Five football players who rose to social media stardom at the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup has not only showcased athletic prowess but also propelled several football players to massive social media stardom. While established stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar have seen continued growth, this tournament has created overnight sensations.

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Football’s biggest stars are giving an insider look into the World Cup, their training, and personal lives at the six-week tournament through social media, and for some of them, their following has grown by tens of millions.

Erling Haaland, the towering striker for the Netherlands, has captivated fans with his relatable and witty online persona. Described as "chronically online" when not playing, Haaland's authentic posts on Snapchat and Instagram, even featuring a taxidermied raccoon on his flight home, have set him apart from more curated celebrity accounts. His Instagram following has surged by 29 million in the past month, reaching over 70 million, with projections indicating further significant growth.

Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, is another feel-good story of the tournament. His heroic saves, including a standout performance against Spain that resulted in a surprising 0-0 draw, captured global attention. Following the match, his Instagram following exploded from 500,000 to nearly five million, now standing at 29.3 million. Vozinha humorously noted that many people couldn't locate Cape Verde on a map before the World Cup, but his team's performance has undeniably put the island nation on the map.

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It’s all thanks to his authentic posting style, compared with more carefully curated accounts that PR firms manage for similar high-profile personalities.

England's Jude Bellingham is also highlighted for his multifaceted appeal, combining good looks, a likeable personality, and contention for the Golden Boot. With a substantial 50 million Instagram following, Bellingham represents the modern athlete who excels both on and off the pitch, leveraging their platform to connect with a vast audience.

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The 40-year-old joked how most people couldn’t even point out Cape Verde on a map before the World Cup, but his team’s standout performance in the group stages and knockout match helped change that.