The world of sports has seen a significant shift with athletes becoming global social media icons. Their online presence, fueled by record-breaking moments and off-the-field endorsements, now reaches millions of fans worldwide. This article covers the most trending athletes on social media and the moments that defined their stardom.
Lionel Messi: The Instagram King
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football sensation, has dominated both the football field and social media. His 2021 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain broke the internet, and his Instagram post celebrating Argentina’s Copa America win became the most-liked sports-related post with over 22 million likes. Messi’s reach extends to over 485 million followers on Instagram alone, making him the most-followed athlete on the platform.
Messi finally won his first major international trophy with Argentina in 2021, after a long-awaited victory. His emotional celebration resonated with fans, amassing over 22 million likes on Instagram.
When Messi announced his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, his social media following surged by millions. The post garnered 21 million likes within hours, marking one of the most explosive moments in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Breaking Records on and Off the Field
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to setting records, both on the pitch and on social media. With over 600 million Instagram followers, he remains the most-followed person on the platform. Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 sparked waves of excitement across his fanbase, and his sponsored posts regularly fetch over $1 million each.
Ronaldo’s much-anticipated return to Manchester United sent shockwaves throughout social media. His announcement post received over 12 million likes, and within 24 hours, his jersey sales surpassed $60 million.
Ronaldo’s collaboration with brands extends to gaming and sports platforms. His partnership with DraftKings resulted in one of the most significant endorsement deals in history, with a multi-million-dollar contract, making it one of the most sought-after promo code campaigns. The DraftKings Promo Code became one of the most used codes in the sports betting industry.
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LeBron James: A Leader on and Off the Court
LeBron James has cemented his legacy not only in the NBA but also on social media. He boasts over 160 million Instagram followers and is known for using his platform to voice social justice issues and promote his ventures.
In 2020, LeBron led the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship. His Instagram post celebrating the victory racked up over 8 million likes, a testament to his influence and star power.
LeBron starred in Space Jam: A New Legacy, which premiered in 2021. His social media posts promoting the movie accumulated millions of engagements, further solidifying his brand beyond basketball.
Naomi Osaka: Redefining Athlete Activism
Naomi Osaka has become a global icon for her on-court success and her advocacy for mental health. With over 14 million followers on Instagram, Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete in the world, earning $60 million in 2021 from endorsements.
In 2021, Osaka made headlines when she withdrew from the French Open to focus on her mental health. Her decision sparked a global conversation, with her social media posts about the issue receiving widespread support.
Osaka’s partnership with Nike, valued at over $10 million per year, has been pivotal in reshaping conversations about athlete activism. Her posts in Nike campaigns often garner millions of engagements.
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Kylian Mbappé: The Rising Star of Global Football
Kylian Mbappé, at just 25 years old, has become one of the most influential athletes in the world. With over 120 million Instagram followers, Mbappé’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His social media presence grew exponentially after leading France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappé’s performances during the 2018 World Cup, especially in the final against Croatia, earned him widespread fame. His celebratory post after France’s win amassed over 5 million likes, catapulting him into global stardom.
In 2022, Mbappé signed a record-breaking contract renewal with PSG worth $220 million. His post announcing the deal received millions of engagements, underscoring his influence both on and off the pitch.
Simone Biles: The Gymnastics Legend
Simone Biles, regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, has also made her mark on social media. With over 7 million Instagram followers, she has used her platform to promote mental health awareness and female empowerment.
Biles made headlines at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when she withdrew from multiple events to focus on her mental health. Her social media posts explaining her decision were met with overwhelming support, garnering millions of likes.
Biles has secured several high-profile endorsement deals, including with Athleta and Visa, worth over $10 million combined. Her social media posts promoting these brands regularly see high engagement.
Serena Williams: Dominating Tennis and Social Media
Serena Williams, a tennis icon, boasts over 20 million Instagram followers. Her retirement from tennis in 2022 after 23 Grand Slam titles has only fueled her popularity online.
Serena’s emotional retirement post received over 4 million likes, as fans across the globe celebrated her incredible career.
Williams has also been a force in business, founding Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm with $111 million in funding. Her social media posts highlighting her entrepreneurial ventures resonate with millions.
Tom Brady: The NFL GOAT
Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest NFL player of all time, has over 14 million Instagram followers. His retirement and subsequent un-retirement in 2022 were some of the most talked-about moments on social media.
Brady’s victory in Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a monumental moment. His celebratory post garnered over 5 million likes, highlighting his enduring popularity.
Brady’s brief retirement announcement in 2022 attracted millions of interactions. When he reversed his decision weeks later, social media exploded once again.
Conor McGregor: The MMA Superstar
Conor McGregor, with over 45 million Instagram followers, is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports. His brash persona and success in the UFC have earned him a massive social media following.
McGregor’s fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in UFC 229 ended in a massive post-fight brawl, which went viral on social media. McGregor’s posts surrounding the event garnered millions of likes and comments.
In 2021, McGregor sold a majority stake in his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve, for $600 million. His announcement of the sale on social media received overwhelming attention.
Megan Rapinoe: A Voice for Equality
Megan Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion with the U.S. Women’s National Team, has leveraged her social media platform to advocate for gender equality. With over 2 million followers, she is a leader on and off the field.
Rapinoe’s social media posts about the fight for equal pay in women’s soccer have garnered widespread support. Her efforts led to a landmark equal pay deal for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2022.
Rapinoe’s posts celebrating her Olympic gold medal and World Cup wins have each attracted hundreds of thousands of engagements.