Instagram has progressed beyond being just another social media platform. Facebook’s (now Meta) subsidiary has broken down all global and age barriers to unite everyone. According to studies, the average Instagram user spends about 28 minutes on the platform.
The same has paved the way for various brands, products, and large to small businesses to establish a presence on Instagram and expand their reach. Instagram is also a destination where celebrities interact with their fans, and fans get a glimpse into their celebrities’ daily lives.
From movie stars to sports figures, almost everyone uses Instagram because it is regarded as the best medium for staying current. Celebs are paid handsomely for their posts, connecting with fans and posting about their daily lives.
Let’s take a look at that in this article.
Top 5 sports stars with the highest earnings per Instagram post
Number 5: LeBron James (Basketball) – $474,000
LeBron James, also known as King James, is arguably the most well-known NBA player. On Instagram, he has over 102 million followers. Basketball is a niche sport that is not widely popular outside the United States. However, that was never an impediment to LeBron James becoming a global celebrity.
LeBron James is well-known for his fitness regimen. He is a top athlete who devotes significant time and money to his fitness goals. The Power Forward from Ohio is a global sporting icon, and it is estimated that the NBA star earns around $474,000 per Instagram post.
Off the court, the Los Angeles Lakers star is just as well-known.
Number 4: Virat Kohli (Cricket) – $680,000
Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His impressive stats match his reputation, making him one of Instagram’s most followed sports stars.
Cricket, another niche sport, does not have the same reach as football. Despite this, Virat Kohli has a much larger fan base than many football players. Kohli has 168 million followers and is India’s most-followed personality.
Many factors contributed to the star’s widespread fame and popularity on the social media platform. Among these are his roles as captain of the Indian cricket team, fitness enthusiast, and husband to famous Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. His ad-stint with Cristiano Ronaldo for several brands aided his social media growth.
Number 3: Neymar Jr (Football) – $824,000
Since his days at Santos, Neymar Junior has been the talk of the town regularly. Neymar’s career has been nothing but positive. He began as a boy in the Brazilian league who could do wonders with his dribbling skills. With Barcelona, he conquered Europe alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Transferring to PSG as the most expensive footballer in history was another turning point. 2017 saw his €222 million move to Paris. Neymar is admired on and off the field.
Neymar is a brilliant player that plays for a prominent club and the national squad. The 29-year-old is known for his outrageous hairstyles and stylish sense.
Young people globally copy his style and haircuts. Neymar’s Instagram followers number 165 million.
Number 2: Lionel Messi (Football) – $1,169,000.
In the glamorous football world, the Argentine has made a name for himself regarding skill and money. Lionel Messi has consistently been one of the world’s highest-paid sports figures.
Wages, brand deals, endorsements, and, of course, Instagram all contribute significantly to his income. According to reports, the former Barcelona captain earns approximately $1,169,000 per Instagram post.
Messi’s special skill set and his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo have elevated him to arguably the most famous footballer of all time. Messi’s Instagram feed is filled with pictures from his private time with family and friends.
Number 1: Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) – $1,604,000
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed person on Instagram, with 367 million followers. He doesn’t need an introduction to show why he’s so popular online. Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of fitness, and at the age of 36, he outperforms a 22-year-old.
As a result, he is regarded as a fitness icon, and the Portuguese captain has a sizable fan base. Nike is the frontrunner among global brands that have signed the former Real Madrid player as a brand ambassador.
Cristiano Ronaldo lives a simple life away from the field, spending most of his time with his family. Ronaldo’s Instagram post, where he announced his partner’s pregnancy, has the second most likes.
