Global News Top 10 Most Followed Athletes On Instagram 2016: Best Picks & Buying Guide
Get ready to dive into the dazzling world of Instagram's biggest sports stars from 2016! We're talking about the crème de la crème, the athletes who not only dominated their fields but also totally owned our feeds.
Imagine scrolling through your phone and BAM! There's a picture of your favorite athlete looking like a superhero, living their best life. That was the magic of Instagram in 2016, and these folks were the wizards behind it all.
So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's count down the 10 most followed athletes on Instagram that year. It was a time of epic wins, stunning selfies, and perhaps a few questionable fashion choices. You know, the good stuff!
The Reigning Kings and Queens of the 'Gram: Top 10 Athletes in 2016
10. Kevin Durant
Even before his legendary Golden State move, Kevin Durant was a force to be reckoned with on and off the court. His Instagram was a peek into the life of a true baller, always keeping it real.
He shared moments from the court, chilling with teammates, and maybe even a glimpse of his favorite snacks. KD kept it low-key but undeniably cool, earning him a spot on our list.
Think of him as your cool older cousin who's secretly a basketball genius. You'd follow him just to see what awesome shoes he was rocking next.
9. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Ah, Zlatan. The man, the myth, the LEGEND. His Instagram in 2016 was pure, unfiltered Zlatan.
It was a glorious mix of his incredible goals, his ridiculously confident pronouncements, and, of course, those signature Zlatan smirks. He was basically a rockstar who happened to play soccer.
If his feed was a person, it would be the guy at the party who everyone gravitates towards because he's just that magnetic. We loved every minute of his swagger.
8. James Rodríguez
The Colombian maestro, James Rodríguez, charmed the world with his silky skills and his infectious smile. His Instagram was a window into a life filled with passion for the game.
You'd see him celebrating goals with his team, enjoying downtime with his family, and generally looking like he was living his dream. It was pure footballing joy, served with a side of Latin flair.
He was like that talented friend who always makes you believe in magic, whether it was on the field or in a well-timed selfie.
7. Neymar Jr.
Talk about a social media superstar! Neymar Jr. was already a global phenomenon in 2016, and his Instagram was a testament to that.
From dazzling footwork to vibrant parties and even a dash of family love, Neymar's feed was an explosion of color and energy. He was the life of the party, both on and off the pitch.
Imagine a carnival happening on your phone, and you've got a pretty good idea of what following Neymar was like. Non-stop entertainment!
6. Kylian Mbappé
Even at a young age in 2016, Kylian Mbappé was already making waves and capturing hearts. His rapid rise to fame meant his Instagram was a glimpse into the journey of a future superstar.
He shared his dreams, his dedication, and the sheer excitement of playing at the highest level. Mbappé brought a youthful energy that was incredibly relatable.
He was like the kid prodigy you watched on TV and knew, deep down, was going to change the world. And guess what? He did!
5. Gareth Bale
The Welsh Wizard, Gareth Bale, was a powerhouse in 2016, and his Instagram showed a man who loved what he did. He was all about the big moments and the drive to win.
You'd see him celebrating those thunderous free-kicks, working hard in training, and enjoying the fruits of his labor. Bale projected a quiet confidence that was incredibly appealing.
He was the guy who, without saying much, let his actions (and his incredible goals) do all the talking. A true athlete's athlete.
4. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba was more than just a footballer in 2016; he was a fashion icon, a dance machine, and a pure entertainer. His Instagram was a vibrant tapestry of his personality.
From his iconic hairstyles to his goal celebrations and his general zest for life, Pogba brought a unique flair to the game. He wasn't afraid to be himself, and we all loved him for it.
He was the friend who always had the latest style and could make even a trip to the grocery store look like a runway show. Pure, unadulterated fun!
3. Lionel Messi
The little magician, Lionel Messi, needs no introduction. In 2016, his Instagram was a more private window into the life of arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
While perhaps not as flashy as some others, Messi's feed offered glimpses of his family life, his dedication to training, and the quiet moments of a true sporting legend. It was about substance over sizzle.
He was like that brilliant, understated genius who lets their work speak volumes. You followed him to witness greatness unfold, day by day.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2016, CR7 was already a global megastar, and his Instagram was the ultimate curated feed of perfection.
From his sculpted physique to his incredible goals, his lavish lifestyle, and his motivational messages, Ronaldo's grid was a masterclass in personal branding. He was the epitome of ambition and success.
Imagine a magazine cover come to life, but it's on your phone every day. That's the Ronaldo experience. He made us all want to hit the gym AND win the lottery.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Yes, again!)
Yes, you read that right! Cristiano Ronaldo was not just number two, but the undisputed number one most followed athlete on Instagram in 2016.
His dominance on the platform mirrored his dominance on the pitch. He had built a brand that resonated with millions worldwide, showcasing his dedication, his triumphs, and his aspirational lifestyle.
He was the ultimate influencer, and his feed was a constant reminder that with hard work and a killer smile, anything is possible. He was the king of the 'Gram, and in 2016, everyone wanted a piece of his digital kingdom.
Your 2016 Athlete Insta-Inspiration: The "Best Picks & Buying Guide" (For Your Dreams!)
Now, why are we talking about 2016? Because it was a golden era of sports and social media! These athletes weren't just posting pictures; they were building empires and inspiring millions.
So, what can we learn from these giants of the 'Gram? Think of this as your fun, totally unofficial guide to embracing that same energy in your own life. We're not selling you followers, but we are selling you inspiration!
The "Motivation Monday" Masterclass:
Look at guys like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Their feeds screamed dedication. They showed the hard work behind the glory.
Your buying guide? Invest in yourself! Whether it's hitting the gym, learning a new skill, or just tackling that to-do list with gusto, channel that same drive.
Post your own little wins! It doesn't have to be a trophy; it could be finishing a tough workout or mastering a new recipe. Celebrate your progress!
The "Be Your Authentic Self" Vibe:
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Paul Pogba were absolute pros at this. They owned their unique personalities. No apologies, just pure, unadulterated them.
Your buying guide? Embrace what makes you, YOU! Don't be afraid to show your quirks, your passions, and your unique style.
Share what makes you happy! If it's a goofy dance, a cool outfit, or a funny thought, put it out there. Authenticity is magnetic.
The "Family First" Feel:
Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. showed us the importance of loved ones. Their families were clearly a huge part of their happiness.
Your buying guide? Cherish your connections! Spend quality time with your family and friends. Those are the real treasures.
Share those precious moments! A sweet picture with your kids, a fun outing with your pals – these are the memories that matter.
The "Passion on Display" Power:
From James Rodríguez to Kylian Mbappé, their love for the game was palpable. They lived and breathed football.
Your buying guide? Find your passion and let it shine! Whatever it is that truly excites you, dive in headfirst.
Talk about it, do it, and share it! If you're obsessed with gardening, painting, or building robots, let that enthusiasm be contagious.
So there you have it! The Instagram elite of 2016. They were more than just athletes; they were trendsetters, motivators, and pure entertainment.
While we can't all be on the cover of a magazine or scoring game-winning goals, we can definitely take a page out of their social media playbook and bring a little of that star power into our own lives.
Keep inspiring, keep shining, and maybe, just maybe, start practicing your winning smile for your next selfie! Who knows, you might just become the most followed person in your own world.