Campus Business (September 13, 2024) – Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved yet another milestone, becoming the first person to reach a staggering 1 billion followers across his social media platforms. This figure is a combination of his followers on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Chinese platforms Weibo and Kuaishou. |

While the 1 billion figure accounts for his total presence across these platforms, it doesn’t necessarily mean 1 billion unique followers, as many people follow Ronaldo on multiple platforms, and some accounts may be bots. However, social media expert Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight called the achievement a “staggering number” that is sure to attract media and brands.

“What an achievement, and it further underlines the fundamental shift taking place in media,” Pescatore told the BBC, adding that it highlights Ronaldo’s ability to connect with younger audiences through technology.

Ronaldo’s latest milestone was boosted by the rapid growth of his recently launched YouTube channel, which amassed 50 million subscribers in just one week. The channel features personal content, including conversations with his wife Georgina Rodríguez and former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

A Rivalry Beyond the Pitch

On the pitch, Ronaldo has long been known for his rivalry with Lionel Messi, but off it, Ronaldo’s dominance on social media is unmatched. Messi, for comparison, has 623 million followers, far behind Ronaldo’s total.

Some of the other top celebrities in the social media race include:

• 690 million: Selena Gomez, actor/singer
• 607 million: Justin Bieber, singer
• 574 million: Taylor Swift, singer
• 557 million: The Rock
• 551 million: Kylie Jenner
• 508 million: Ariana Grande

In comparison, MrBeast, the top YouTuber globally, has a combined total of 543 million followers, while WWE’s combined social media presence stands at 268 million, just a quarter of Ronaldo’s audience.

Breaking Records On and Off the Pitch

Ronaldo’s achievements extend far beyond social media. Last week, the football star became the first player to score 900 career goals at the top level, adding another chapter to his record-breaking career. He is also the top scorer in Uefa Champions League history, has the most goals in the European Championship, and holds the record for most international appearances.

With his growing presence across platforms, including YouTube, Ronaldo’s reach is expected to continue expanding. Unlike some of his competitors, he’s not yet on TikTok or Threads, leaving room for even more growth.

Earnings Leader

In addition to his social media success, Ronaldo continues to dominate in terms of earnings. According to Forbes, Ronaldo’s total earnings for 2024 have reached an impressive $260 million, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world.

As Ronaldo continues to break records on and off the field, his influence shows no signs of slowing down.