By Juan Samuel Santana Chávez

The impact of the 2026 World Cup was not only reflected on the field but also in the digital realm. Once the tournament concluded, several footballers saw a notable increase in their social media follower communities, driven by their performances, memorable moments, and the international exposure provided by football's biggest event. Spain's victory and the performance of its key figures were decisive in leading this trend.

Statistics confirm that the World Cup continues to be the biggest stage for boosting footballers' global image. Players who shine in the competition not only increase their sporting and commercial value but also strengthen their presence on digital platforms, where millions of fans closely follow their careers. The follower growth recorded after the tournament reaffirms the close relationship between sporting performance and the media reach generated by a World Cup.

Here are some of those who achieved that increase: Vozinha (Cape Verde) Went from 50,000 to 29 million followers. Erling Haaland (Norway) 30 million new followers. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 11 million followers. Lionel Messi (Argentina) 5.6 million followers. Jude Bellingham (England) 4.2 million followers. Vinicius Jr (Brazil) 62.7 million followers.