The FIFA World Cup stage can transform a player’s fortunes – and following.
The 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico has catapulted many lesser known names into the headlines, with New Zealand international Tim Payne, the lowest-followed player on social media ahead of the tournament, seeing his following rocket.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s social media presence has also sky-rocketed past 17million after his heroics, incredibly making him the most followed goalkeeper ever.
But it’s not just the lesser-known names who are benefitting. Erling Haaland’s prolific exploits for Norway have captured greater attention and have seen his Instagram followers rise and rise.
Haaland has now surpassed 66m followers on the social media platform, more than Manchester United have as a club.
Erling Haaland has overtaken Man United in Instagram followers after his successful World Cup campaign 📈🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/E5vZCyxZBZ
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 14, 2026
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