Who are the Top 10 Most Followed athletes on X/Twitter in 2024?

While Twitter has been rebranded as X since being purchased by Elon Musk, has long served as a platform for famous personalities to engage with their fans on a more personal level than other forms of social media.

From Roger Federer to Lewis Hamilton, from Alex Morgan to Tiger Woods, it allows their extensive fanbases to keep up to date with their favorite athletes.

Through their tweets, these athletes share insights into their rigorous training regimens, healthy lifestyles, and moments of triumph and adversity. Today we take a look at the 10 most followed athletes on X, formerly known as Twitter.

10. Gerard Pique: 20.6 million followers

Former Spanish football player Gerard Pique is at No.10 on the list, with 20.6 million followers on X/Twitter. He played as a center-back for La Liga club Barcelona, for almost his entire career. He has a massive fan following on all of his social media platforms.

Additionally, Pique’s ex-partner, Colombian singer Shakira, is a global icon in her own right. Pique is also recognized for his distinctive deep blue eyes and is associated with various brands. Beyond his endorsements, Pique is celebrated for his contributions to football and his on-field passion.

9. Ronaldinho: 21.5 million followers

The Brazilian ex-pro footballer and Barcelona ambassador, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, ranks 9th on this list with 21.5 million Twitter followers. He’s widely recognized as one of the greatest footballers ever, kicking off his career back in 1998 with a German team.

Known affectionately as Ronaldinho, he dazzled on the field as an attacking midfielder, bagging numerous accolades like the FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball, FIFA World Player of the Year, and FIFA Pro World Player of the Year.

8. Rohit Sharma: 22.7 million followers

Ranked at number 8 on the list with 22.7 million followers is Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. Sharma, who leads the Indian cricket team as captain, as well as the Mumbai Indians in the Premier League.

He boasts the record for the highest individual score in a One-Day International match, a staggering 264 runs. In 2019, he clinched the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for his remarkable performance, including five centuries in the 2019 World Cup. Additionally, he’s been honored with the Arjuna Award and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.

7. Andres Iniesta: 25.2 million followers

Ranked 7th on the list with 25.2 million followers is Spanish professional footballer and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta. He currently plays as a central midfielder for UAE Pro League club Emirates.

Widely hailed as one of the finest midfielders in football history, Iniesta is renowned for his ability to orchestrate play on the field. His career took flight in 2001 with Football Club Barcelona, where he also captained the team for three seasons. Iniesta stands as one of the most decorated footballers to have ever graced the sport.

6. Kaka: 29.2 million followers

Ranked at number 6 on the list is retired Brazilian footballer Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, more commonly known as Kaka. He started his football journey in 2001 with the Sao Paulo team. Kaka holds the distinction of being the first sportsperson ever to amass 10 million followers on Twitter, currently boasting 29.4 million followers.

Kaka’s appeal extended beyond the pitch, as he was celebrated for his charm and good looks, which significantly contributed to his popularity among football fans. Even in retirement, he remains one of the most handsome footballers of all time.

5. Sachin Tendulkar: 39.7 million followers

Legendary Indian cricket player Sachin Tendulkar is number 5 on this list. He served as captain of the Indian cricket team and is the most successful Indian cricketer in history. Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Tendulkar is adored worldwide and has a following of 39.7 million on X/Twitter.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tendulkar clinched multiple prestigious titles, with the pinnacle being India’s triumphant win in the 2011 World Cup. He’s been honored with the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award, Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World title, and one of the nation’s highest accolades, the Padma Shri award.

4. LeBron James: 52.8 million followers

Ranked at number 3 on this list is one of the most iconic basketball players of all time, LeBron James, boasting an impressive 52.8 million followers on Twitter. Regarded alongside legendary basketball greats, he currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

As one of the wealthiest athletes globally, James has amassed over $1 billion net worth throughout his remarkable 20-year career. He’s clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player award four times and boasts numerous other accolades, including four NBA Championships and NBA Finals MVP. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the most followed American athlete on X/Twitter.

3. Virat Kohli: 61.2 million followers

Coming in at number 4 is the former captain of the Indian cricket team and batsman for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli. Widely regarded as one of the premier batsmen of his generation, Kohli enjoys immense love and adoration from fans across India and around the globe, boasting a Twitter following of 61.2 million.

His illustrious career has been adorned with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy in both 2017 and 2018, along with honors such as the Arjuna Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India. Kohli tied the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, and they are one of the best power couples in world.

2. Neymar: 63.2 million followers

The Brazilian professional footballer Neymar Jr, renowned for his forward play, currently plays for the Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal and the Brazil National team. Famed for his remarkable speed and finishing prowess, Neymar also earns significantly through sponsorships for his social media accounts, boasting a massive following of 63.2 million on Twitter.

Best remembered for his illustrious stint at Barcelona, Neymar has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including the UEFA Champions League triumph as part of Barcelona’s continental treble in 2015. His exceptional talents have garnered him widespread respect and admiration from football enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: 110.6 million followers

Sitting at the top of the list at number 1 is Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best goal scorers of his generation. Not only does he hold the title of the most followed person on Instagram, but he also boasts an impressive 110.6 million followers on Twitter.

With five Ballon d’Or awards to his name, Ronaldo has won many prestigious awards such as the FIFA Pro Player of the Year. Despite being past his prime, Ronaldo maintains a significant fan base across various social media platforms, and he now plays for the Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr.

And in case if you are curious why Lionel Messi did not top this list, the reigning GOAT of football does not have a Twitter/X account yet. But yes, he does keep besting his rivals in Twitter polls every now and then.

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