The Saudi Pro League is now back under way, but it doesn’t appear to have been too much of a distraction for Cristiano Ronaldo — whose day job as an Instagram influencer has now seen him gain his 600 millionth follower.
Joking aside, social media is a big part of Ronaldo, the brand, and the Portuguese former world footballer of the year puts a lot of effort into the maintenance of the site to boost his image and also advertise his other business ventures.
Ronaldo is the most followed person in the world on Instagram and the first to hit the 600 million figure. While his on-pitch rival Lionel Messi may have got one over him by winning the World Cup — CR7 is still king of the ’Gram with Messi in second with 482 million followers.
The only account with more followers than the two footballers is Instagram’s own page, which has 650 million. Dua Lipa is the most followed Brit and is on 88.7 million.
Selena Gomez is the most followed woman with 427 million.
Here are the most followed accounts on Instagram in 2023 as of August 14.
Instagram (@instagram) — 651 million followers
It is only natural the site itself has the most followers — and 651 million now follow the house account.
The page promotes some of the hottest trends from across the site.
Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) — 600 million followers
At the age of 38, Ronaldo is still playing for Portugal and club side Al Nassr. He also remains the most popular figure on Instagram.
He uses the site to post pictures of his Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr and promote his non-fungible token (NFT) brand Binance.
Lionel Messi (@leomessi) — 482 million followers
Winning the World Cup with Argentina in December has made Messi more popular than ever and his pictures and reels of his training, game time, and family have a lot of reach.
He also uses his influence to promote his chief sponsor Adidas.
Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) — 427 million followers
The pop star is the most followed woman in the world and the first past 400 million.
Gomez promotes her music and films on the site, raises awareness about causes she supports, and posts personal pictures.
Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner) — 398 million followers
The model takes the prize of being the most followed in the Kardashian clan.
She uses the site to promote her beauty and cosmetic businesses.
Dwayne Johnson (@therock) — 388 million followers
The Rock is not far behind, with his workout videos proving popular among fellow gym buffs. His humour has also proved a hit.
He recently shared how he achieved balance in life, saying: “I learned to find those simple core things in my life that I run to and LOVE. Working out, my babies/family, driving my truck, enjoying a quiet tequila, hangin’ with my buddies. Simple stuff that can become powerful.”
Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) — 378 million followers
The US musician, actress, and businesswoman is one of the hottest names in pop and naturally commands a huge fanbase.
She typically shares pictures of her studio time, her dog, and film projects.
Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian) — 363 million followers
The socialite turned lawyer has many business ventures and often uses her Instagram to full effect with reels and images.
Beyoncé (@beyonce) — 315 million followers
Probably unbothered by not being top of this particular pop chart, the singer and inspirer’s ’Gram is currently showing the rewards of her recent awards season following on from her album Renaissance.
Khloe Kardashian (@khloekardashian) — 298 million followers
Completing the top 10 is the third Kardashian on the list, who is not far behind her sister.
