Overview
- A post-tournament analysis published this week found Erling Haaland added about 32.1 million Instagram followers and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha gained about 29.4 million, with Jude Bellingham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi also posting large raw increases.
- Sportico’s data show those raw follower gains often did not align with pay, with Ronaldo among the highest-earning players while Vozinha began the tournament with only thousands of followers.
- Haaland’s jump complements an estimated $80 million in earnings over the past year and a long Manchester City contract, which together boost his immediate appeal to global brands.
- Screenshots circulated of Ronaldo’s verified account liking a video that alleged FIFA favored Argentina, the interaction later disappeared and the player has not publicly confirmed or denied it.
- The World Cup concentrated global attention into a few matches and moments, which can lift unknown players into new sponsorship talks and change earnings opportunities for athletes and their agents.