World Cup turns five players into fast-rising social media stars

The 2026 World Cup has given several players a rapid lift on social media, with match performances, personal stories and behind-the-scenes posts driving millions of new followers. Reuters reported that the tournament has turned some players into online breakout names even as established stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar continued to grow their already large audiences.

Al Jazeera Sport highlighted five players whose online followings rose sharply during the competition: Erling Haaland, Vozinha, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Tim Payne. Their gains came through a mix of on-field impact, viral clips and personal moments shared during the six-week event.

Haaland adds nearly 30 million followers

Norway forward Erling Haaland has been one of the biggest online gainers of the World Cup, according to Reuters. Social Blade data cited by Al Jazeera Sport showed that Haaland added 29 million Instagram followers over the past 30 days, taking his account to more than 70 million.

Haaland’s posts have included dressing-room updates after wins, Snapchat stories and other informal material from the tournament, Reuters reported. Social Blade projected his Instagram account would reach 75 million after the World Cup final and nearly 322 million by the end of the year.

Vozinha becomes Cape Verde’s viral goalkeeper

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became one of the tournament’s standout personal stories after a string of saves in a 0-0 draw against Spain, according to Reuters. His performance helped keep Spain scoreless in Cape Verde’s opener and brought rapid attention to both the player and the island nation’s team.

Al Jazeera Sport reported that Vozinha’s Instagram following rose from about 500,000 to nearly five million within hours of that match. His account later stood at 29.3 million followers, with his posts continuing to draw millions of likes and interactions.

Reuters also noted the family element of his story: his mother eventually attended the World Cup in person after receiving a US visa. Vozinha, 40, joked that many people previously could not locate Cape Verde on a map, according to Al Jazeera Sport.

Bellingham’s audience grows during England run

England midfielder Jude Bellingham gained nearly nine million followers in the past 30 days, Social Blade data cited by Al Jazeera Sport showed. His Instagram audience reached about 50 million during a World Cup in which he was also discussed as a Golden Boot contender.

England’s campaign ended with a semifinal defeat, Reuters reported. Al Jazeera Sport also said Bellingham’s online profile had risen earlier, with a three-million-follower spike in October after he spoke publicly about mental health struggles.

Yamal’s profile rises before final

Spain forward Lamine Yamal entered the World Cup with a high profile after Spain’s UEFA 2024 title, and Reuters reported that his social presence has reflected his calm public image. His Instagram feed includes match photos, sponsorship posts, trophies and family pictures.

Al Jazeera Sport said Yamal had 49.6 million Instagram followers before Spain’s final against Messi’s Argentina on Sunday. His three-year-old brother Keyne also drew attention at stadiums during the tournament, while a 2007 UNICEF fundraising photo of Messi with Yamal as a child has circulated widely online.

Payne rides a pre-tournament viral push

New Zealand defender Tim Payne’s rise began before the World Cup, according to Reuters. Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsini, known online as “elscarso,” identified Payne as the least-known player at the tournament and encouraged followers to support his account.

Al Jazeera Sport reported that Payne’s Instagram following climbed from fewer than 5,000 to about 5.8 million. Payne later acknowledged the support in an Instagram video and met Scarsini at New Zealand’s team hotel in Boca Raton, Florida, before the tournament.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.