The intersection of sports and social media continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with top athletes leveraging their influence both on and off the field. A recent report from Hopper HQ has sparked discussions about the impressive earnings of renowned athletes through sponsored Instagram posts. The report revealed astounding figures attributed to athletes like Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
Hopper HQ’s viral report unveiled eye-popping figures, indicating the financial gains of athletes in the social media sphere. According to the report, Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, purportedly earned INR 11.45 crore for every sponsored Instagram post in 2023. However, Kohli has vehemently denied these claims, underscoring that the circulated news is inaccurate.
The report further highlighted the global hierarchy of celebrity earnings on Instagram. Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly earned a staggering USD 3.23 million (INR 26.75 crore) per sponsored post, was at the pinnacle of the list. Lionel Messi followed closely, charging USD 2.56 million (INR 21.49 crore) per post. Virat Kohli was the sole Indian athlete in the top 20, charging USD 1.38 million (INR 11.45 crore) for each post. His 256 million Instagram followers underscore the extent of his influence on the platform.
While I am grateful and indebted to all that I’ve received in life, the news that has been making rounds about my social media earnings is not true. 🙏
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 12, 2023
Mike Bandar, co-founder of Hopper HQ, expressed astonishment at the continual increase in annual earnings of athletes through Instagram. He emphasized the enduring power of traditional celebrity status compared to the emerging ‘influencer’ phenomenon. Bandar highlighted how superstars like Ronaldo and Messi dominate their respective sports and extend their influence into the digital realm. Their ability to personify personal branding’s potency underscores their substantial impact on the general public.
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Bandar said, “It’s still shocking that the annual money made on the platform increases yearly. Yet, what fascinates me more is the consistent players at the top. It’s apparent that the glitz and glamour of traditional celebrities still hold power over the new ‘influencer’ status. Ronaldo and Messi dominate the pitch and the digital sphere as it’s clear they personify the power of personal branding and the influence it holds over us ‘ordinary’ people.”
