Football has millions of fans all over the world, no doubt, with packed stadiums in Europe and all around the world, through the bustling streets, the sport can't be ignored. Many players, over the years, have gone beyond just being a great consideration for a list of footballers; to them, football is a life.
Their achievements, caliber, and charisma secure them as part of the historians of the game. In this article, we'll be taking a look at the 10 most famous footballers in the world. These players are not only brilliant with their feet, but they're also recognized for their off-the-field deeds, endorsements, and particularly for their global influence.
10 Most Popular and Famous Footballers in the World
10. Erling Haaland
9. Mohamed Salah
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovich
7. Sergio Ramous
6. Karim Benzema
5. David Beckham
4. Ronaldinho
3. Neymar Jr.
2. Lionel Messi
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
10. Erling Haaland
The Norwegian forward gained worldwide attention at the age of 19 when he was with Red Bull Salzburg, but his trump card came through for him when he joined Borussia Dortmund, where he deluged with goals flooding on, to mention a few years in the Champions League.
Haaland signed with English Premier League champions Manchester City during the summer of 2022. In his first season, he helped deliver the club its first-ever treble by scoring a staggering 52 goals in just 53 games, thereby shattering the Premier League record for the most goals in a single season.
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As of February 2025, Erling Haaland is really causing a storm in football with his stunning finishing, strength, and movement at only 24 years of age. He plays for Manchester City and has broken various goal-scoring records since his maiden Premier League season. He’s fast approaching the list of football players with 100 or more premier league goals.
He arguably is the best striker in the world at this moment, with 270 goals after 325 senior appearances, while also being one of the faces of Nike. With his insatiable appetite for success, almost 100 million and growing followers, one can foresee the stranglehold he will have over world football for the next several years.
9. Mohamed Salah
Supposedly striving as an underestimated player at Chelsea earlier in his career, Salah braved the English Premier League with Liverpool in 2017 and became the Golden Boot winner in his first season, netting 32 goals a league record at that time.
He has since scored 236 goals in well over 380 appearances in the red, simply winning the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League with them. For millions in Egypt and beyond, Mohamed Salah is a symbol of hope and success.
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Ever since Salal has joined Liverpool, he has stamped himself as one of the world's best forwards, showcasing more than one football prowess, and guiding the club to the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League triumphs.
His finishing, pace, and modesty made him a darling of the fans. Salah is much more than a football player, known for his charitable work and positive impact on society worldwide.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovich
"Lions Don't heal like humans, but do they entertain in social media fame like humans? Apparently, according to the ageless Zlatan Ibrahimovic's popularity, they do! Zlatan Ibrahimović, born in 1981, is famed Swedish football player, recognized for extraordinary dexterity, confidence, and acrobatic goals-a rare quality.
He pursued his career from Malmö FF and subsequently attained great repute at Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and finally in the LA Galaxy. He has enjoyed titles of champions in various countries and set a benchmark by scoring over 500 career goals.
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With a charming, audacious personality, and aptitude for incredible goals, no wonder why he has a huge social following of over 120 millions dedicated fans all over the globe, making him one of the most famous footballers in the world. Although injuries have slowed him down, he still played at an elite level for a while well into his 40s and defined his legacy as one of football's most exceptional and dominating forwards.
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7. Sergio Ramous
Since Sergio Ramos began his career in 2004 for Sevilla before his transfer to Real Madrid in 2005, the Spanish star has willfully made himself one of the best defenders of all time. He had an opportunity to add a La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophy scoreline in a high profile encounter where he scored crucial goals-including in 2014 Champions League final.
Son of Spain's Commander of a Golden Era as captain, he between 2006-2012, has made it possible for the country of Spain to win the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and two Euro cups in 2008 and 2012 respectively.
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Tough, passionate, and competitive mentality make him one of the legendary figures of football history. He comes in at number seven on the list with over 129 million followers.
6. Karim Benzema
Benzema has had a glorious career filled with many Madrid titles, apart from La Liga and UEFA Champions League. Known for his intelligence, finishing, and link-up play throughout the years, he proved to the world that he was worthy of the title of greatness and more so one of the world's greatest footballers when he was handed the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
Now playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where he commands a wide respect and fame. His supporters can continue following his adventures in Saudi Arabia, where he has been playing now for a year and a half and continues to shine with his goal-scoring talents wearing the colours of Al-Ittihad. Currently on 485 goals after playing 939 football games throughout his career.
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Karim Benzema may have lost his spotlight at Real Madrid and not have chances in the Champions League anymore, but he still is among the - French - players most loved and followed on the planet.
5. David Beckham
David Beckham, who was born in 1975, is an English football icon notable for both his pin-point passes and curling free-kicks, and has an extra dose of global appeal. He made a name at Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles and joining the team to help win the historic treble of the UEFA Champions League in 1999.
This move led him to Real Madrid, capturing La Liga in 2007 and then heading to LA Galaxy, also contributing immensely to boost Major League Soccer. Also had his stint under the Milan jersey for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain before retirement in 2013. He captained the England national team three times at the FIFA World Cup.
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His style and success made him one of the most famous athletes in history. Even without social media's participation, Becks was always a celebrity. Aside from playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan, he was a true superstar, popular all over the world.
Indeed, his fashions were worn worldwide, and the former England captain was most likely then one of the most marketable faces in soccer. It's not surprising that he continues to be one of the most popular footballers on social media right now.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé burst onto the scene as a teenager and one of football top players, winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018. His blistering pace, composure in front of goal, and leadership qualities have made him a standout star.
Mbappe has scored five goals in World Cup finals, from only two tournaments: he netted twice against Croatia in 2018 to win it 4-2 and later became only the second player to score a hat trick in the final in 2022, although this time France lost to Argentina on penalties.
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Besides, the forward has an enormous deal with Nike and was ranked third among the highest-paid athletes by Forbes in 2023. Playing for PSG, he has dominated French football and is often seen as the next big superstar after Messi and Ronaldo.
His potential move to a bigger European club and huge following of over 123 million fans keeps the footballing world on edge, further amplifying his fame.
Also see: Messi vs Ronaldo: Who is Better in Career Goals and Stats?
3. Neymar Jr.
With over 407 million followers, there is hardly any entrance possible for this football legend that Brazil has produced. Neymar Junior is one shining star among all. Encapsulating the dribbles, penetration, and eye for goal, Neymar has become one of the most entertaining players of his generation.
Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain(PSG), and Al Hilal clubs have had their catch on him. Although the last two to three years have not been the kindest to him, Neymar remains one of the most well-known and talked-about football players of the 21st century.
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He was voted South American Footballer of the Year in 2011 while still at Santos and had four highly successful seasons with Barcelona, before becoming the world's most expensive footballer upon signing for Paris Saint-Germain for £200m in 2017.
He has various domestic titles lined up and crowned for his country with their ever-hungered Olympic gold medal in 2016. With the huge following worldwide and numerous brand endorsements, Neymar is one of the superstars of football.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is perhaps considered the best football player ever to grace the sublime game of soccer, having absolutely dazzled and got his fans to sing for him for over two decades. The Diego Maradona of this century has an incredible dribbling ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess.
From dressing in the gala scoops of Ballon d'Ors to league titles with Barcelona, clinching one with Argentina at the Copa America in 2021 in an emotional moment, he realized his lifelong dream in 2022 as he guided Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup, with seven goals and won the Best Player award.
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His Instagram post after the match is the most liked photo in the history of the platform, garnering over 75 million likes, further burning shining his legendary status. Currently, he plays in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami, and his global appeal continues growing.
He has been one of the highest-paid athletes in the world quite often; he has been the face of Adidas since 2006 and, notably, he became only the second footballer in history to reach the $1 billion mark in earnings in 2020. He has a staggering social following of over 526 million followers.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play football with commitment, and athleticism. Apart from the unmerciful work ethic and the bloodthirst to succeed, a long string of years Cristiano has dominated European football between Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus before moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Winning the Ballon D'Or five times, he holds an impressive number of goal-scoring records, being the all-time main scorer in UEFA Champions League.
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With football not being his only virtue, he also ranks one of the most-followed athletes on social media. Currently the most followed on Instagram and Facebook, and the most followed athlete on X/Twitter. He has a total social following of over 791 million under his belt.
He became the first soccer player to earn more than $1 billion in his professional career. CR7, the brand with Ronaldo's initials and jersey number, has transformed the world of fashion into a museum in addition to inspiring Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, which inspired the airport in Cristiano Ronaldo's hometown in Madeira to be renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport.
Conclusion
These football players have moved from movable elements to fixed departures to becoming globe icons in their right. In record-breaking performances, dazzling skills, or sheer perseverance, each has contributed to making football the beautiful game.
With their larger-than-life persona, they have gone beyond the pitch into cultural readings, inspiring millions across the globe. While football is evolving and ever-changing, new stars will rise, but the legacies of these players will last in the hearts of people for ages to come.
In all, whether one is a die-hard fan or an occasional observer, these greats are epitomes of commitment, determination, commitment, genuine excitement, and talent to put up such a splendid show on the pitch.
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Who's better, Messi or Ronaldo?
While Ronaldo edges Messi in total club goals, the Portuguese star has played significantly more games, having begun his career two years earlier, giving Messi the edge with a superior goal-to-game ratio.