Which are the 20 most followed sports teams on Instagram and how many followers do they each have?

Which are the 20 most followed sports teams on Instagram and how many followers do they each have?

Grace Waruguru
March 18, 2024 at 8:17 AM
In this article:
Manchester United logo
Manchester United
England
29
Manchester City logo
Manchester City
England
27
Liverpool logo
Liverpool
England
38
FC Barcelona logo
FC Barcelona
Spain
36
Real Madrid logo
Real Madrid
Spain
38

Which are the most followed sports teams on Instagram? Social media has grown in popularity over the last few decades, with most teams setting up pages to update their fans on news and highlights of their progress and milestones. Check out the sports teams with the largest Instagram following in this article.

Steph Curry, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Maguire
Steph Curry, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Maguire are part of the most followed sports teams on Instagram. Photo: @stephencurry30, @k.mbappe, @harrymaguire93 (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Table of Сontents:

Instagram has an audience of approximately 2 billion monthly users as of March 2024. Numerous sports teams have established their global reach by creating vibrant content that resonates with their fans globally. Here are the most followed teams on Instagram according to boardroomtv.com.

Most followed sports teams on Instagram

Football is the most popular sport globally, and several teams are listed among the top 20. Other popular sports on the list include basketball and cricket. Here is a ranked list of the most followed sports teams on Instagram:

Team

Followers

Mumbai Indians

12.6 million

Galatasaray

15.1 million

AC Milan

16 million

Inter Miami

16.4 million

Cleveland Cavaliers

16.6 million

Atletico Madrid

16.7 million

Tottenham Spur

16.9 million

Borussia Dortmund

19.8 million

Los Angeles Lakers

24.3 million

Arsenal

28.9 million

Golden State Warriors

32.5 million

Bayern Munich

41.6 million

Chelsea

41.7 million

Liverpool

44.8 million

Manchester City

51.7 million

Juventus

60.4 million

Manchester United

63.4 million

Paris Saint-Germain

65 million

Barcelona

125.8 million

Real Madrid

153.8 million

20. Mumbai Indians - 12.6 million

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Location: Maharashtra, Mumbai, India
  • Instagram: Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians is a cricket team that is the most successful in the Indian Premier League, boasting five trophies and two Champions League. The team is owned by Nita Ambani, a renowned businesswoman and philanthropist. The team boasts over 12.5 million Instagram followers (As of March 2024).

Mumbai Indians owner
Nita Ambani owner of Mumbai Indians during the Women's International Premier League match against Royal Challengers on March 12, 2024, in Delhi, India. Photo: Pankaj Nangia (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

19. Galatasaray - 15.1 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Istanbul, Turkey
  • Instagram: Galatasaray

Galatasaray Sports Club was founded in October 1905 and is one of the most popular sports teams on Instagram, boasting over 15.1 million followers. One of the club's most notable successes is the 2000 UEFA Cup. Additionally, the club has enjoyed domestic domination, with 18 Turkish Cups.

Galatasaray FC
Galatasaray players pose for a family photo before the Turkish Super Lig match against Kasimpasa on March 17, 2024. Photo: Abdulhamid Hosbas (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

18. AC Milan - 16 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Milan, Italy
  • Instagram: AC Milan

AC Milan is among the top football clubs and one of the most followed on Instagram in 2024, with over 16 million followers. The club was founded in 1899 and boasts 19 Serie A Championships and two UEFA Cups. The football club is home to players like Kaka and Giovanni Trapattoni.

AC Milan
AC Milan players line up during the UEFA Europa League match against Slavia Praha on March 14, 2024, in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo: Horvath Tamas (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

17. Inter Miami - 16.4 million

Florida-based football club Inter Miami has a following of over 16.3 million and is one of the most followed sports teams on Instagram in the USA. The Major League Soccer (MLS) club was founded in 2018 and is co-owned by David Beckham. The team won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the North American CONCACAF region competitions.

Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF poses on the field before the CONCACAF Champions Cup against the Nashville SC on March 13, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Brennan Asplen (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

16. Cleveland Cavaliers - 16.6 million

The basketball team, Cleveland Cavaliers, has over 16.6 million Instagram followers. The Cavs, as the franchise is popularly known, was founded in 1970. They won their first NBA Championship in 2016 when they defeated the Golden State Warriors. The win was also their first major sports title since 1964.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Georges Niang of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 10, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: David Liam Kyle (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

15. Atletico Madrid - 16.7 million

Atletico Madrid was founded in April 1903 and was initially known as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid. The Madrid-based club is the third most successful La Liga franchise after Barcelona and Real Madrid. As of March 2024, Atletico Madrid has 11 La Liga titles and 10 Copa del Rey occasions.

Atletico de Madrid
Atletico de Madrid players celebrate victory during the UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan on March 14, 2024. Photo: Guillermo Martinez (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

14. Tottenham Hotspur - 16.9 million

Tottenham was founded in September 1882 as Hotspur F.C. The London-based team has over 16.9 million followers, making it one of the most followed football clubs. Tottenham Hotspur was the first British club to win the European Cup Winners' Cup and the maiden winner of the UEFA Cup in 1972.

Tottenham Hotspur
Giovani Lo Celso (C) of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with Son Heung-Min (L) and Dejan Kulusevski during the EPL match against Aston Villa on November 26, 2023. Photo: Rob Newell (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

13. Borussia Dortmund - 19.8 million

Borussia Dortmund is a German football club that plays in the Bundesliga and has over 19.8 million Instagram fans. The club was founded in 1909 by 18 Dortmund-based players. Borussia has won several championships, including five Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund players at the UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven on March 13, 2024, in Dortmund, Germany. Photo: ANP (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

12. Los Angeles Lakers - 24.3 million

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Instagram: Los Angeles Lakers

The LA Lakers was founded in 1947 and is one of the most followed sports teams on Instagram in America, with 24.3 million followers. The team has 17 NBA Championships and has housed basketball legends like LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James of the Lakers grabs a rebound during a match against the Sacramento Kings on March 13, 2024, in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

11. Arsenal - 28.9 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Holloway, North London
  • Instagram: Arsenal

The Gunners have attracted a following of over 28.9 million. The London-based club competes in the English Premier League (EPL) and is the third most competitive team, with 14 FA Cups, two league cups, and 17 FA Community Shields. Arsenal was founded in October 1886 and is owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard hi-fives his teammates after scoring his penalty during the match against FC Porto on March 12, 2024, in London, England. Photo: Charlotte Wilson (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Top 10 most followed sports teams on Instagram

The top 10 most followed sports teams have over 30 million followers. Here is the top 10 list of the various teams with the biggest following:

10. Golden State Warriors - 32.5 million

Seven-time NBA Champions Golden State Warriors are among the most followed sports teams on social media, with over 32.5 million followers. The team was founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors. The team has produced some of the finest players, including Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Chris Paul.

Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green and Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors during a match against the San Antonio Spurs on March 9, 2024, in San Fransisco, California. Photo: Thearon W. Henderson (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

9. Bayern Munich - 41.6 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Munich, Bavaria.
  • Instagram: FC Bayern

Bayern Munich, also known as FC Bayern or Bayern, is a football club based in Munich, Bavaria. The team was founded in 1900 and is the most successful in German football history, with over 33 titles. Bayern has an impressive 41.6 million Instagram followers.

Liverpool Football Club members
Liverpool teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against Manchester United on March 17, 2024. Photo: Paul Ellis (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

8. Chelsea - 41.7 million

Chelsea is among the football clubs with the largest Instagram fanbase (41.7 million). The West London club was founded in 1905 and competes in the EPL. The franchise was the first English club to win the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the UEFA Europa League.

Chelses Football Club
Chelsea's Conor Gallagher (L) and Carney Chukwuemeka (R) celebrate after the match against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 2024. Photo: Glyn Kirk (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

7. Liverpool - 44.8 million

Liverpool Football Club, popularly known as The Reds, was founded in 1892 and is among the most popular sports teams on Instagram. The team is owned by the Fenway Sports Group and has over 44.8 million fans. Liverpool has produced incredible talents, including Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool Football Club
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool during a match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024, in Manchester, England. Photo: Michael Regan (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

6. Manchester City - 51.7 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Instagram: Manchester City

UK-based Manchester City has over 51.7 million followers, making it one of the most followed sports teams. The 144-year-old club was founded in 1880 and has won nine English championships, seven FA Cups, and six English Super Cups.

Jérémy Doku Manchester City
Jérémy Doku of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final against Newcastle United on March 16, 2024, in Manchester, England. Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

5. Juventus - 60.4 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Turin, Italy
  • Instagram: Juventus

Juventus competes in Italy's Serie A and has a following of over 60.4 million. The club holds the record for the Coppa Italia titles (14), the Italian Super Cups (9), and 23 official league titles. The team was founded in 1897 as a sports club in Juventus.

Juventus Football Club
Danilo (R) and Sandro of Juventus applaud the fans after the Serie A TIM match against Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on March 17, 2024, in Turin, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

4. Manchester United - 63.4 million

Manchester United was founded in 1878 and has become one of the most followed teams on Instagram, with over 63.4 million fans. The Red Devils, as they are popularly known, are two-time Champions League winners and 20-time English champions.

Manchester United Football Club
Antony (R) of Manchester United celebrates a goal with teammate Amad Diallo during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final against Liverpool on March 17, 2024. Photo: Michael Regan (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

3. Paris Saint-Germain - 65 million

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was founded in 1970 and plays for Ligue 1. The club has attracted over 65 million Instagram followers. PSG has produced players like George Weah and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Paris Saint-Germain
PSG's Mbappe (7th from left) poses with teammates before the French Cup quarterfinal against Nice at Parc des Princes on March 13, 2024, in Paris, France. Photo: Xavier Laine (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

2. Barcelona - 125.8 million

  • Sport: Football
  • Location: Catalonia, Spain
  • Instagram: FC Barcelona

Founded in 1899, the Spanish team's Instagram page has grown to an audience of over 125.8 million. The club is the richest in the world, boasting revenues of over £741 million. Their initial rise in global popularity came in 2000 when Ronaldinho joined the franchise.

Barcelona Football Club
Barcelona teammates celebrate after a goal against SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

1. Real Madrid - 153.8 million

Who is the most followed on Instagram in sports? Real Madrid boasts of being the best club of the 20th Century. Madrid boasts numerous trophies, including one FIFA Trophy, 14 European Cups, and eight FIBA Club World Cups. It was founded in 1902 and has been home to legends like Samuel Et'o'o and Alvar Negredo.

Real Madrid Football Club
Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid celebrates with Brahim Diaz (C) and Federico Valverde during a match against CA Osasuna on March 16, 2024. Photo: Antonio Villalba (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Frequently Asked Questions

These top teams have attracted followers in their millions, helping them engage more closely with their fans globally. Here are some frequently asked questions about the most followed sports teams on Instagram:

Which football club is the most followed on Instagram?

Spanish Club Real Madrid has the largest Instagram following of 153.8 million. It also doubles as the sports team with the most followers as of March 2024.

Which is the most followed basketball team on Instagram?

The Golden State Warriors are the most followed basketball team, boasting 32.5 million followers. The Warriors are based in San Fransisco, California.

Final word

The most followed teams on Instagram experience a surge in numbers whenever a prominent person joins them. However, most fans have maintained their loyalty to their teams, keeping their numbers on an ever-increasing scale.

READ ALSO: Most successful clubs in 2024 with the most trophies as of 2023

Sports Brief published an article listing the most successful football clubs as of 2024. These teams have the highest number of trophies from different championships. Which are some of the most successful football clubs?

Egyptian club Al Ahly has the highest number of trophies (149). It is part of the Egyptian Premier League. Other successful clubs include Rangers FC (115 trophies), Club Atlético Peñarol (108 trophies), and Celtic FC (106 trophies). Check out the above article for the top 22 most successful football clubs.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.