- Haaland Emerges As Biggest Instagram Winner Of 2026 World Cup
- Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha added 29.2 million new Instagram followers.
- Ronaldo remains Instagram’s most followed athlete with over 677 million
Spain may have lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, but Norway striker Erling Haaland emerged as the tournament’s biggest winner on Instagram.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Haaland gained a staggering 32.1 million followers during the 39 day competition, according to figures released by Sportico on Monday, July 20.
The Norway striker’s performances on the pitch also contributed to his growing popularity. The 26 year old scored seven goals at the tournament, finishing joint third in the Golden Boot race alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Haaland ended the competition one goal behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi and two goals behind Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé.
He also played a key role in Norway’s run to the quarter finals, helping the country secure its first ever victory in a World Cup knockout match before reaching the last eight.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha finished second on the list of players who gained the most Instagram followers during the tournament.
The 40 year old became one of the surprise stars of the competition after producing an outstanding performance against eventual champions Spain in the group stage.
Vozinha made seven saves during the match, earned the Man of the Match award and helped Cape Verde hold Spain to a goalless draw.
His performance sparked a huge increase in his online popularity, with the goalkeeper gaining 29.2 million new Instagram followers during the tournament. Remarkably, 14 million of those followers were added within four days of the match against Spain.
Bellingham ranked third on the list after adding 12 million followers during the competition.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo followed in fourth place with 11.4 million new followers, while Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal completed the top five after gaining 11 million followers.
Despite ranking fourth in follower growth, Ronaldo remains the most followed athlete on Instagram, with more than 677 million followers.
Messi occupies second place with more than 514 million followers.
Brazil forward Neymar, who could have featured in his final World Cup, added 7.7 million followers to finish sixth on the list, narrowly ahead of Messi, who gained 7.5 million new followers during the tournament.
The remainder of the top 10 featured Mexico’s 17 year old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who gained 6.6 million followers, France winger Michael Olise with 5.7 million, and Brazil forward Endrick with 5.6 million.
Top 10 Players With The Biggest Instagram Growth During 2026 World Cup
Erling Haaland, Norway, 32.1 million new followers
Vozinha, Cape Verde, 29.2 million
Jude Bellingham, England, 12 million
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, 11.4 million
Lamine Yamal, Spain, 11 million
Neymar, Brazil, 7.7 million
Lionel Messi, Argentina, 7.5 million
Gilberto Mora, Mexico, 6.6 million
Michael Olise, France, 5.7 million
Endrick, Brazil, 5.6 million
