Instagram is fast becoming the social media platform of choice for professional footballers, who often take to it to post candid insights into their personal and professional lives.
Because of its photo-based nature, it retains a more personal feel, as opposed to Twitter and Facebook, which both likely have other people running the operations behind the scenes.
With that in mind, we’ve complied a list of the ten most followed players on the platform, which you can see below.
10. Thiago Silva – Paris Saint Germain
Posting a mix of behind the scenes images and inspirational quotes, the Brazilian has proved popular amongst users.
9. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
With his current legal battles, fans may have to be prepared to see the Frenchman’s feed go quiet for a little while.
8. Ronaldinho
Considering he’s without a club at the moment, the Brazilian legend still manages to grow his follower count to an outstanding level.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Paris Saint Germain
The veteran Swede is hugely popular amongst his followers, and posts plenty of match day pictures and moments of his life away from the pitch.
6. David Luiz – Paris Saint Germain
Instagram has certainly proved popular amongst PSG’s players, though David Luiz was a well known user during his time with Chelsea.
5. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
A likeable character by nature, the Welshman has built a strong base of followers by giving them an insight into his time in the Spanish capital.
4. James Rodriguez – Real Madrid
Another big user from Real Madrid. The Colombian star posts a series of candid images, match day action and tbt’s to keep his fans coming back for more.
3. Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Recently Messi has been keeping fans updated on his return to fitness, but also displays his love of basketball with his followers.
2. Neymar – Barcelona
Whether he’s partying, training or getting more tattoos, the Brazilian is a very active user of the service and keeps his feed topped up almost daily.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
With enough followers to start a medium sized country, Ronaldo shows his fatherly side on Instagram by posting playful pictures with his son.