The biggest gains reportedly went to players who already command global audiences:
Those numbers are not simply vanity figures. A large following gives sponsors direct access to international audiences, strengthening opportunities in endorsements, appearance fees, merchandise and personal-brand ventures.
Haaland provided the clearest example of attention moving from social media into retail. The report says the Norway striker was photographed with a taxidermied raccoon holding an empty gin bottle after buying it for $750.
Searches for “taxidermied raccoon” reportedly jumped by more than 5,000%, while the store that sold the item said it had sold out and expected more stock. The episode had no obvious sporting significance, yet Haaland’s involvement turned an obscure product into a temporary online sensation.
That is the value of football’s biggest personalities: even an off-duty image can create demand where traditional advertising would struggle to gain attention.
A reported estimate valued Ronaldo’s social-media impact for sponsors at $176 million over the previous year, including $36 million attributed to Nike. Whether every estimate withstands closer scrutiny, the direction of travel is clear: tournament visibility strengthens the business case for elite players.
The next major international tournament will test whether newer stars can convert one viral moment into lasting audience growth. For footballers, the next breakthrough may come as much from shareable personality as from goals and trophies.