By In a world of diverse languages, cultures, and traditions, there is a universal language that is understandable across all boundaries, that is, sports. Everyone has one favourite sport and a sports person regardless of the origin country. Some of the most popular athletes in the world hold a special place in their fans’ hearts.
If you are curious to know which are the most famous sports person in the world, follow this blog. Here, you will know the popularity of famous sports personalities based on their fan following.
| Ranking | Athlete Name | Sports | Country | Instagram Following (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | Portugues | 604 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Football | Argentina | 487 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | Cricket | India | 258 |
| 4 | Neymar | Football | Brazil | 214 |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappe | Football | France | 108 |
| 6 | Karim Benzema | Football | France | 74.08 |
| 7 | Marcelo Vieira | Football | Brazil | 65.3 |
This name is synonymous with football excellence. He has always highlighted his nation’s name with his incredible football skills and athleticism. His staggering number of goals, numerous awards and remarkable consistency have earned him a place on the list of the most popular athletes in the world.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is another football legend who has captured the hearts of millions with his extraordinary on-field skills. His mesmerising dribbling, exquisite playmaking and goal-scoring talent have made him a household name in football. Messi’s popularity is not limited to his own country; he is regarded as the second most famous sports person in the world, with over 400 million Instagram family.
Virat Kohli
India’s star and the favourite cricketer of many cricket fans, Virat Kohli, is the third most popular player in the world based on Instagram fans. He is an outstanding cricket player like Sachin Tendulkar and Chris Cayle. Due to his tremendous batting and captaincy, he ranks fifth on the list of most popular athletes in the world.
Neymar
Brazilian football sensation Neymar is not just a footballer but a showman. Known for his dazzling dribbling and creative flair, Neymar has captured the attention of millions of fans in a short time. He ranks fourth on the list of the most popular athletes in the world because of his exceptional on-pitch skills. No matter which team he plays for, his presence guarantees excitement and entertainment.
Kylian Mbappe
As per his Instagram followers, Kylian Mbappe is the fifth most famous sports person in the world. He is also the third highest-paid athlete in the world. However, this has nothing to do with the popularity of any sportsperson. The major reason for his popularity is his skills, awards, and brand ambassadors.
Karim Benzema
The next sportsperson on the list of most popular athletes in the world is Karim Benzema. He is not only a famous personality but also a great football player. Regarded as one of the best strikers of all time, Karim is the most creative player known for his goal-scoring ability, along with technical skills, vision, and versatility.
Marcelo Vieira
Marcelo Vieira is a Brazilian football goalkeeper who has won millions of fans with his football skills. His leadership and on-field skills make him one of the most popular athletes in the world. His journey started from nowhere and has reached the sky. He has become a legend of football and inspired the aspiring generation seeking a sports career.
The world of sports is a stage where athletes become global icons and rule the hearts & minds of their fans. The aforementioned athletes are not just GOD for their fans but have left an indelible mark on the global sports landscape. They earned this much recognition through their hard work and personality and became an inspiration to the upcoming generation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the world's highest-paid athlete?
As per Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world, with a $136 million net worth in 2023.
Who is the most famous Indian sports personality?
From Manpreet Singh to Virat Kohli, India has several famous sportspersons who contribute to Indian sports and make the nation proud.
Who is the best football player in the world?
Lionel Messi is considered the best football player in the world based on his number of goals and achievements. He has a record of 802 goals and 42 trophies in his name.
Who are the billionaires athletes in the world?
Vince McMahon (Wrestler), Michael Jordan (NBA player) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) are a few billionaire sports personalities.
