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The reason why Ronaldo and Messi lost millions of Instagram followers overnight
Published 12:50 7 May 2026 BST
Updated 13:01 7 May 2026 BST
Homesport
The iconic duo now have less followers.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have lost millions of Instagram followers overnight.
Ronaldo, a worldwide icon, and most followed person on the social media platform, lost a mammoth 18 million followers.
Now, the Portuguese superstar has 666 million followers from a previous 684, on a profile where he showcases his on-the-pitch success and off-the-field lifestyle.
As reported by CNN, Instagram is mega business for Ronaldo. The Al Nassr forward earns a remarkable £2.57million per post - which is more than any celebrity.
He's boasted another impressive goalscoring season on the pitch, scoring 25 goals in 27 games in the Saudi Pro League.
As for other celebrities and footballers, Messi lost 5million, as did Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
Instagram yet to comment
In a six-hour period, millions of fake and inactive accounts were removed from the platform, prompting the loss of followers for major stars.
Instagram are yet to comment on the purge.
