10 most followed footballers on Facebook

Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique has always been one of the most outspoken players on social media
 

Football is the most popular games in the world and it isn’t a surprise that some of these stars are the most followed athletes in the sports fraternity. The popularity of football across the globe ensures these players have millions of supporters and fans.

In the earlier days, it was difficult to gauge the exact amount of fan following these legends had. But in the 21st century, due to the presence of various social networking sites, we are able to get a clear picture about the popularity of the players around the globe.

Let us have a look at 10 most followed footballers on facebook:

10) Gerard Pique

Facebook followers: 18.94 Million

For a team to prosper at the highest level the defence line needs to be strong, Gerard Pique is that player who can give you stability at the back. With Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos beside him, it was impossible to break through the Spanish defence during their heydeys but he has become a mainstay for the national team now. The centre-back is an asset for Barcelona too, winning trebles with them in the 2008-09 and the 2014-15 seasons.

Gerard Pique has been in a relationship with pop star Shakira for several years which makes him even more popular throughout the world. Known for his clean play at the back he is one of the most decorated footballers Spain and Barcelona have ever had.

You can follow Gerard Pique on Facebook here

9) Wayne Rooney

Facebook followers: 25.42 Million

Wayne Rooney played for Everton before moving to Old Trafford

Much was expected from the English forward when he was bought by Manchester United back in 2004 for £25.6 million and Wayne Rooney did not disappoint. The striker delivered for the Red Devils on a regular basis and has scored as many as 245 goals for United. Rooney is the top goal scorer in Premier League history for a single club and is set to break the all-time goal scoring record at Manchester United as well.

The national team captain has been honoured with the England Player of the Year on four occasions and is also the highest goal scorer for the Three Lions ever. Back in Euro 2004, he became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championships.

Apart from individual records, Rooney was part of Manchester United’s’ squads which won several major titles and he is undoubtedly one of the best strikers England ever had. No wonder he has a large number of followers on Facebook.

You can follow Wayne Rooney on Facebook here

8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Facebook followers: 25.53 Million

zlatan ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play for Manchester United in the upcoming season

The Swedish forward is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated players in the 21st century and is always in the headlines for on and off field events. Zlatan made his mark in world football during his stay at Ajax Amsterdam. Following his stint at the Dutch capital, he played for many top clubs in European football including Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Known for his spectacular strikes, he was awarded the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year in 2013 and represented Sweden in every major tournament they participated. He recently moved to Old Trafford after 4 successful seasons at the French capital scoring 156 goals in 180 appearances and would love to replicate that kind of form in the Premier League.

You can follow Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Facebook here

7) Andres Iniesta

Facebook followers: 26.40 Million

Iniesta
Andres Iniesta has been incredible for Spain and Barcelona

Andres Iniesta dominated the midfield like no other of his generation; the through balls he delivered to the strikers proved he was a natural artist with the ball. The midfielder has won possibly every trophy with the teams which he played with.

Along with Xavi, he formed a magical duo in the midfield of both Barcelona and Spain and won several La Liga trophies, European Champions League and also the FIFA Club World Cup.

Spain was dominating the world for a span of six years and he was one of the main reasons for the results. The Catalan legend scored the all-important goal against Netherlands in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was awarded the “Man of the Match.”

You can follow Andres Iniesta on Facebook here

6) Mesut Ozil

Facebook followers: 31.05 Million

German midfielder Mesut Ozil has emerged over the years as one the leading midfielders in recent times. He caught everyone’s eye in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was roped in by Real Madrid after he played for German side Werder Bremen. The Turkish-born had a memorable debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu and was also nominated for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the 2011-12 season.

On 2 September 2013, he signed for a move to London to play for the Gunners. The transfer made him the most expensive German player ever, and Arsene Wenger gained a fruitful playmaker for the coming years. Though he has never won the Premier League with Arsenal, he was an integral part of the German side which won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

You can follow Mesut Ozil on Facebook here

5) Ricardo Kaka

Facebook followers: 32.24 Million

kaka
Kaka currently plays for Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer

Kaka was a treat to watch in his prime, leading Brazil to many memorable victories during his illustrious career. The attacking midfielder started playing football at the age of 8 when he represented a local club.

It was his move to Sao Paolo that changed his career and was eventually selected for the 2002 FIFA World Cup which Brazil won convincingly. He moved to AC Milan in 2003 and success followed him there too.

Due to his performances in his debut season for the Italian club, in 2004, Kaká was named Serie A Footballer of the Year, and was nominated for both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Player of the Year.

In 2007, he was voted the Player of the Year ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka was also a part of the victorious Brazilian sides which won the 2005 and 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

You can follow Ricardo Kaka on Facebook here

4) Ronaldinho

Facebook followers: 34.53 Million

ronaldinho
Ronaldinho played for Goa 5s in the inaugural Premier Futsal in India

The goal scored from a free-kick against England during the 2002 FIFA World Cup made Ronaldinho a household name. Widely known for his technique, tricks, dribbling, and overhead kicks he became one of the most influential footballers in the modern era.

His stint with European giants Barcelona was probably the best patch of his career. In 2004, he was named the FIFA player of the year, but the 2005-06 seasons was considered to be his most memorable season, winning the FIFA player of the year for a second consecutive time and also led Barcelona to its first UEFA Champions League title in 14 years. He left for AC Milan after his spell with Barcelona and eventually returned Brazil to in 2011 play for Flamengo and several other clubs.

The Brazilian star recently visited India on the occasion of a Futsal tournament which would have helped him boost his Facebook fan count.

You can follow Ronaldinho Gaucho on Facebook here

3) Neymar Jr

Facebook followers: 58.45 Million

Neymar
Neymar forms a deadly combination along with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for Barcelona

Neymar Jr is the wonder boy every team wants, his skills along with his striking ability makes him one of the most lethal players in the coming days. The Brazilian is currently in the peak of his career and forms a deadly strike force along with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, collectively known as “MSN.”

Before joining the Camp Nou based club, he had a successful stint with Brazilian club Santos.

In 2011, he won the “FIFA Puskas Award” for the Best goal of the year as well as the South American Footballer of the Year. Brazil won the 2013 Confederations Cup and Neymar played a pivotal role in the competition for which he was awarded the “Golden Ball” for the best player of the tournament.

You can follow Neymar Jr on Facebook here

2) Lionel Messi

Facebook followers: 86.62 Million

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is still waiting for his first major title with Argentina

Lionel Messi is considered to be the “Greatest Player” to ever play the game by some, others recognise him as a magician and unpanelled to none on the planet. He can make the ball talk and burst through the opposition’s defence; such is the Argentine’s domination. Barcelona reached great heights with the help of the left-footer winning every possible trophy that existed at the club level.

While his cabinet with the Catalan giants filled up, he was unable to shine in the blue-white striped jersey, losing three consecutive finals. He became the highest the highest scorer for Argentina during the Copa America Centenario 2016, but he would love to gift his nation with a trophy if he reconsiders his decision to retire from International football.

You can follow Lionel Messi on Facebook here

1) Cristiano Ronaldo

Facebook followers: 115.96 Million

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo started his senior career with Sporting Clube de Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently enjoying the most successful year in his entire career, having won two major titles he is on the verge of a fourth Ballon d’Or win. The Portuguese star guided his club Real Madrid to its 11th European Championship earlier this May and followed it up with national glory winning the Euro 2016 with Portugal.

There were criticisms thrown on him by people around the world that he only delivered for his club and was a choker in international level. The forward peaked at the right time and silenced his critics. He is by far one of the most popular athletes in the modern era and it is not a surprise that he ruling the roost on this list.

You can follow Cristiano Ronaldo on Facebook here

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Edited by Staff Editor