourth NBA Championships but he’s certainly not missed out on a place among the most followed sports people on Instagram.

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Since his days as a high school internet sensation, LeBron has been insanely popular and that trend has continued right through his career.

4. James Rodriguez – 31.7 million

james-rodriguez-13846Like Ronaldinho, James Rodriguez’s entry at No.4 on our list of most followed sports people on Instagram may raise a few eyebrows, but believe us, it’s true.

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Rodriguez has been the topic of transfer speculation after being left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the 2017 Champions League final, but at least he has nearly 32 million fans to console him.

3. Lionel Messi – 73.9 million

lionel-messi-barcelona-champions-league-2016_1klnl13dmcrmk1d9xg56ae6l6hProbably one of the few times, if only time, Messi has finished 3rd during his illustrious Barcelona career. The Argentine is a world renowned footballing legend and a very charismatic character on and off the pitch. It’s no wonder he ranks so highly on our list.

2. Neymar Jr. – 76.5 million

download (12)Similar to LeBron James in that his rise to fame came during his teens, Neymar’s fanbase has been rapidly expanding ever since he left Brazilian outfit Santos for the bright lights of Camp Nou and the companionship of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. A nailed-on future Ballon d’Or winner, we don’t expect Neymar’s ranking on our list of most followed sports people on Instagram to drop anytime soon.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 104 million

maxresdefault (3)There are no words to describe Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, his talent, his work ethic, or his popularity. Ronaldo coming in on top of the most followed sports people on Instagram list is the least shocking piece of news you’re likely to hear today. In the same way that the grass is green and the sky is blue, Cristian Ronaldo sits pretty on top of the sporting world.

 

PledgeSports is the global leader in crowdfunding & sponsorship for sport.

Are you or someone you know raising money for sport in 2017? If so, get in touch with us via info@pledgesports.org, or visit www.pledgesports.org and hit “Create A Campaign” to start raising money today!

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