NEW DELHI: Cristiano Ronaldo has officially hit a mind-blowing milestone—1 billion social media followers across all platforms! The Portuguese football icon, who captains Al Nassr, shared his gratitude on Thursday with a heartfelt message to his fans.
Ronaldo, turning 40 next February, built a social media empire with 639 million Instagram followers, 170 million on Facebook, and 113 million on X (formerly Twitter).
In addition, he recently launched a YouTube channel called “UR · Ronaldo,” which became the fastest channel to hit 1 million subscribers and has now amassed over 60 million.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who also became the first men’s player to score 900 official goals this month, promises there’s more to come. “The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together,” he added.
With 639 million Instagram followers, Ronaldo reigns supreme on the platform. Here’s a look at the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts as of September 14, 2024:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) — 639 million followers
Cristiano Ronaldo, the football legend from Portugal, has cemented his place as the most followed person on Instagram. Known for his incredible career with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, Ronaldo regularly shares updates about his life on and off the field. From family moments to fitness tips, luxury lifestyle, and milestones, his Instagram offers fans a peek into the life of one of the world’s greatest athletes.
2. Lionel Messi (@leomessi) — 504 million followers
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi is a close second in follower count, proving his global appeal. Now playing for Inter Miami, Messi’s Instagram chronicles his illustrious career, which includes winning seven Ballon d’Or awards and leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. His posts are a mix of family life, football achievements, and moments of joy with teammates, drawing in millions of fans who idolize the GOAT of football.
3. Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) — 424 million followers
Selena Gomez, an American singer and actress, is the most followed woman on Instagram. Known for her chart-topping music, acting career, and advocacy for mental health awareness, she connects with fans through candid posts about her personal struggles and triumphs. Gomez’s authenticity, along with her successful beauty line, Rare Beauty, and philanthropic efforts, have made her a beloved figure on the platform.
4. Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner) — 396 million followers
Reality TV star and business mogul Kylie Jenner has built an Instagram empire, largely driven by her cosmetic brand, Kylie Cosmetics. Jenner shares everything from glamorous photoshoots to behind-the-scenes moments with her children, keeping her massive audience engaged. Her strategic use of social media has played a significant role in her rise as one of the youngest self-made billionaires.
5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (@therock) — 395 million followers
Dwayne Johnson, affectionately known as “The Rock,” is a retired wrestler turned Hollywood superstar. His Instagram is a mix of motivational posts, fitness routines, and family moments, making him one of the most relatable celebrities online. Johnson’s authenticity, paired with his successful acting career and various business ventures, continues to drive his massive following.
6. Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) — 376 million followers
Ariana Grande, a singer and actress, has amassed a vast following thanks to her powerhouse vocals and charismatic online presence. Grande uses her Instagram to share snippets of her life, including behind-the-scenes from tours, music releases, and personal reflections. Her engaging posts about her career and advocacy for important causes make her a favorite among fans worldwide.
7. Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) — 360 million followers
Kim Kardashian West is a reality TV icon turned business mogul. She shares her life as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for criminal justice reform. Known for launching successful ventures like KKW Beauty and SKIMS, Kardashian’s Instagram feed is a blend of high-fashion looks, family photos, and snapshots of her thriving businesses. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, making her one of the top figures on social media.
8. Beyoncé (@beyonce) — 316 million followers
Beyoncé, the global music sensation, maintains a level of mystique with her selective Instagram posts. Known for her fiercely private personal life, Beyoncé shares occasional glimpses of her life as a mother, wife, and music icon. Her posts often coincide with major projects, like album releases and fashion collaborations, making every post a highly anticipated event for the BeyHive.
9. Khloé Kardashian (@khloekardashian) — 306 million followers
Khloé Kardashian, another member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, captivates her audience with posts about fitness, fashion, and family. She’s known for her transparency about personal struggles and body positivity, which resonates with her followers. Her successful brand, Good American, and her journey as a mother make her a highly relatable and influential figure on Instagram.
10. Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) — 294 million followers
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber has remained a social media powerhouse since his rise to fame. On Instagram, Bieber shares updates about his music, spirituality, and personal life with wife Hailey Baldwin Bieber. Known for being candid with his fans, Bieber often reflects on his journey from teenage pop star to global music icon, connecting deeply with his vast and loyal fanbase.