People & Lifestyle
Salah, Mahrez or Aubameyang: data reveals most popular African player in the Premier League
With the new season well under way and the return of European competitions, as well as the fast-approaching start of the World Cup, there’s never been a better time to see our favourite footballing stars in competitive action. These players often transcend the realm of sport and become world-renowned celebrities – but who is the most popular off the pitch?
To find out, Seatpick scoured data surrounding the players in the 20 teams currently competing in the English Premier League, and these are the results:
The full data set can be found HERE.
Read Also: Sadio Mané is the highest paid footballer in Africa, earning $21m
We hope you find this release useful. If you do end up using it, we would appreciate a link https://seatpick.com/ to who commissioned the data. A link credit allows us to keep supplying you with future content that you may find useful.
The most popular African players in the Premier League
Rank | Player | PL team | National team | Followers |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | 53,100,000 |
2 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Chelsea | Gabon | 13,400,000 |
3 | Riyad Mahrez | Manchester City | Algeria | 9,300,000 |
4 | Hakim Ziyech | Chelsea | Morocco | 6,400,000 |
5 | Mohamed Elneny | Arsenal | Egypt | 4,600,000 |
6 | Édouard Mendy | Chelsea | Senegal | 2,300,000 |
7 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Chelsea | Senegal | 2,200,000 |
8 | Saïd Benrahma | West Ham United | Algeria | 2,000,000 |
=9 | Idrissa Gueye | Everton | Senegal | 1,800,000 |
=9 | Naby Keïta | Liverpool | Guinea | 1,800,000 |
* An ‘=’ represents a joint ranking
Seatpick can reveal that the most popular African player currently in the Premier League is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Though far behind Ronaldo’s follower count, the Egyptian King still boasts an astounding 53 million followers. Salah has been an instrumental maestro for the Reds since his club-record signing in 2017, helping to lead them to Premier and Champions League glory with his efforts. Considered one of the greatest African players of all time, it is no surprise to see him as one of the Premier League’s most popular.
In second place is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Gabon international has been the centre of a couple headline transfers in recent times: first from Arsenal to Barcelona, and then back to the Premier League this year to play for Chelsea. He finishes with 13.4 million followers.
In third place is Riyad Mahrez, with 9.3 million followers. The Algerian winger helped Leicester City win the Premier League a few years ago, and is now an important part of Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City team.
Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, who has recently returned to his international duties with Morocco, finishes in fourth with 6.4 million followers, and Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, the second Egyptian on the list, finishes in fifth, with 4.6 million.
The rest of the top 10 is dominated by Senegalese players: Chelsea’s Édouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly in sixth and seventh respectively, as well as Everton’s Idrissa Gueye in ninth. West Ham United’s Algerian star Saïd Benrahma finishes in eighth and Liverpool’s Guinea international Naby Keïta shares ninth spot with Gueye.
The most popular players in the Premier League
Rank | Player | PL team | National team | Followers |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United | Portugal | 489,000,000 |
2 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | 53,100,000 |
3 | Philippe Coutinho | Aston Villa | Brazil | 24,800,000 |
4 | Thiago Silva | Chelsea | Brazil | 20,000,000 |
5 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Norway | 19,900,000 |
6 | Raphaël Varane | Manchester United | France | 19,800,000 |
7 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | Belgium | 19,300,000 |
8 | Gabriel Jesus | Arsenal | Brazil | 18,900,000 |
9 | Casemiro | Manchester United | Brazil | 17,700,000 |
10 | N’Golo Kanté | Chelsea | France | 14,200,000 |
Seatpick can reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most popular player in the Premier League, with around 489 million followers. The Manchester United striker recently scored his 700th club goal, and is (along with Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi) among the most famous and decorated players of his era, if not of all time. To give you an idea of his popularity, the only Instagram account with more followers than Ronaldo’s … is Instagram’s itself.
As seen above, Mo Salah takes second place, with 53.1 million followers.
Another Liverpool legend of the modern era, Philippe Coutinho, follows in third, with close to 25 million followers. Though “The Little Magician” has long left Anfield, he is still beloved by many Liverpool fans, with fond memories of his goals and abilities. He now plays under former teammate Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, and though some have called into question his current form, it is no doubt that the Brazilian is still one of the Premier League’s most popular stars.
Thiago Silva, another Brazilian icon, is ranked fourth, with around 20 million followers. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland comes in fifth, with almost 20 million followers.
Other notable findings:
– 6 out of the 20 most popular current PL players play for Brazil on an international level.
– Premier League players boast over 1.2 billion total followers when added together. This means that Cristiano Ronaldo’s following of 489 million makes up over 40% of the entire league’s!
– Manchester United is the PL team that has the largest number of players in the top 20 for popularity, with five. Their Instagram page is also the most popular team page in the PL, with 61.2 million followers.
– The most popular goalkeeper in the PL is Manchester United’s David De Gea, with close to 14 million followers.
– The most popular manager in the PL is Everton’s Frank Lampard, with 5.8 million followers.
Methodology:
1. To find out which Premier League player is the most popular, Seatpick first collected data on every player for each of the 20 teams currently in the Premier League, using the Premier League’s official website.
2. With this seed list, they searched for each player’s account on Instagram and made a note of their follower numbers as they appear on their page. Players who do not have an Instagram account or whose account could not be found were left as ‘0’ and ‘N/A’.
3. The same method was used to find follower numbers for all the Premier League managers and official club pages.
4. All follower numbers were added up, both divided by teams and for the league as a whole as well.
5. A final ranking was made of the 20 most popular players in the Premier League based on their current number of Instagram followers. Their club and international teams were also noted down.
6. Players who are on loan for the season were counted as part of their current team. E.g., Conor Coady is currently playing for Everton on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, so he has been counted as an Everton player.
7. All data was collected in October 2022 and is accurate as of then.
The full data set can be found HERE.
We hope you find this release useful. If you do end up using it, we would appreciate a link https://seatpick.com/ to who commissioned the data. A link credit allows us to keep supplying you with future content that you may find useful.
People & Lifestyle
‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28
In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024
The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.
❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024
The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
People & Lifestyle
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.
Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024
His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.
MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.
Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament
The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.
People & Lifestyle
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.
The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.
While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.
This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.
“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.
If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.
Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.
Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.
Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.
However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.
He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.
People & Lifestyle
Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa
In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.
Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.
Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.
Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.
Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”
People & Lifestyle
Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra
Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.
Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.
The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.
The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.
After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.
The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.
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