Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest-earning Indian on Instagram, reportedly raking in the most money from the platform. Despite a shift in dynamics within the Indian cricket team that led to him playing fewer matches this year, Kohli’s popularity and influence remain steadfast. Presently, he boasts a colossal following of 256 million on the platform.
While Kohli’s on-field appearances might have reduced, his financial prowess on Instagram remains unmatched. According to a recent report, Kohli commanded a staggering INR 14 crore for each sponsored post he shared on Instagram in the 2023 list. In this year’s rankings, the first place was secured by the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, followed closely by his long-standing rival Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo demanded an astonishing USD 3.23 million per post, approximately equivalent to INR 26.75 crore. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, charged USD 2.56 million for every Instagram post, translating to around INR 21.49 crore per post, as reported by Hopper HQ.
Virat Kohli stands as the solitary Indian representative in the global top 20 list. The report reveals that he commanded USD 1.38 million per post on Instagram, a figure that converts to INR 11.45 crore for each post. His mammoth follower count on the platform, currently at 256 million, undoubtedly contributes to his commanding presence in the digital realm.
Hopper HQ’s co-founder, Mike Bandar, expressed his astonishment at the exponential growth in earnings of global superstars on Instagram over the years. He also emphasized the far-reaching influence of sports icons that transcends the boundaries of the field.
Bandar remarked, “The consistent presence of certain individuals at the top continues to fascinate me, even as the platform’s annual earnings surge year after year.”
