The World's Top 10 Highest-Earning Footballers on Instagram in 2025
In 2025, football’s biggest stars are turning their Instagram channels into multimillion-dollar empires.
In the golden era of social media, the world's most iconic footballers have transcended their on-field exploits to become digital powerhouses.
The meteoric rise of footballers as influencers highlights the seamless blend of sports, lifestyle, and digital marketing, with these athletes leveraging their vast followings for hefty paydays.
These players, spanning both active legends and retired greats, dominate Instagram’s landscape, commanding six to seven figures per sponsored post.
Game Set & Match highlights the top 10 of the world’s highest-earning footballers on Instagram.
Mohamed Salah — $232,500 per post
The majestic Egyptian has solidified his place as a Liverpool great and a global football icon. With 64.1 million followers, Salah is the most-followed African footballer worldwide and holds the top spot as the Premier League's most-followed player. His impressive engagement rate of 1.78% allows him to command $235,500 per sponsored post, showcasing his influence both on and off the pitch.
Sergio Ramos — $234,700 per post
A defensive legend of the 21st century, Ramos, though currently a free agent, continues to captivate fans. With 64.9 million followers and an impressive engagement rate of 1.47%, he earns approximately $234,700 per post. His Instagram feed balances his life as a family man with glimpses of his illustrious career.
Marcelo Vieira — $242,700 per post
Real Madrid and Brazilian football legend Marcelo boasts 67.9 million followers, leveraging his charm and career achievements to earn $242,900 per sponsored post. His posts, which often showcase his vibrant personality and memorable football moments, resonate deeply with fans worldwide.
Karim Benzema — $265,500 per post
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Al Ittihad captain continues to shine on and off the pitch. With 76.2 million followers and an engagement rate of 0.95%, Benzema commands $265,500 per sponsored post, making him one of the most bankable names in football.
Ronaldinho — $267,300 per post
A global icon and master of flair, Ronaldinho Gaúcho remains a beloved figure in football. The Brazilian legend’s 76.9 million followers on Instagram are a testament to his enduring appeal. The Barcelona legend rakes in around $267,300 per sponsored post, and his influence extends well beyond his playing days, celebrating his status as a cultural phenomenon.
David Beckham — $297,200 per post
The English football icon turned Inter Miami co-owner continues to set the standard for athletes in business and social influence. With 81.4 million followers, Beckham earns $297,200 per post, balancing endorsements, business ventures, and family content with his signature style. He is the most-followed British athlete on social media.
Kylian Mbappé — $383,800 per post
The French superstar, now lighting up Real Madrid, has since become a digital force. With 123.1 million followers and the highest engagement rate on this list at 3.26%, Mbappé earns an impressive $383,800 per post. His ability to connect with fans underscores his meteoric rise in the sport. He is the most followed French athlete in the world in 2025.
Neymar Jr. — $615,500 per post
A trailblazer both on the pitch and online, Neymar ranks as Brazil’s most followed individual. With 227.6 million followers and an engagement rate of 2.09%, the Al Hilal star commands $615,500 per post, showcasing his dynamic appeal to fans and brands alike. Neymar is the most-followed Brazilian citizen in the world.
Lionel Messi — $1.1million per post
The Argentine maestro and 8-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to captivate with his unmatched legacy. Messi’s 505.1 million followers make him the second most followed individual globally. The Inter Miami captain is the second most-followed individual on Instagram, and the no.1 most-followed South American on the platform. Messi makes an estimated $1.1 million per sponsored post on Instagram, with an engagement rate of 1.23% per post.
Cristiano Ronaldo — $1.4million per post
At the pinnacle is Ronaldo, a phenomenon whose global appeal has no equal. With an astonishing 648 million followers, he earns a staggering $1.4 million per post—the highest for any individual in the world—with an engagement rate of 1.47% per post.
The Al Nassr captain and five-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks no.1 for the most-followed footballer on Instagram, most-followed athlete on Instagram, most-followed European on Instagram, and the most-followed Individual overall in the world on the platform. Ronaldo epitomizes the fusion of athletic excellence and digital dominance.
Methodology
This ranking by Game Set & Match was created by compiling a list of the world’s most-followed footballers in 2025, using data from publicly available Instagram accounts. Earnings per post were calculated using Inzpire’s Instagram pricing calculator, factoring in the number of followers and engagement rates. Engagement rates were calculated based on the average likes, comments, and shares relative to total follower count.