Virat Kohli, the iconic cricketer of India, continues to shine even off the cricket field, securing the top spot as Instagram’s highest earner among Indians. Despite a reduced cricket calendar this year due to shifts in the Indian team dynamics, Kohli’s financial prowess remains unparalleled. In a recent report, it was revealed that Kohli demanded a staggering INR 11.45 crore for each sponsored post he shared on Instagram in the year 2023.
Global Rankings and Sports Icons
The Instagram earnings hierarchy was led by football legends. Cristiano Ronaldo, known worldwide for his football prowess, commanded a colossal USD 3.23 million, approximately INR 26.75 crore, for every Instagram post he graced. Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s eternal rival on the field, wasn’t far behind, charging USD 2.56 million, or INR 21.49 crore, per post, according to data from Hopper HQ.
Virat Kohli’s notable feat shines brightly as he is the sole Indian representative in the global top 20 earners on Instagram. Impressively, he charged USD 1.38 million per post on this social media platform, amounting to an astounding INR 11.45 crore for every single post. With an impressive follower count of 256 million, Kohli’s influence continues to grow.
Impact Beyond the Game
Mike Bandar, the co-founder of Hopper HQ, expressed his astonishment at the skyrocketing earnings of global superstars through their Instagram endeavors. Bandar pointed out the profound influence of sporting icons, which stretches far beyond the confines of the playing field.
“The continuous growth in annual earnings on the platform remains astonishing to me,” commented Bandar. “However, what intrigues me more is the consistent presence of certain individuals at the top. Traditional celebrities still hold remarkable sway, even in the era of emerging ‘influencers.’ Ronaldo and Messi dominate not only the pitch but also the digital realm, showcasing the potency of personal branding and its effect on us ‘ordinary’ individuals.”
Beside Kohli, Bollywood and Hollywood luminary Priyanka Chopra Jonas also makes her mark among Instagram’s top earners. Holding the 29th position globally, she commands USD 532,000 (INR 4.40 crore) per post, further exemplifying the diverse influence and impact of Indian personalities on the global stage.
