Erling Haaland experienced a significant surge in social media popularity during the recent World Cup, gaining 32.1 million new followers on Instagram, according to data from Sportico. The Manchester City striker now boasts a total of 72.7 million followers, making him the player with the largest follower increase throughout the tournament.
Haaland’s impressive performance with Norway, where he scored seven goals, undoubtedly contributed to his growing online presence. The increase in followers highlights the global reach and impact of the World Cup, particularly for high-profile players like Haaland.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also saw a substantial increase in his Instagram following, rising from 30,000 to nearly 29 million followers following his standout performances and increased visibility during the competition. However, his growth was eclipsed by Haaland’s remarkable gain.
France’s Michael Olise was the only other player to feature in the top ten, doubling his follower count from 5.2 million to 10.9 million. Olise’s unique arrival at the airport with a raccoon reportedly drew significant attention, potentially contributing to his increased social media engagement.
Norway also recorded the largest progression in the FIFA rankings among the nations participating in the tournament. Haaland’s success on the pitch and subsequent social media boom further solidify his position as one of football’s most marketable stars, and this increased profile could lead to further commercial opportunities for the player and Manchester City.
