Brazilian football sensation Vinícius Júnior has emerged as the most popular athlete on social media, surpassing Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in online reach and engagement.
Over the past month, Vinícius has gained an astonishing 1.5 million new Instagram followers, while over 314,000 media reports covering him were uploaded worldwide.
The young Real Madrid forward’s hashtags on Instagram have amassed a total of 1.4 million mentions, reflecting his growing influence beyond the football field.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite ranking second in online popularity, continues to be recognized as one of the wealthiest athletes globally, according to Forbes.
In terms of global football rankings, Vinícius Júnior currently holds the 46th position, while Ronaldo maintains the top spot.
The report also highlights that footballers dominate the list of the world’s most popular athletes, with five of the top ten slots occupied by football stars.
French forward Kylian Mbappé ranks third among the most followed and discussed athletes online.
Vinícius Júnior’s rise demonstrates the growing power of digital platforms in shaping an athlete’s global reach, fan engagement, and personal brand, marking a significant milestone in his already impressive career.
