Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo during the match against West Ham United in Manchester, England, January 22, 2022.

Social media is becoming an important tool for footballers and gives them a vast platform to interact with fans around the world.

In general, footballers are increasingly addicted to Instagram and the world’s top players have built a following that is larger than the teams they play for.

Here are the 10 most followed football players on Instagram, past and present.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Manchester United (MU) star achieved the incredible number of 401 million followers, more than anyone else in the world.

There was serious hype following his surprise return to Old Trafford in the summer, but United’s season has not gone well, despite Ronaldo scoring 14 goals.

2. Lionel Messi

Arguably the greatest player of all time, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has 307 million followers. This number is higher than the population of many countries.

Messi had a difficult first season away from Barcelona following his surprise transfer to PSG in the summer of 2021, but he is finding his form as he prepares to face arch-nemesis Real Madrid in the round of 16. Champions League.

3. Neymar

One of the best players of his generation and the most expensive footballer of all time, Neymar has become a household name worldwide since he burst onto the scene as a teenager. at Santos.

With a whopping 170 million followers, the Brazilian superstar is enjoying life at PSG, but he has also been plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

4. David Beckham

England will likely never have a famous player as influential as David Beckham again.

Having played for some of the world’s biggest clubs, Beckham remains one of the biggest names in sport nearly nine years since he retired from PSG, and has 71.1 million followers.

5. Kylian Mbappe

One of the best young players ever, Mbappe has developed into one of the best players in the world at just 23 years old.

Moving to PSG for more than £120 million, there are rumors that Mbappe, who has 66 million followers, will join Real Madrid when his contract in Paris expires this summer.

6. Ronaldinho

Considered one of the greatest on-field artists during his playing days, the Brazilian is still enjoying the lifestyle that took away a few years of his peak.

Ronaldinho has 63.4 million followers and considering the clubs he has played for, it is no surprise that he is one of the most popular players on the planet.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

A striker who continues to defy his age, Ibrahimovic has 52.2 million followers and even at 40 years old, he can’t resist using Instagram to showcase his abilities (and ego).

8. Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid legend, who joined PSG in the summer of 2021, has 49.4 million followers, but had a difficult first season in France, with just five appearances in all competitions.

9. Mohamed Salah

Salah has 23 goals and 9 assists in 27 games this season for The Reds, and is still at his peak, with 48 million followers.

10. Gareth Bale

A player often criticized by the Spanish press for lack of focus at Real Madrid, the Welsh superstar has 46 million followers and often posts content about him on… the golf course.