The 2026 World Cup has seen five football players rise to remarkable social media stardom, fueled by their performances on the pitch and engaging personal stories. Among them, Erling Haaland stands out, having added 29 million followers to his Instagram account in the past 30 days, bringing his total to over 70 million. Analytics tool Social Blade projects his following to reach 75 million after the World Cup final and nearly 322 million by the end of the year.

Another notable story is that of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper for Cape Verde. His impressive defensive efforts helped prevent some of the world’s best teams from scoring against his nation. Vozinha’s mother was able to witness his performances in person after obtaining a US visa to attend the tournament. He humorously remarked that many people could not locate Cape Verde on a map before the World Cup, but the team’s standout showing in the group and knockout stages changed that perception.

Jude Bellingham, aged 23, has also experienced a surge in popularity, gaining nearly nine million followers in the past month. His online presence notably increased by three million followers in October after he openly discussed his struggles with mental health.

These players are not new to social media success; their followings have been growing steadily even outside the tournament. Their combination of athletic excellence and relatable personalities has captivated fans worldwide.

Source: Al Jazeera

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