Every top football player in the modern era has a massive presence on social media platforms and Instagram is where fans can see what their favourite star is up to. Whether the actual footballers themselves control the accounts is up for debate, but their pages can still give an insight into their daily lives.

When it comes to footballers and Instagram, there is one thing that truly matters and that’s how many followers you have. In the world of social media stardom, footballers have to compete for eyeballs with other sportspeople and the big players from every other corner of the entertainment industry.

Some of the most popular figures in the world of football are rubbing shoulders with the likes of Selena Gomez and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Here are the most followed footballers on Instagram in 2025.

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20

Antoine Griezmann – 41 million

Though he has spent time with Barcelona and began his career with Real Sociedad, Antoine Griezmann is synonymous with Atletico Madrid more so than any other club that he has represented. The attacking midfielder, who retired from international duty last year, is one of the best players of his generation.

On social media, Instagram in particular, Griezmann has cultivated 41 million followers and his posts, of which there are over 1,000, are predominantly themed around football. Elsewhere, the attacking midfielder has made posts for brands or posts to share other activities he has participated in, such as podcasts.

19

Andres Iniesta – 43 million

In 2024, Andres Iniesta brought an end to his illustrious career after 24 years in the professional game. He ended his time as a player with Emirates after a six-year stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe, but of course, it was for his 18-year stretch as a Barcelona player for which he is most known.

Iniesta posts little to his Instagram that is not themed around football or family, a common theme for many entrants within this list. With a following of 43 million people, it is clear that the legacy Iniesta left behind will not be one forgotten any time soon.

18

Luis Suarez – 49 million

Now plying his trade alongside former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets with Inter Miami, Luis Suarez has had a long and storied career. From emerging as a prospect at Ajax, to further developing into a world-class player at Liverpool, an ability he then showcased with Barca for years.

On Instagram, Suarez has accumulated a following of just under 50 million people and if he is posting about something other than football, it tends to be family. The Uruguayan has well over 1,000 posts on the app, with uploads seemingly being relatively consistent.

17

Toni Kroos – 49 million

Though he did not achieve the fairytale ending that he desired on an international stage, there are certainly worse ways to retire than how Toni Kroos conducted his own. His final game saw him play against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final of 2024, helping Real Madrid achieve their 15th trophy in the competition.

Kroos’ retirement has done little to limit his following on Instagram, however, with the former Germany international having amassed almost 50 million followers on an account that is predominantly themed around football, with a focus on family also.

16

James Rodriguez – 53 million

There are very few players who are unanimously acclaimed by all football fans. James Rodriguez is certainly one of them. His popularity is reflected on the Colombian maestro’s social networks, and particularly on Instagram, where he has a community of over 53 million fans.

Among the various posts there are, of course, sports shots, but also snapshots of life with his family, as well as some commercial collaborations. It has to be said that with the many adventures he has had over the course of his career, the Cafetero has had ample time to win the hearts of his fans. And good for him.

15

Gareth Bale – 53 million

“Wales. Golf. Madrid.” Even before hanging up his boots, Gareth Bale had never hidden his passion for golf – much to the dismay of his clubs, but to the delight of his detractors. And so it’s only natural that the Welshman has become an inveterate player, as evidenced by his numerous publications in which he appears club in hand and hair in the wind, striding the greens of the world.

And judging by the snapshots he shares, the former Tottenham player still seems to have the upper hand on the Kingdom’s lawns. It’s like riding a bike, something that never gets lost. Especially for a player of Bale’s talent. Iconic.

14

Vinicius Jr – 54 million

In recent years, Vinicius Junior has steadily developed into becoming one of the best wingers in the world. Much was said of the decision to award the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri over the Brazilian international, who was seen as the leading light in a Real Madrid team that captured their 15th Champions League.

On Instagram, Vinicius has a follower base of over 50 million and his account generally consists of football-related images, such as photos taken of him during a match or snaps of him with either trophies or brands that he is advertising.

13

Paulo Dybala – 57 million

When, like Paulo Dybala, you’re considered one of the last No.10s on the pitch, there’s a great need to show it. And La Joya doesn’t hold back. On his Instagram page, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has posted a series of photos taken in the colors of his national team and Roma.

He’s a football fan, but not the only one, as shown by some of his posts in the company of his girlfriend. Some 57 million followers who are certainly not mistaken: Dybala is a jewel who must continue to be polished – even if the end of his career may not be far off.

12

Paul Pogba – 64 million

Paul Pogba is one of football’s most recognisable figures and is known for his extroverted personality on and off the pitch for various top clubs. The Frenchman leaned into his virtual influence, infamously becoming the first footballer to have his own emoji created in 2017 – although his fame has often been used by his legion of critics.

Winning the World Cup with France in 2018 is Pogba’s biggest career achievement to date, although since that not much has gone right for the Juventus ace. The former Manchester United playmaker was banned from football for four years in February 2024 after being found guilty of doping by Italian authorities.

11

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 64 million

Zlatan Ibrahimovic never lacked confidence on the pitch and has translated his carefully cultivated persona to the virtual world. In between repeatedly referring to himself as a god or some sort of jungle cat, the menacing forward posted a workout session with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev, perhaps hinting at a possible crossover into mixed martial arts.

Whether you love him or hate him, Zlatan has done something right on social media and his following continues to grow year by year. When the Swedish icon announced his retirement from professional football in June 2023 at the tender age of 41, Ibrahimovic posted the only photograph from his playing career which hangs in his home – a black and white shot of his two bare feet which made everything, including his hulking following, possible.