Top 10 Most Followed Sports Players on Social Media 2025

As of late 2025, social media has become another battleground for fame and influence—not just performance on the field. Today, the top athletes are not just sporting heroes but brand powerhouses, commanding followings that rival those of global entertainers. Leading the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo, who alone accounts for nearly 1 billion followers across platforms. He is trailed by legends like Lionel Messi and India’s own cricket icon Virat Kohli in this new league of digital dominance.

These athletes don’t just score on the pitch—they score in business, branding, and influence. From exclusive endorsements and fashion lines to real estate and media ventures, their off-field moves often rival their sporting achievements. Below is a deeper dive into the Top 10 Most Followed Sports Players in 2025, exploring their lives, earnings, ventures, and what makes them social-media royalty.

10. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema, the French striker and Ballon d’Or winner, has over 122 million followers across social media. Known for his clinical finishing and leadership at Real Madrid, he continues to impress fans with his consistency and skill. Benzema’s posts showcase both his professional achievements and glimpses into his personal life.

His earnings come from football contracts and brand endorsements, while he also invests in sports academies and personal ventures. At 37, Benzema remains a global ambassador of football excellence.

• Sport & Age: Football; born December 19, 1987 (~37 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~122M (IG: 75.7M, FB: 34M, X: 12.5M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Luxury lifestyle, football ambassador
• Earnings & Ventures: $70M+ annually; endorsements
• Other Ventures: Football academies, brand partnerships

9. David Beckham

David Beckham remains a global icon with 141 million followers. The former England captain has transitioned from football legend to lifestyle mogul. He shares content about family, philanthropy, and football, reflecting his timeless elegance.

Beckham earns from fashion, endorsements, and as co-owner of Inter Miami CF. His influence remains strong across sports and lifestyle domains.

• Sport & Age: Football; born May 2, 1975 (~50 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~141M (IG: 88.2M, FB: 53.7M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Fashion, philanthropy, family-focused
• Earnings & Ventures: $75M+ annually; endorsements, Inter Miami CF
• Other Ventures: Lifestyle and media projects

8. Ronaldinho

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho commands 133 million followers. Known for his flair and joyous style on the pitch, he continues to inspire fans through social media with highlights, appearances, and personal stories.

Despite retiring, he engages in brand endorsements and ambassadorial roles, making him a timeless figure in football culture.

• Sport & Age: Football; born March 21, 1980 (~45 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~133M (IG: 77.7M, FB: 38M, X: 17.5M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Charismatic, ambassadorial
• Earnings & Ventures: $20M+ annually; endorsements
• Other Ventures: Entertainment, brand ambassador

7. Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé, France’s superstar forward, has 159 million followers. Known for his speed and goalscoring prowess, he is viewed as a future global football icon. His social media features both his career achievements and personal moments.

He is heavily endorsed by Nike and luxury brands like Dior, while also engaging in philanthropy. At 26, Mbappé represents the next generation of sporting and social influence.

• Sport & Age: Football; born December 20, 1998 (~26 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~159M (IG: 125M, FB: 22M, X: 12.8M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Youth icon, luxury fashion
• Earnings & Ventures: $120M+ annually; Nike, Dior
• Other Ventures: Philanthropy, brand partnerships

6. LeBron James

LeBron James, the basketball legend, has 239 million followers worldwide. His posts range from game highlights to philanthropy and lifestyle content, reflecting his multifaceted influence both on and off the court.

LeBron owns SpringHill Entertainment and has stakes in Blaze Pizza, alongside lucrative endorsements with Nike and Beats. His career combines athletic greatness with business acumen.

• Sport & Age: Basketball; born December 30, 1984 (~40 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~239M (IG: 159M, FB: 28M, X: 52.9M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Philanthropy, business-minded, family
• Earnings & Ventures: $125M+ annually; endorsements, production
• Other Ventures: SpringHill Company, Blaze Pizza

5. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

The Rock has 474 million followers, combining wrestling, acting, and motivational content. His posts mix workout routines, movie promotions, and family life, creating a strong personal brand.

He owns Teremana Tequila, invests in fitness ventures, and maintains multiple endorsement deals. At 53, he continues to inspire millions with his charisma and work ethic.

• Sport & Age: Wrestling/Acting; born May 2, 1972 (~53 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~474M (IG: 392M, FB: 65M, X: 17.1M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Motivational, family-oriented
• Earnings & Ventures: $270M+ annually; Teremana Tequila, endorsements
• Other Ventures: Film production, fitness brands

4. Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr., with 385 million followers, is known for his flair, skill, and vibrant lifestyle. His social media showcases football highlights, luxury living, and personal moments.

Endorsements with Puma and Red Bull, plus ventures in esports and fashion, enhance his influence. Neymar combines football brilliance with global brand appeal.

• Sport & Age: Football; born February 5, 1992 (~33 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~385M (IG: 231M, FB: 91M, X: 63.6M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Flashy, fashionable
• Earnings & Ventures: $95M+ annually; endorsements
• Other Ventures: Esports, fashion collaborations

3. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the most-followed cricketer globally, with 388 million followers. His social media emphasizes fitness, family, and a disciplined lifestyle, inspiring fans across India and the world.

He earns from endorsements like Puma, Audi, and MRF, and invests in One8 lifestyle brand and fitness ventures. His combination of sports performance and business savvy solidifies his digital presence.

• Sport & Age: Cricket; born November 5, 1988 (~37 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~388M (IG: 273M, FB: 51M, X: 64.4M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Fitness-focused, fashionable
• Earnings & Ventures: $1.4M per IG post; Puma, Audi, MRF
• Other Ventures: One8 brand, philanthropy, fitness

2. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has 622 million followers. His social media reflects a humble, family-focused lifestyle, contrasting Ronaldo’s flashy presence. Messi shares insights into football, family, and global initiatives.

He earns from Adidas, Pepsi, and other brand deals. Messi also invests in football academies and philanthropic ventures, remaining influential both on and off the field.

• Sport & Age: Football; born June 24, 1987 (~38 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~622M (IG: 506M, FB: 116M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Family-oriented, understated
• Earnings & Ventures: $2.5M per IG post; Adidas, Pepsi
• Other Ventures: Academies, philanthropy, lifestyle investments

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of social media with nearly 950 million followers. His Instagram alone has 664 million fans, where he shares match highlights and luxurious glimpses of his life.

Ronaldo owns the CR7 brand, including clothing, fragrances, gyms, and hotels. At 40, he still commands a top football salary and endorsement portfolio, making him a cultural icon globally.

• Sport & Age: Football; born February 5, 1985 (~40 in 2025)
• Social Media Reach: ~950M (IG: 664M, FB: 171M, X: 115M)
• Lifestyle & Brand: Luxury, fitness, fashion
• Earnings & Ventures: $275M+ net worth; CR7 clothing, hotels, fragrances
• Other Ventures: Nike, Binance, CR7 gyms & wellness

Top 10 Most Followed Sports Players in 2025 (Table)

Rank	Player	Sport	Instagram Followers	Facebook Followers	X (Twitter) Followers	Total (approx.)
10	Karim Benzema	Football	75.7 million	34 million	12.5 million	122 million+
9	David Beckham	Football	88.2 million	53.7 million	None (official)	141 million+
8	Ronaldinho	Football	77.7 million	38 million	17.5 million	133 million+
7	Kylian Mbappé	Football	125 million	22 million	12.8 million	159 million+
6	LeBron James	Basketball	159 million	28 million	52.9 million	239 million+
5	Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson	Wrestling/Acting	392 million	65 million	17.1 million	474 million+
4	Neymar Jr.	Football	231 million	91 million	63.6 million	385 million+
3	Virat Kohli	Cricket	273 million	51 million	64.4 million	388 million+
2	Lionel Messi	Football	506 million	116 million	None (official)	622 million+
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Football	664 million	171 million	115 million	950 million+

Also Read: Top 10 Best Football Players in the World 2025 Revealed!

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