During the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde goalkeeper Voznia gained over 29.4 million followers, but there was another player who gained even more.
Vozigha's social media following has skyrocketed thanks to his outstanding performances in front of goal, making him a highlight of this World Cup. His brilliant play in front of the Cape Verde goal has fueled a surge in his social media popularity, making him a surprise contender for the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper had only 30,000 followers before the tournament started, but that number has now grown to 29.4 million, a truly astonishing increase. However, this isn't enough to put him at the top of the World Cup follower growth chart.
Haaland becomes the king of social media
According to data website Sportico, Erling Haaland gained the most followers during the World Cup, increasing his fan base by 32.1 million, from 40.6 million to 72.7 million. As a European star, the Norwegian wasn't a household name in the US before the tournament, but his numerous humorous posts on social media introduced the Manchester City striker to many American fans. His latest viral post showed him disembarking from a plane in Norway with a skinned raccoon tucked under his arm and an empty whiskey bottle between his front paws.
Sportico's ranking of the top ten gainers also includes a French player: Michael Olisse. This unassuming Bayern Munich player saw an explosive increase in followers thanks to his performance for the French national team, especially in the early group stage matches, nearly doubling his fan count from 5.2 million to 10.9 million.
