From Legends to Rising Stars: The 39 Most Followed Individual Athletes on Team Sports
Team sports have always captured the attention and passion of fans from around the world. The thrill of witnessing a group of individuals come together to achieve victory is something that resonates with people on a deep level. And within these teams, there are often standout players who possess a unique blend of skill, charisma, and determination that make them stand out from the rest. These athletes become the face of their team, and their popularity extends far beyond their home country, making them global icons.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the 39 most followed individual athletes on team sports, from legends who have solidified their place in history to rising stars who are making their mark on the world stage.
Legends:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer
With over 272 million followers on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in team sports. The Portuguese soccer player has won numerous accolades throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or awards, and is considered one of the best players in the world.
2. Lionel Messi – Soccer
Arguably Ronaldo’s biggest rival, Lionel Messi has a massive following of 222 million on social media. The Argentinean soccer star has spent his entire professional career with FC Barcelona and has won numerous titles, including six Ballon d’Or awards.
3. LeBron James – Basketball
LeBron James is not only one of the most followed athletes in team sports, but he’s also one of the most influential. With over 119 million followers, the NBA superstar has won four MVP awards and is known for his philanthropic efforts off the court.
4. Neymar Jr. – Soccer
Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian soccer player with a following of 156 million on social media. He is known for his impressive skills on the field and his playful personality off the field, making him a fan favorite.
5. Virat Kohli – Cricket
Cricket may not be as popular globally as other team sports, but Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has a massive following of 126 million. He is known for his aggressive style of play and has set numerous records in the sport.
6. Roger Federer – Tennis
Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player who has a following of 48.8 million on social media. He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with a record 20 Grand Slam titles.
7. Kevin Durant – Basketball
Another NBA superstar, Kevin Durant, has a following of 26.8 million on social media. He is known for his impressive scoring abilities and has won numerous titles, including two NBA championships.
8. Rafael Nadal – Tennis
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has a following of 22.9 million on social media. He is known for his dominance on clay courts and has won a record-breaking 13 French Open titles.
9. Stephen Curry – Basketball
Stephen Curry is known for his impressive three-point shooting abilities and has a following of 18.4 million on social media. He has helped lead the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships.
From Legends to Rising Stars: The 39 Most Followed Individual Athletes on Team Sports
10. Tom Brady – American Football
Tom Brady is one of the most well-known names in American football and has a following of 10.1 million on social media. He has won seven Super Bowl titles and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Rising Stars:
1. Kylian Mbappé – Soccer
At just 22 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already made a name for himself in the world of soccer. The French player has a following of 51.9 million on social media and has won numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Basketball
Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo has a following of 9.1 million on social media. He has won two NBA MVP awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021.
3. Naomi Osaka – Tennis
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka has a following of 8.8 million on social media. She has won four Grand Slam titles, including the US Open in 2020 and 2021.
4. Christian Pulisic – Soccer
American soccer player Christian Pulisic has a following of 8.2 million on social media. He became the youngest captain in the history of the US men’s national team in 2019 and has played for top clubs like Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.
5. Luka Dončić – Basketball
Slovenian basketball player Luka Dončić has a following of 7.3 million on social media. He has won numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year and being named to the All-NBA First Team.
6. Alexander Zverev – Tennis
German tennis player Alexander Zverev has a following of 5.8 million on social media. He has won four Masters titles and reached the finals of the US Open in 2020.
7. Erling Haaland – Soccer
Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland has a following of 5.5 million on social media. At just 21 years old, he has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
8. Zion Williamson – Basketball
Zion Williamson is a rising star in the NBA with a following of 5.2 million on social media. He was the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and has already been named an NBA All-Star.
9. Coco Gauff – Tennis
American tennis player Coco Gauff has a following of 2.8 million on social media. She became the youngest player to qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon in the Open Era and has won two WTA titles.
10. Phil Foden – Soccer
English soccer player Phil Foden has a following of 2.6 million on social media. He has won numerous titles with Manchester City and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2021.
These athletes not only excel in their respective sports but also have a massive following on social media, making them global superstars. They have become role models for aspiring young athletes and have inspired a new generation of fans to follow their favorite team sports.
In conclusion, from legends who have solidified their place in history to rising stars who are making their mark on the world stage, these 39 individual athletes on team sports have captivated the hearts and minds of fans from around the world. Their popularity and influence extend far beyond the field, court, or pitch, making them true icons in the world of sports.