African footballers are some of the most celebrated across the world, but which footballer has the most followers on Instagram?
Instagram reigns supreme when it comes to global football fame, and these African stars prove it.
From iconic goalkeepers to dazzling forwards, here are the most-followed African footballers—ranked from modest follower counts to the true giants of the platform.
10. Édouard Mendy (Senegal) – 2.4M followers
Édouard Mendy’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. After years of struggling in the lower leagues of French football, he broke through at Rennes before making the move to Chelsea in 2020.
It was there that his stock skyrocketed, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in quick succession. His commanding presence in goal, combined with his calm composure under pressure, cemented him as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
Although his move to Saudi Arabia slightly reduced his mainstream European spotlight, his dedicated fan base continues to follow his every step.
On Instagram, Mendy shares a mix of football highlights, training routines, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his personal life, making him relatable and admired by fans across Africa and beyond.
9. Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco) – 5.1M followers
Sofyan Amrabat rose to global prominence during Morocco’s magical 2022 FIFA World Cup run, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semifinals.
The midfielder’s tireless work rate, strong tackling, and fearless approach to shutting down the world’s best attackers earned him recognition from fans and pundits alike.
Soyfan Amrabat is a man in form for Fenerbahce.
His loan move to Manchester United in 2023 elevated his global profile even further, placing him under the spotlight of one of the world’s most followed clubs.
Amrabat’s Instagram is a highlight reel of his professional journey, showcasing both national team pride and his European adventures. Beyond football, his sense of style and cultural pride resonate deeply with Moroccan fans, adding to his rising online popularity.
8. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 6.4M followers
Victor Osimhen is the face of a new era in Nigerian football. Exploding onto the scene after dominating the U-17 World Cup in 2015, he’s since become one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
His time at Napoli was historic, leading them to their first Serie A title in 33 years while also winning the coveted CAF African Player of the Year award.
Victor Osimhen signed a four-year contract with Galatasaray.
Now at Galatasaray, Osimhen’s reputation as a powerful forward with lightning pace and clinical finishing continues to grow.
On Instagram, he mixes fiery football content with moments of humility, dedicating posts to his roots in Lagos and the people who supported his journey. His trademark mask, goal celebrations, and outspoken personality make him one of the continent’s most marketable and influential stars online.
7. Henry Onyekuru (Nigeria) – 6.7M followers
Henry Onyekuru may not always dominate football headlines like some of his Nigerian teammates, but his social media numbers show that his appeal is undeniable.
A winger with pace, flair, and versatility, Onyekuru has played across Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey, earning him fans in multiple footballing regions. His time at Galatasaray was particularly significant, where his electric performances made him a fan favorite.
Henry Onyekuru and his wife Estelle have been married for six years | Credit: Instagram/@estelleonyekuru
On Instagram, Onyekuru leans heavily into lifestyle content, fashion, and family moments, offering fans a glimpse into his off-pitch personality.
For many followers, his blend of football talent and stylish presentation makes him a compelling figure to keep up with, especially in a football-obsessed nation like Nigeria where players naturally carry massive followings.
6. Yassine “Bono” Bounou (Morocco) – 6.7M followers
Yassine Bounou, popularly known as Bono, is Morocco’s safe pair of hands and a true showman between the sticks. His penalty-saving heroics during Sevilla’s Europa League campaigns and Morocco’s World Cup run made him one of the most beloved African goalkeepers ever.
Bono’s charisma is part of his appeal as he balances being a serious competitor with moments of levity, including his hilarious goal-scoring moment against Real Valladolid in 2021.
Yassine Bounou, Morocco | Credit: IMAGO
On Instagram, Bono shares both professional highlights and his down-to-earth side, showing off his love for music and lighthearted banter with teammates.
His consistency at club and international level, coupled with his big personality, has made him more than just a goalkeeper—he’s an entertainer fans love to follow.
5. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) – 10.5M followers
Hakim Ziyech is one of Africa’s most creative playmakers, a left-footed magician capable of unlocking defences with pinpoint passes and curling shots.
After dazzling at Ajax during their fairytale 2019 Champions League run, he moved to Chelsea, where his time was mixed but still sprinkled with moments of brilliance. His move to Al-Duhail has kept him in the spotlight, especially among fans in the Middle East and North Africa.
Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech | Imago
On Instagram, Ziyech showcases his fashion-forward personality, posting everything from football highlights to sharp looks off the pitch.
His sense of flair extends beyond the game, making him a stylish figure admired by younger fans who see him as both a footballer and a trendsetter.
4. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 12.4M followers
Riyad Mahrez is arguably Algeria’s greatest football export and one of the most elegant African footballers of his generation.
From leading Leicester City to their fairy-tale Premier League title to becoming a key figure at Manchester City during their treble-winning run, Mahrez’s career has been decorated with success. His dribbling, composure, and knack for scoring clutch goals made him a fan favourite worldwide.
Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward are set to wed for the third consecutive year | Credit: Instagram/ Taylor Ward
Now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, Mahrez still commands attention both on the pitch and online. His Instagram is a blend of football brilliance, celebrations with teammates, and cultural pride.
As a symbol of Algerian football, Mahrez has built an international brand that resonates far beyond Africa.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – 21.7M followers
Achraf Hakimi represents the modern full-back: fast, dynamic, and equally capable in attack as in defence. After rising through the Real Madrid academy, he made his mark at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now Paris Saint-Germain, where he has become one of the best right-backs in the world.
Hakimi’s life off the pitch is just as fascinating; he is close friends with global superstars, appears in fashion magazines, and has been a vocal representative of Moroccan pride.
Achraf Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison if he is found guilty of rape | Photo Credit: IMAGO
His Instagram is a curated mix of professional excellence and lifestyle appeal, from football highlights to glamorous appearances at high-profile events.
With a fanbase stretching across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Hakimi’s follower count reflects both his footballing brilliance and celebrity status.
2. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 16.2M followers
Sadio Mané is more than a footballer, he is a global ambassador for humility and generosity. From his Champions League and Premier League-winning years at Liverpool to his current spell in Saudi Arabia, Mané has consistently been among the top African players in the world.
But what truly sets him apart is his off-field story: he has funded schools, hospitals, and community projects in Senegal, winning him admiration far beyond football.
Sadio Mane of Team Al-Nassr FC during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Finals match between Al-Nassr FC and Kawasaki Frontale at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on April 30, 2025
His Instagram balances football achievements with moments of philanthropy and glimpses into his personal values, making him relatable to millions of fans.
Mané’s blend of talent, humility, and social impact explains why he remains one of the most beloved figures not only in Africa but across the footballing world.
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 66M followers
Mohamed Salah stands in a league of his own, both on and off Instagram. The Egyptian King has been Liverpool’s talisman since 2017, leading them to Champions League and Premier League glory while breaking countless records.
His lightning speed, lethal finishing, and dedication to his craft make him a hero in Egypt and a household name globally. But Salah’s appeal goes far beyond football; he represents pride for an entire region, serves as a cultural icon for millions, and carries himself with humility despite his superstar status.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been crowned the Professional Footballers’ Association’s men’s player of the year.
On Instagram, Salah shares everything from training updates to family moments and endorsement campaigns with some of the world’s biggest brands.
With over 65 million followers, he is Africa’s undisputed king of Instagram, symbolizing how footballers can transcend sport to become global icons.