Which players are the most popular on social media? Ronaldo, Messi, Marcelo, but also James Rodriguez

Social networking is now an inherent part of top sport. It’s a way for players to raise their profile, and some even employ professionals to look after their accounts and earn a lot of money through them. Which footballers, current or former, have the most followers?

Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United | 728 million followers

Ronaldo is the absolute king of social media. In addition to his football success, the Portuguese phenomenon also displays his fit body, fast cars and luxury holidays online.

The Manchester United star even earns almost the same amount of money as his salary at the club thanks to his Instagram ads.

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Lionel Messi | Paris Saint-Germain | 462 million followers

One of the best footballers in history logically has a large fan base on the internet too. However, while there are big arguments on the pitch about whether he or Ronaldo is better, the Portuguese is clearly leading on social media.

However, Messi is not doing badly either, given that he doesn’t use Twitter, for example.

Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain | 322 million followers

Neymar is a showman and an entertainer, both on and off the pitch. The Brazilian playmaker tries to show on his social networks that his life is not just football, but he tries to enjoy it to the fullest.

He is ranked third in the footballers’ rankings.

Ronaldinho | Brazil | 142 million followers

In fourth place we have the first footballer who is no longer active. Ronaldinho was an absolute icon, a phenomenon in his time.

Probably never again will a player as talented and aesthetically handsome as Ronaldinho be born. The world champion from Brazil played for PSG, Barcelona and AC Milan and won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

David Beckham | England | 130 million viewers

The top five most watched footballers are rounded off by not only sporting but also fashion icon David Beckham. England’s darling of the ladies created his image in an era when social networks were practically non-existent.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star was a global icon who enjoyed huge popularity.

Next in order:

Sergio Ramos | Paris Saint-Germain | 120 million followers

Karim Benzema | Real Madrid | 116 million followers

Marcelo | Brazil | 111 million followers

James Rodriguez | Al Rayyan | 109 million followers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic | AC Milan | 102 million followers

Source: GOAL