Ronaldo has more than 639 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook, 60 million on YouTube and 113 million on X.
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has attracted more than a billion followers on his social media accounts, helped by his newly launched YouTube channel, which generated more than 60 million subscribers in just over three weeks.
Ronaldo, who scored his 900th career goal on September 5 to help Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League, is the first person to reach one billion followers on social media, according to media reports.
“We made history, one billion followers! It’s more than just a number, it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive and love for the game and beyond,” Ronaldo posted on X.
“You have been with me every step of the way, through all the ups and downs. This journey is our journey. … Thank you for believing in me, for your support and for being a part of my life.”
We made history – 1 BILLION followers! That’s more than just a number – it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive and love for the game and more.
From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I have always played for my family and for you, and now 1… pic.twitter.com/kZKo803rJo
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) 12 September 2024
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player reached the milestone with more than 639 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook and 113 million on X.
The 39-year-old topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes this year as his off-field income reached $60 million, thanks in part to his large social media following.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has scored 131 goals for Portugal and made significant contributions to Europe’s top club teams, including 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus and five for his first club, Sporting CP. He has also scored 62 goals for his current club, Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
In August, he received a special award from UEFA for his record-breaking performances in the Champions League.
Ronaldo is the competition’s all-time top scorer with 140 goals in 183 appearances for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He was the top scorer in seven seasons, including a record 17 goals in 2013/14, and is the only player to score in three finals.
He recently dismissed suggestions that he had considered ending his international career in the near future, adding that he was not bothered by criticism of his failure to score at the 2024 European Championship.
“When the time comes, I will move on. The decision will not be difficult for me,” he said.
“When I feel like I no longer have anything to contribute, I’ll be the first to leave,” he added, citing as an example his former teammate Pepe, “who walked out the front door” after announcing his retirement from football in August at the age of 41.
“But as always, I will leave with a clear conscience because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do.”
Ronaldo led Portugal to the 2024 European Championship, where his country was eliminated in the quarter-finals by a defeat to France.
He captained Portugal to success in the inaugural edition of the 2018-2019 Nations League, three years after the team won its first European championship in France.
