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It's the battle of the social media GOATs!
Probably one of the biggest differences between soccer in the early years of this century and now is the influence of social media.
While soccer stars have always had a reputation for living glorious lifestyles, the rise of various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok in the last decade has given fans direct access to their favourite players and their lives.
What this has meant is that the following and fandom of players has also increased manifold as these platforms help players engage with their fans in a personal fashion.
And it's fair to say we've seen many colourful social media posts from soccer players over the years!
From the below captivating post by Cristiano Ronaldo to Gerard Pique's now infamous 'Se Queda' post over Neymar's exit from Barcelona, there have been some legendary moments by soccer stars on social media.
In fact, the fandom on social media is such that many star footballers are more popular than the leaders of their country!
Let's take a look at some of the most popular soccer players in the world as of March 2023, across various social media platforms.
As an enthusiast deeply involved in the world of soccer, particularly concerning players' social media influence, I can confidently discuss the mentioned concepts.
The article touches upon the evolution of soccer's relationship with social media, highlighting the transformation of players into social media icons and the direct engagement it facilitates with fans. It specifically mentions Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Gerard Pique, and the significant impact they've made through their social media presence.
Let's break down the key elements:
Players:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: A global soccer superstar known not just for his on-field excellence but also for his strong social media presence across platforms like Instagram, where he regularly shares personal and professional moments, amassing a huge following.
- Lionel Messi: Another soccer legend who, like Ronaldo, enjoys a massive fan base on social media, often using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with his fans and share glimpses of his life.
- Neymar: Known for his flamboyant style both on and off the field, Neymar's social media presence is noteworthy, with incidents like his transfer saga from Barcelona highlighted through posts and interactions.
Clubs:
- Manchester United: A prominent football club, with Cristiano Ronaldo's return being a significant event, drawing immense attention and social media engagement.
- PSG (Paris Saint-Germain): A powerhouse club that attracts attention due to its star-studded lineup, including players like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and other high-profile signings.
- Real Madrid: Historically one of the most successful and followed clubs globally, boasting iconic players like Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, and Marcelo, each with their own social media following.
- Milan: Another historically significant club, with Zlatan Ibrahimović, a charismatic figure, contributing to the social media buzz surrounding the team.
Social Media Impact:
- Influence of Social Media: The article underscores how social media has transformed the fan-player relationship, allowing direct access and interaction, amplifying the players' influence far beyond the field.
- Engagement and Fandom: It highlights instances of notable social media posts by players, which have become iconic moments in the realm of soccer fandom, generating buzz and discussion.
The article essentially explores the fusion of soccer stardom and social media, showcasing how players leverage these platforms to not only engage with fans but also create moments that transcend the sport itself.
FAQs
Top 10 football players of all time
| Rank | Player | Trophies |
|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | 42 |
| 2 | Pele | 26 |
| 3 | Diego Maradona | 12 |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 34 |
6 more rowsNov 27, 2023
Who is better Messi Or Ronaldo? Ronaldo has scored a record number of international goals and appearances, but Messi has won more Ballon d'Or awards (8). Messi has spent most of his playing career in Spain and France, while Ronaldo has played in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy.
Who is the most popular men's soccer player? ›
| Characteristic | Total social media following in millions |
|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 832 |
| Lionel Messi | 559 |
| Neymar | 369 |
| Karim Benzema | 131 |
6 more rowsThe Portuguese forward has some 593 million followers on his personal accounts, with the Argentine having 375 million followers in total. Messi's total is down due to the fact he doesn't have a Twitter account. The findings come from UEFA, who include social media on their yearly football benchmark report.
Who is better than Messi? ›
Ronaldo has scored more club goals than Messi, but only just and it should be noted that the Al-Nassr star benefits from having played two more seasons than his Argentine nemesis thus far.
How many fans Messi have? ›
Instagram: 669 million. Cristiano Ronaldo: 662 million. Lionel Messi: 500 million.
Is Ronaldo a billionaire? ›
Per Forbes, Ronaldo became the first professional athlete ever to surpass the billion-dollar threshold just in career earnings in 2020, as his net worth is around $500 million according to some estimations that include wages, endorsem*nt deals, real estate, and advertisem*nts.
Who is better Pele or Messi? ›
Even though Pele never played in Europe, he is considered one of its greatest players. When it comes to attaining major hardware, Pele has a total of 26 such honors, including being a six-time Brazilian champion. Messi has a total of 44 trophies in his whole career. That's a new world record.
Who is faster than Ronaldo? ›
Top Speed: Ronaldo wins with 34 km/h vs. Messi's 32.5 km/h. Acceleration: Messi takes the lead, reaching top speed quicker. Average Speed: They're close, with Messi slightly ahead at 23 km/h vs.
Who is the richest player in the world? ›
The world's richest footballer is Faiq Bolkiah who has a whopping net worth of over $20 billion. Born into a wealthy home, Bolkiah boasts a wealth greater than the likes of Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi combined.
Why is Ronaldo more popular than Messi? ›
Ronaldo has received praise for his physical attributes, goalscoring skills, leadership and performance under pressure, while Messi is lauded for his combination of dribbling, playmaking, passing and goalscoring.
Is Ronaldo famous in USA? ›
How famous is Cristiano Ronaldo in the United States? - Quora. Only moderately so. Most sports fans have heard his name, and can probably identify him as a soccer player.
How many people likes Ronaldo? ›
Of the two athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the extra popular one. Ronaldo has 549+ million fans on Instagram, whilst LeBron James has 80+ million fans in Feb 2023 .
Who is No 1 football king? ›
God of Football | Know Who is Greatest Footballer of All Time 2024
| S. No | Player Name | Goals |
|---|
| 1 | Pele | 1279 |
| 2 | Diego Maradona | 293 |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | 826 |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 873 |
6 more rowsJan 10, 2024
The world's richest footballer is Faiq Bolkiah who has a whopping net worth of over $20 billion. Born into a wealthy home, Bolkiah boasts a wealth greater than the likes of Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi combined.
Who is the most skillful player in football history? ›
- Pele. The intense debate over different eras will go on, but Pele's "creativity, flair, and extraordinary ability to score goals" have stood the test of time.
- Diego Maradona. ...
- Ronaldinho. ...
- Lionel Messi. ...
- George Best. ...
- Neymar. ...
- Zinedine Zidane. ...
- Cristiano Ronaldo. ...
Walter Camp is credited with altering the rules of rugby to create the game of modern North American football we are familiar with today. The line of scrimmage, use of downs, point system, the number of players per side, and the creation of the quarterback position all stemmed from Walter Camp's influence.
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