Ads aimed at influential people have exploded all over the web. Influencer marketing is used by major businesses across the board, including the beauty, fashion, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors; sports is no exception. These days, major brands like Adidas, Puma, and Reebok team up with prominent athletes and coaches to increase awareness of their wares. Influencers in sports are critical to promote products and services over time.
Here are some of the most influential people in the sports industry, including content creators that can convince you to exercise and social media stars who can do wonders for your sports, fitness, or athleisure brand.
Joshua Patterson
Professional rugby player Joshua Patterson became the main character in the British structured-reality show Made in Chelsea, which aired on the E4 network. During this time, Patterson rose to prominence on the internet. After his brother was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, he began speaking publicly about mental health (including his struggle with anxiety and depression) and became an advocate for others with disabilities.
Yoga with Adriene
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Western yoga enthusiasts are likely familiar with Yoga With Adriene. Her millions of subscribers are a testament to the quality of her instruction, the popularity of her yoga challenges, and the accessibility of her beginner-friendly videos. Benji, her dog, frequently joins her during yoga classes, which only boosts her popularity and enduringness.
Virat Kholi
This is an honourable mention list; however, the first sports figure on the list is essential. The former captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, is a dedicated gym-goer and one of the game’s all-time greats. The hashtag #TwisterciseWithVirat features him working out with the company Violini and is accompanied by a video in which he challenges his followers. It’s the epitome of a successful cross-promotional influencer marketing strategy.
Satnam Singh
In addition to his wrestling career, Indian national Satnam Singh used to play professional basketball. In April 2015, he officially entered the 2015 NBA Draft as an early entrant and began his professional basketball career. He made history when he was drafted into the NBA as the first Indian player by the Dallas Mavericks.
When All Elite Wrestling signed him in September of 2021, he had been wrestling professionally since 2017. He posts both exercise and personal updates to his Instagram account.
Cristiano Ronaldo
As a soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo has had a laughable career. Starting with Sporting Lisbon, he went on to play for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. As of this year (2019), Ronaldo was the first athlete to amass 200 million followers on Instagram alone, and he has earned numerous prestigious trophies and honours during his career.
The Coffin Brothers
True surfers, brothers Conner and Parker Coffin (in 2017, Conner won the Vans World Cup). They have a combined YouTube channel where their films of surfing in different locations receive a lot of views and comments despite not having many followers. They each have successful Instagram accounts, with hundreds of thousands of followers.
Travis Burke
Photographer Travis Burke is known for his breath-taking shots of people engaging in extreme sports like climbing, slacklining, and paragliding, as well as more commonplace activities like hiking and skating. A true testament to his passion for sports and obvious photographic ability, his Instagram feed is remarkable.
Elliot Burton
Bodybuilding and weightlifting coach Elliot Burton. He uses social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to promote his fitness regimens, discuss his stances on social justice issues like racism and inequality, and even give followers a glimpse into his personal life. In addition to a Facebook group and an online coaching app, he also provides a Spotify playlist and an eBook on training and nutrition for free download.
Neeraj Chopra
In 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra won India’s first-ever athletics gold medal. He is, without a doubt, an example to every sports fan in India. He says, “There is no replacement for hard work and effort.” We believe this philosophy has led to his working with several fitness companies like Muscle Blaze.
Mary Kom
We need not introduce this sporting figure. Indian professional boxer Mary Kom is the only person to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship more than once. Plus, she holds the record as the first female boxer to ever win a medal at each of the seven World Championships.
Her Instagram feed inspires girls and women who wish to pursue careers in boxing but face societal barriers. Making your version of Mary Kom’s boxing movements could provide you with plenty of material to work with. Try out some fitness tips, or tag along on her workouts.
Sofie Dossi
Who knew you could learn to be a contortionist on your own? In all likelihood, Sofie Dossi. In 2016, she made it to the finals of America’s Got Talent after starting her YouTube channel just three years earlier. On her channel, she teaches, takes on challenges, and keeps a blog about her speciality: bending in unusual ways.
Naomi Osaka
A professional tennis player, Naomi Osaka won the US Open for the second time in September 2020. She has leveraged her fame to call attention to police brutality based on race. She has only recently emerged as a vocal advocate for social justice and describes herself as an introvert.
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