Japan’s chef de mission, Hidehito Ito, said a new monitoring system would aim to prevent athletes from being exposed to harmful content by having specialists track abusive posts in real time. They will subsequently ask social media platforms to remove the material.

The task force will consist of 22 staff members, with 16 based in Japan and six in Italy, supported by lawyers in both locations. The split setup is intended to ensure 24-hour coverage across time zones.

Ito said the JOC wants to act quickly before abusive messages spread or reach athletes directly, adding that lessons from Paris underscored the need for stronger, more proactive measures.

Japan’s heightened focus on online abuse reflects broader changes at home. 

Since the 2020 death of wrestler and reality television star Hana Kimura following cyberbullying, authorities have strengthened penalties for online harassment, including prison terms and fines for platform operators that fail to act promptly.

The push mirrors concerns raised by international sports bodies in recent years. 

A study published by World Athletics following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics found widespread abuse directed at athletes on social media, particularly during major competitions.

Conducted with Threat Matrix, the study analysed more than 240,000 tweets linked to 161 Olympic athletes over a four-week period in 2021, using artificial intelligence tools to identify discriminatory language, threats and abusive imagery.

Of the athletes targeted, the vast majority were women, who accounted for 87% of identified abusive posts. Two Black female athletes alone received nearly two-thirds of all detected abuse.

Sexist and racist messages made up more than half of the abuse identified, raising concerns about the psychological toll on athletes and the potential impact on performance during high-pressure events.

World Athletics said the results highlighted gaps in existing safeguards on social media platforms and underscored the need for closer cooperation between sporting bodies and technology companies.

For Japan, those findings reinforce the urgency of intervention. 

Officials say the Milan Cortina approach will be adjusted as the Games progress, with regular communication between the JOC and the IOC to respond to emerging risks.

The event, which took place on Sunday, January 25,  following a 24-hour delay due to rain, was broadcast live on Netflix with a strategic 10-second delay. 

This precaution was implemented so the streaming service could "cut away" if a disaster occurred. "Nobody expects or wants to see anything like that to happen," stated Netflix executive Jeff Gaspin.

Despite the life-threatening nature of the stunt, Honnold appeared characteristically calm, even waving to fans through the windows of the 89th floor. Upon reaching the summit, his first word to describe the feat was simply: "Sick". 

Reflecting on the experience, Honnold noted the conditions were challenging: "It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei".

While the climb was a global spectacle, Honnold revealed that his compensation was "embarrassingly small" when compared to athletes in mainstream sports. Although he did not disclose the exact figure, reports suggest it was in the mid-six figures.

"I’m not gonna say. It’s an embarrassing amount," Honnold told the New York Times . "Actually, if you put it in the context of mainstream sports... Major League Baseball players get like $170 million contracts". Nevertheless, he maintained that he would have performed the climb for free if granted permission, stating, "I would do the thing because I know I can, and it’d be amazing".

A brain without fear

Honnold’s ability to remain composed in high-stakes environments has long intrigued the scientific community. A neuroscientific study led by Jane Joseph used fMRI scans to monitor his brain activity while showing him disturbing imagery. The results were startling: Honnold’s amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fear response, showed no activity at all.

While his amygdala is not damaged, it possesses an astronomically higher threshold for activation than the average person. This lack of response allows him to process extreme danger as ordinary. 

During the study, Honnold was indifferent to the graphic visuals, reportedly asking if they were meant to be stressful and shrugging them off with a casual, "whatever". Experts suggest this is a result of neural adaptation, where repeated exposure to risk has rewired his brain to treat high-risk environments as familiar.

Support from the ground

Watching from below was Honnold’s wife, Sanni McCandless, who has two children with the climber. While many might expect her to be overwhelmed with terror, she described a sense of "joy" once the climb began.

"I was telling someone that when you really love someone, and you think that they might be stressed, you say, ‘I wish I could take their place...’" McCandless shared in a post-climb press conference. However, in this instance, her primary thought was: "Thank God I’m not him". 

She emphasised that their partnership is built on mutual respect for his passion, noting, "You try to make decisions as a team, but you also have to respect the art behind it and the passion behind it".

Taiwan’s Vice-President, Hsiao Bi-khim, also offered congratulations, admitting on social media that the spectacle was difficult to watch: "I admit I would probably feel sick, too, barely able to watch".

Kiplimo, who is the reigning world cross-country champion, demonstrated his dominance early in the race, establishing a two-minute lead by the 10km mark, as reported by World Athletics .

His victory came amid strong competition, including his half-brother Victor Kiplangat, who finished second with a time of 43:19, and Marc Scott from the UK, who rounded out the podium in 43:21.

Kiplimo’s remarkable achievement at this event adds to an already impressive resume. Earlier this year, he won the NN Zevenheuvelenloop with a time of 41:05, equalling the previous course record.

He also crossed the 15 km mark during the 2021 Lisbon half marathon in 40:27 as part of a record-setting half marathon time of 57:32. This recent performance decisively marks him as the fastest in a standalone 15km race.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian athlete Mizan Alem made a strong debut by winning with a time of 46:51. Alem initially trailed behind the Netherlands’ Diane van Es, who led by nine seconds at the 2Km mark.

However, Alem's tactical approach allowed her to catch up and ultimately finish a full minute ahead of van Es, who clocked 47:52 for second place.

Enyish Mengie, also from Ethiopia, secured third with a time of 49:21. Alem’s winning time ranks among the fastest in the history of the event, with only predecessors like Letesenbet Gidey and Tirunesh Dibaba holding quicker times at the Zevenheuvelenloop.

According to the report published by Reduxx, medical records obtained by Aoudia suggest that Khelif has “testicles” and an XY chromosome pattern, indicative of a condition related to sexual development. The report was allegedly compiled through a collaboration between Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023.

Khelif’s gold medal win was marred by controversy in the ring - Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her opening bout against Khelif after just 46 seconds, launching a barrage of media scrutiny towards the Algerian boxer. 

This is not the first time Khelif’s participation has drawn scrutiny; last year, she was disqualified from the World Championships in New Delhi after failing a gender eligibility test issued by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The medical report, which includes MRI scans and hormone analyses, outlines characteristics associated with a disorder of sexual development. Khelif reportedly lacks a uterus, possesses internal testes, and shows traits of a "micropenis" or enlarged clitoris, according to the report’s findings. Chromosome tests purportedly indicate an XY karyotype and hormone levels reportedly align with typical male ranges.

Additionally, the report suggests that Khelif may have 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a condition that impacts sexual development in genetic males and often leads to delayed masculinisation until adolescence. Individuals with this condition may experience body hair growth, increased muscle mass, and absence of menstruation, yet are often raised as females if the disorder is undetected early.

Khelif’s family maintains her female identity. “My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl. She's a strong girl,” her father, Omar Khelif, stated amidst the controversy. 

The report further advises Khelif to undergo a "sexual transition," recommending "surgical correction" to remove her gonads and monthly hormone therapy, specifically Decapeptyl injections, to reduce testosterone levels.

Kejelcha, already known for his indoor mile world record set in Boston in 2019, expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating, “This race wasn't easy. Today I told myself to do it in 57 minutes, and I saw from the clock on the lead car that it was possible, despite the rain. I wanted to break the world record and I'm really happy I did it.”

The 27-year-old Ethiopian also detailed the difficulties he faced during the race. "At 15km, I was confident and I thought I could get the record. But by 18km and 19km, I started to get nervous because the pace changed, so it was a big challenge. The rain and tight turns also made it difficult," he said. Kejelcha added, "The half-marathon world record was my dream and I beat it. I'm very happy."

Kenyans Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi finished in second and third, clocking 58 minutes 17 seconds and 58 minutes 21 seconds, respectively. Mateiko's time marked a personal best, while Lasoi completed his fifth half-marathon of the season.

The two-time world indoor 3000-metre champion competed in the 10,000-metre final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he finished sixth.

His run in Valencia marked his sixth appearance over the distance.

Assefa had established the earlier record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds.

Chepngetich expressed her joy after the race, saying , "I feel so great, I'm proud of myself. This is my dream that has come true… I've fought a lot thinking about the world record, and I have fulfilled it."

Following her record-breaking run, Kenyan President William Ruto took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Chepngetich. He praised the athlete, stating, “I salute Ms Chepngetich for breaking the world record and becoming the first woman in history to break the 2:10:00 barrier.”

Chepngetich’s achievement comes amid a backdrop of scrutiny in Kenyan athletics, following a doping scandal involving 138 Kenyan athletes across various sports between 2004 and August 2018.

When asked if her record might be questioned due to its speed, she responded , “You know people must talk, so I don’t know."

Chepngetich now holds the distinction of being the first woman to run a marathon in under two hours and ten minutes, a feat that will go down as one of the greatest moments in women's marathon history.

Background

Botswana recently celebrated a historic achievement when Letsile Tebogo won the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the men's 200m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This victory brought immense pride to the nation and was a significant milestone in Botswana's sporting history. However, the celebrations were soon overshadowed by the government's appeal for public donations to reward the athletes.

Government's request

On August 14, the Botswana government announced a fund to honour the Olympic champions, asking citizens to contribute financially. The government stated that this initiative was a way for the public to show their appreciation and support for the athletes who brought glory to the nation.

The request, unfortunately, was met with widespread criticism and anger. Many questioned why their taxes were not being used to reward the Olympians.

Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from citizens expressing their frustration. "We are already paying tax, give our champions money from the government purse," one user on Facebook remarked.

Another user on the same platform also shared "I would love to donate in support of the boy’s historic achievement, but unfortunately, I’m currently an unemployed electrical engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree."

Economic situation

Botswana's GDP growth slowed to 2.7% in 2023, down from 5.8% in 2022. According to the World Bank , this decline is attributed to reduced diamond production and weaker global demand.

However, inflation has decreased to 5.3% in 2023, within the Bank of Botswana's acceptable range of 3%–6%. This reduction is due to lower domestic fuel prices and reduced imported inflation.

The country also faces high unemployment rates, with overall unemployment at 25.9% and youth unemployment at 34.4% as of the third quarter of 2023.

Despite a relatively high income level, Botswana has significant poverty and inequality issues. The poverty headcount ratio decreased from 17.0% in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022, but inequality remains high with a Gini index of 53.3.

Other countries' rewards to medallists

Before the Paris Olympics, Hong Kong announced that any gold medalists from the city would receive one of the largest cash rewards available: HK$6 million (over $750,000). This is part of the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the city's official betting organiser.

Several other governments also promised six-figure cash rewards to their Olympic champions, including those of Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Italy, the Philippines, Hungary, Kosovo, Estonia, and Egypt.

Fans and pundits alike are buzzing with curiosity: What happens when two of the biggest names in track and field cross disciplines?

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault superstar, continues to redefine what’s possible in his sport. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he broke his own world record for the ninth time, clearing 6.25 metres to claim his second consecutive Olympic gold medal.

The Norwegian Karsten Warholm, the fastest-ever 400-meter hurdler, still holds the world record of 45.94 seconds, which he set during his run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021. Warholm’s career achievements also include three world championship titles and a recent silver medal from the Paris Games.

The concept of elite athletes from different disciplines competing against each other isn’t entirely new. For years, sports fans have indulged in debates over fantasy matchups, such as whether sprint legend Usain Bolt could have outrun football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during their prime.

While these hypothetical scenarios never materialised, the upcoming Duplantis-Warholm showdown is a rare opportunity to see such a crossover in real life.

However, this won’t be the first time Duplantis and Warholm have taken on the 100-metre dash. Warholm clocked a time of 10.49 seconds back in 2017, while Duplantis ran 10.57 in 2018.

The Swedish pole vaulter has long expressed a desire to take part in sprint relays for his country.

"I would have loved to do that. And I would love to be part of breaking the Swedish record," he said in a recent interview with Sweden’s Dagens Nyheter. Duplantis revealed that he kept pace with a training partner who ran 10.30 seconds.

Although we never saw the fastest man alive Usain Bolt take on football’s greatest Cristiano Ronaldo, we are sure to witness two of the biggest names in track and field athletics, Duplantis and Warholm face-off in this 100-metre sprint.

“We've heard a lot of comments, most of them are very positive, and you're right when we talk about food, there's also a question of taste. Just to say that we've worked with the NOCs (National Olympic Committee) for months on the menus that are provided to the athletes. They were all shared with them, previous to the Games so that we make sure that we can provide them with the right menus and food needed for their performances," Descamps said, as quoted by the AFP.

Athletes have expressed dissatisfaction with the large quantity of vegan food being served, which they claim has left them without enough meat. Olympians in Paris reported a shortage of protein-rich food, with some alleging that organizers had restricted the amount they were permitted to consume.

Before the Games began, it was announced that 60% of food options in the athlete’s village would be “plant-based” as part of an initiative to make Paris the most sustainable Olympics ever.

The American-Panamanian athlete, specialising in the 400-meter hurdles, is determined not to miss her second chance at the Olympics. After participating in the 2020 edition in Tokyo, she is now looking for a rematch.

In this interview, Woodruff shared with GSW her ambition to stand on the podium and her journey to reach the most prestigious sporting competition.

Watch the interview here:

GSW: How are you preparing for the 2024 Olympics?

Gianna Woodruff: My preparation for these Olympic Games has been different but very hard. We're getting ready to do what we need to do. We started off with an indoor season this year, running on the short track. My coach wanted us to be in competition mode a little bit earlier, and then we started transitioning into 400 hurdles while also doing some 400s just to keep my speed up so that we weren’t always hurdling.

The preparation for the 400 hurdles is not an easy event. We train like 800-metre runners, so we're always doing long endurance things and building strength all the time. But it's been good nonetheless. Very hard but very rewarding at the end of the day.

GSW: What do you hope to achieve at the competition?

Gianna Woodruff: We definitely hope to improve our mark from my first Olympics. We're also fighting for the gold medal. That's always the goal, and that's what we're trying to do: make it to the final and get a gold medal for Panama.

GSW: What do you expect from Latin America in these Olympics?

Gianna Woodruff: I expect it to be phenomenal. Definitely in the 400 hurdles with my representation. Marileidy Paulino will be doing great in the 400. We have a gymnast, we have a boxer, a cyclist… I think the variety that we have is going to be really good. I think everyone is going to play really well.

GSW: What sport do you most enjoy watching as a spectator?

Gianna Woodruff: This will be my first Olympic Games where I'll actually be able to watch some of the other sports because, in Tokyo, we weren’t able to because of COVID. I would love to watch gymnastics and boxing.

GSW: What challenges did you have to overcome to qualify for your first Olympics?

Gianna Woodruff: The initial challenge was the qualifying mark, which was faster than I had ever run at the time. I needed to run a personal best to make the Olympic team. I started off my first competition and I won at the Drake Relays [an outdoor track and field event held in Des Moines, Iowa]. My time kept getting better and getting lower. Initially, I had no idea how we were going to do it, but my coach was confident: ‘We're gonna do it, we’ve been training very hard for this.’ You need a coach like that, who can believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. He saw it before I did. And we qualified.

Honestly, being part of the Olympic team was the best. When I was in college, or even when I was in high school, I had never won anything. So, qualifying for the Olympics was the biggest thing ever.

GSW: So far, what has been your greatest success on a sporting level, not counting qualifying for the Olympics?

Gianna Woodruff: Winning my first global medal at the Pan American Games last year was big for me. I had never won a global title before. So that was my first one ever. It was just a great feeling. When you get on the podium, you love being up there and it's like you're supposed to be up there. So it gives you more inspiration and motivation to continue to be on top of the podium.

GSW: What are you most passionate about in your discipline?

Gianna Woodruff: I'm most passionate about being able to compete because training for it is so hard. When I get to the competition, I only have to do one lap, so I only have to focus on one thing. But I love hurdling. Hurdling is my favourite event. I love the fact that I can run and jump over something at the same time. It keeps me focused in the race because the open 400 is not an easy race. So I think the 400 hurdles is easier than the 400. So I would say I'm most passionate about hurdling and being able to overcome the obstacles in the race to get to the finish line.

GSW: If you could change any rule of the 400-metre hurdles, what would it be?

Gianna Woodruff: I would say to space out the hurdles a little bit more, because that 10th hurdle, it's so far away from the finish line. I feel like, especially when you're at that point, you're like: 'Oh my God, 60 more metres to go'. It seems so long. It seems so far.

So I would say just spacing out everything, maybe five or 10 metres more so that the 10th hurdle could be 30 or 40 metres away from the line. Nothing very big because I think everything is pretty perfect in the race. It's going to be hard regardless, so there's nothing that can make the race easier.

GSW: What do you think Panama needs so that athletes can have more opportunities?

Gianna Woodruff: A lot of things are missing, but I'd definitely start with resources for the athletes, like training locations and physical tracks to train on. 

I was in Panama a couple of weeks ago, and in Colón, where my mom is from, the track wasn’t in good condition. You couldn't be on the track after 6:00 p.m. because the lights didn’t work. There was fake grass in the middle, but somehow the grass had grown onto lanes one and two, so you couldn’t even run on the inside of the lanes.

Many fast athletes come from Colón and Panama in general. There’s so much talent, but no one is taking the time to show them that we care enough about them. I don’t want to be the only Panamanian track runner out there. 

[We're missing] financial support and having the right coaches, too, who can coach the kids on the track and off the track. What happens outside at the home is very important. If you can't eat, if you don't have any shoes, if you don't have a certain family who can support you, you don't know what your potential is if people don't believe in you.

This is the third article in a three-part series. Click here to read the first part, and click here to read the second one.

Here are our top 1-25.

25. Bernardo Cacella (Brazil)

Bernardo Cacella, who comes from a family of influencers, is not only a social media star but also an aspiring youth soccer player. He is a member of Boavista F.C.'s youth division, where he works on developing his skills and pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Check out his Instagram profile .

24. Marcos (Brazil)

Marcos Roberto Silveira dos Reis, known as Marcos, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer celebrated for his outstanding journey as a goalkeeper.

He dedicated his entire career to the Brazilian team Palmeiras and became one of the most beloved figures in both the club's and the country's football history.

Marcos also served as the starting goalkeeper for Brazil's national team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Check out his Instagram profile .

23. Mercedes Roa (Mexico)

Mercedes Roa is a content creator, an athlete, and a fan of the Argentine football club Boca Juniors. 

Passionate about football from a young age, the Mexican influencer now showcases her talent for football tricks on her social media platforms, performing dribbles, nutmegs, and other skills. 

She is also the president of Club de Cuervos in the Américas Kings League, a team inspired by the famous Netflix series of the same name. She has also collaborated with football stars, such as Chicharito Hernández and Gerard Piqué.

Check out her Instagram profile .

22. Arturo Vidal (Chile)

Arturo Vidal Pardo is a prominent Chilean professional footballer, currently playing as a midfielder for the Chilean team Colo-Colo and the national team. 

Vidal began his career at Colo-Colo before moving to Europe, where he played for prestigious clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona. He was included in UEFA's ten-man shortlist for the best player in Europe award in 2015.

Vidal has been a key player for the Chilean national team, participating in multiple Copa América tournaments and helping Chile secure consecutive titles in 2015 and 2016. He also competed in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Check out his Instagram profile .

21. Diego Ribas (Brazil)

Diego Ribas is a Brazilian former professional footballer celebrated for his career as a midfielder. 

He started his journey with the Brazilian team Santos and he later ventured to Europe where he played for renowned clubs such as Porto and Atlético Madrid.

Ribas concluded his career at Flamengo and became one of the team's greatest football icons. He also represented Brazil in numerous tournaments and played a pivotal role in many of the country's triumphs, such as the Copa América in 2004 and 2007.

He is now a commentator for TV Globo and the host of the podcast "10 & Faixa”.

Check out his Instagram profile .

20. Julia Giannella (Brazil)

Julia Giannella is a well-known Brazilian athlete and content creator who has made a name for herself in the world of fitness and lifestyle. 

On her social media platforms, she showcases her passion for various sports, including surfing, boxing, running, and marathons.

Check out her Instagram profile .

19. La Plaga (Colombia)

Thomas Suarez, better known as La Plaga, is a fervent enthusiast of bike stunts from Medellín.

He dedicates himself to mastering and showcasing new extreme tricks to his audience across social media platforms such as Instagram and his YouTube channel .

Check out his Instagram profile .

18. Xurras Da Jogada (Brazil)

Gabriel Luiz Andrade, better known as Xurrasco 021, has recently become an internet sensation. At only 17 years old, he gained fame through a TikTok dance that even caught Neymar's attention. 

But Xurrasco’s real dream is to make it big in professional football. He has already demonstrated his skills as a defender and was one of the highlights of the Viegas team from Senador Camará during the 2022 Taça das Favelas tournament. 

Check out his Instagram profile .

17. Joel Jota (Brazil)

Joel Jota is a multifaceted Brazilian entrepreneur known for his expertise in high-performance training, best-selling books, investments, and his career in sports. 

His journey began as a professional athlete with the Brazilian national swimming team, where he achieved numerous national championships both as an athlete and a coach.

Today, Jota is a prominent content creator and motivational speaker.

Check out his Instagram profile .

16. Gabriel Omar Batistuta (Argentina)

Gabriel Omar Batistuta, also known as Batigol and El Ángel Gabriel, is an Argentine former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time.

Batistuta began his career in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. He is most famous for his time with Fiorentina in Italy, where he became the team's all-time top scorer in Serie A. Batigol also played for Roma, Inter Milan, and Al-Arabi in Qatar.

On the international stage, Batistuta was Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer until Lionel Messi surpassed him. He achieved many victories with the national team, including two Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993.

Check out his Instagram profile.

15. Henry Martín (Mexico)

Henry Martín is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Liga MX club América and Mexico's national team. 

He has become a key player for the club and has broken into the top ten of América's all-time top scorers.

Check out his Instagram profile .

14. Eduardo Rodrigues Pereira (Brazil)

Eduardo Rodrigues Pereira, known by his online nickname Dudufootz, is a prominent influencer, YouTuber , and creator of football-focused content. 

Passionate about the sport and a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Dudufootz shares videos and sketches depicting situations on the pitch that any football fan and player would identify with.

Check out his Instagram profile .

13. Vitor Lo (Brazil)

Vitor Lo is a social media star and football player who shares his matches and training sessions on his Instagram channel. 

He is a member of the YouTube channel "Banheiristas" , known for its football challenges, entertaining videos, and illustrious guests.

Check out his Instagram profile.

12. Adriano Imperador (Brazil)

Adriano Leite Ribeiro, known simply as Adriano, left an enduring legacy in football with his formidable left-footed finishing. 

Nicknamed L'Imperador ("the Emperor"), he began his journey in Brazil with Flamengo and was once considered the successor to Ronaldo. His career took off at Parma and Inter Milan, where he became recognised as one of the best strikers in the world. His stellar performances earned him a place in the Top 10 of the Ballon d'Or rankings in both 2004 and 2005, as well as the prestigious IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer award in 2005.

Adriano also distinguished himself as a key figure in Brazil's successes, leading the team to triumphs in both the 2004 Copa América and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Check out his Instagram profile .

11. Rodrigo Cuba (Peru)

Rodrigo Cuba, also known as Gato Cuba, is a footballer who currently plays as a right-back for the Peruvian team Universidad San Martín. 

His career has mainly developed in Peruvian football, with a brief stint in Mexico. Off the pitch, Rodrigo shares moments with his family on his social networks, offering his fans a glimpse into his personal life.

Check out his Instagram profile .

10. Diego Costa (Brazil)

Diego da Silva Costa is a professional footballer currently playing as a striker for the Brazilian team Grêmio.

He returned to his home country after several years in Europe, where he played for giants such as Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. He achieved numerous victories with both clubs, including the Premier League with the English team and the UEFA Super Cup with the Spanish club. In 2013, he was named the top scorer in the Copa del Rey.

Costa has dual citizenship, Brazilian and Spanish, and debuted for Spain's national team in 2014.

Check out his Instagram profile.

9. Pity Martínez (Argentina)

Gonzalo Nicolás Martínez, known as "Pity" Martínez, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a winger for River Plate.

Martínez began his career with the Argentine team Huracán, where he won the Copa Argentina in 2014. He later joined River Plate and contributed to the team's victories in the Copa Libertadores titles in 2015 and 2018.

In 2018, he was also named the "Best Footballer in the Americas" by the newspaper El País.

Check out his Instagram profile.

8. Ciro “El Búho” Cairo (Argentina)

Ciro "El Búho" Cairo is a boxing prodigy from Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, and the youngest personality on this list.

At only seven years old, he became a social media sensation for his skills as an amateur boxer.

Ciro has big ambitions: he dreams of becoming a world champion, as he told El Izquierdazo .

Check out his Instagram profile.

7. Lucas Moura (Brazil)

Lucas Moura is a professional footballer who currently plays as a right winger and centre-forward for São Paulo football club.

His talent attracted attention from European clubs when he started his career with São Paulo. In Europe, he played for Paris Saint-Germain, where he became a key member of the team, as well as for Tottenham Hotspur.

When he rejoined São Paulo in 2023, the Brazilian club won the Copa do Brasil. Moura has also represented his country on multiple occasions, including the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Brazil emerged victorious.

Check out his Instagram profile.

6. Felipe Melo (Brazil)

Felipe Melo is a professional footballer who currently plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for the Brazilian club Fluminense.

Melo has positioned himself as a key player for numerous teams worldwide. He started his journey in Brazil, playing for Flamengo, Cruzeiro, and Grêmio before moving to Europe. There, he played for Spanish and Italian teams, including Mallorca, Racing Santander, Almería in La Liga, Fiorentina, Juventus, and Inter Milan. He also had a stint with the Turkish team Galatasaray.

When he returned to Brazil with Palmeiras, he helped secure many victories for the team, including two Copa Libertadores titles in 2020 and 2021. Melo won the same tournament again in 2023 when he joined Fluminense.

Check out his Instagram profile.

5. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (Mexico)

Isaac Jonathan Cruz Gonzalez is a Mexican professional boxer who has become a towering figure in the boxing world. Known for his relentless fighting style, Cruz has earned a reputation as one of the most promising talents in the sport.

In March 2024, "Pitbull" won the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title, marking a milestone in his career and solidifying his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Check out his Instagram profile.

4. James Rodríguez (Colombia)

James Rodríguez is a professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for São Paulo and Colombia's national team.

Rodríguez has become an outstanding player for Colombia and the world. He began his career with his country's club Envigado and then moved to the Argentine team Banfield. In Europe, he played for Porto, AS Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, and Olympiacos. He also spent two seasons with Al-Rayyan in Qatar.

James Rodríguez made his return to South American football with São Paulo in 2023.

Check out his Instagram profile.

3. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)

Edinson Cavani, also known as “El Matador” (The Killer), is a renowned professional footballer celebrated as one of the best strikers of his generation and a top goal scorer for Uruguay's national team. Currently, he plays for the Argentine team Boca Juniors.

Cavani began his career with Danubio in Montevideo before moving to Italy’s Palermo in 2007. He then played for Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Valencia, amassing an impressive trophy collection along the way.

In 2023, Cavani returned to South America to join Boca Juniors. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Golden Foot Award in 2018.

Check out his Instagram profile.

2. Paolo Guerrero (Peru)

Paolo Guerrero is a professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for the Peruvian football club Universidad César Vallejo and Peru's national team.

Guerrero began his career in Europe, where he played for Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV. He then achieved some of his greatest successes in Brazil, representing clubs such as Corinthians, Flamengo, Internacional, and Avaí. Guerrero also had brief stints with Argentina's Racing Club and Ecuador's LDU Quito.

In Peru, he holds the distinction of being the national team's all-time leading goalscorer. Guerrero was also nominated for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or, making history as the first Peruvian to receive such an honour.

Check out his Instagram profile.

1. Gary Medel (Chile)

At the top of our list is Chilean professional footballer Gary Medel, who currently stars as a centre-back and defensive midfielder for the Brazilian club Vasco da Gama.

Medel's career has spanned several clubs and countries. In Latin America, he played for Universidad Católica in Chile and Boca Juniors in Argentina. In Europe, he had spells with Sevilla, Cardiff City, Inter Milan, and Bologna. In Turkey, he played for Beşiktaş, one of the country's most successful teams.

Medel has established himself as a key member of the Chilean defence, representing his country at two FIFA World Cups and five Copa Américas. His outstanding performance was crucial in Chile's victory at the 2015 Copa América tournament.

Today, he is one of the most acclaimed figures in Chilean and Latin American football.

Check out his Instagram profile.

This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'athletes' and 'sports' in all Latin American countries. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers.

This is the second article in a three-part series. If you haven’t read our first piece, click here . 

Here are our top 26-50.

50. Ignacio Scocco (Argentina)

Ignacio Scocco, better known as Nacho, is a former professional football player who ended his career as a forward for the Argentine sports club Newell's Old Boys. Scocco played for teams in Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, England, and Greece.

Currently, he lives in his hometown Hughes, where he serves as the president of Hughes Football Club.

Check out his Instagram profile.

49. Teófilo Gutierrez (Colombia)

Teófilo Gutiérrez is a footballer currently playing as an attacking midfielder for Real Cartagena in the second division of Colombian professional football. He joined the team as a free agent after his contract with Deportivo Cali in the Colombian first division ended.

Gutiérrez has also represented Colombia's national team, participating in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, two Copa América tournaments, and three World Cup qualifications. He served as the captain of the national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

He stands among the most decorated Colombian players in history.

Check out his Instagram profile .

48. Evelyn Guijarro (Mexico)

Evelyn Guijarro is a professional javelin thrower who rose to fame when she reached the final of "Exatlón México", a TV reality series that follows a group of athletes facing physical and mental challenges.

Swimming, gymnastics and athletics are some of the disciplines Guijarro practises.

Check out her Instagram profile .

47. Lucas Alario (Argentina)

Lucas Alario is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Brazilian club Internacional.

Previously, Alario was part of the Argentine teams Colón and River Plate. He also played in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Check out his Instagram profile .

46. Manuel Lanzini (Argentina)

Manuel Lanzini is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for the Argentine team River Plate.

He has previously played for River Plate, Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, Fluminense in Brazil, and West Ham in England, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.

Check out his Instagram profile .

45. Franco Armani (Argentina)

Franco Armani is a footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for River Plate. He is the Argentine goalkeeper with the most titles in history .

Some of his victories include winning the Copa Libertadores in 2016 with Atlético Nacional de Medellín and in 2018 with River Plate.

He was also part of the squad that won the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Check out his Instagram profile.

44. Marcelo (Brazil)

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, most commonly known as Marcelo, is revered as one of Brazil's most accomplished footballers. Renowned for his exceptional skills as a left-back, Marcelo currently plays for the Brazilian team Fluminense.

He spent the majority of his career with the Spanish club Real Madrid and holds the distinction of being the club's most decorated player, having won 25 trophies.

In a historic moment in 2021, Marcelo was named the captain of Real Madrid, becoming the first foreign captain since 1904.

In 2023, he played a key role in securing the coveted Copa Libertadores title with Fluminense.

Check out his Instagram profile .

43. Edu Guedes (Brazil)

Eduardo Sanches Guedes is a multifaceted Brazilian personality known for his roles as a chef, television presenter, and race car driver. He currently competes in the Porsche GT3 Challenge, a prestigious racing competition.

In November 2023, he clinched first place in the Rookie category during Stage 8 of the Porsche Cup Brazil.

Check out his Instagram profile .

42. Ernesto Cázares (Mexico)

Ernesto Cázares is a renowned parkour athlete and climber who has built a career in freerunning. 

His skills have earned him a prominent place in the parkour community, particularly as a member of the Sky Brothers MX, a group of YouTube athletes known for their dangerous and often unauthorised climbs of big structures.

He was also the winner of the first edition of the TV reality series "Exatlón México".

Check out his Instagram profile .

41 . Pangal Andrade (Chile)

Pangal Andrade is renowned for his passion for extreme sports, especially rafting and kayaking. He gained recognition for winning the reality show "Año 0" and for his participation in the adventure program "La Odisea".

The Chilean extreme sports enthusiast has represented his country in international competitions, including the World Rafting and Kayaking Championships.

Check out his Instagram profile .

40 . Ana Lago (Mexico)

Ana Lago is a Mexican gymnast who made history by becoming the first Mexican woman to win a gold medal in artistic gymnastics at the 2011 Pan American Games.

The athlete also competed in the reality show "Exatlón México", where she achieved third place.

Check out her Instagram profile .

39 . Fernandinho (Brazil)

Fernando Luiz Roza, known as Fernandinho, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. Currently, he plays for the Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense, where he began his career.

Fernandinho's journey includes eight years with the Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk and a remarkable nine-year stint with Premier League giants Manchester City.

Check out his Instagram profile .

38 . Fred Bruno (Brazil)

Bruno Carneiro Nunes, commonly known as Fred, is a versatile Brazilian personality recognised as a YouTuber, TV presenter, journalist, influencer, and former professional futsal player. He gained popularity through his role as a presenter on the football and sports-focused "Desimpedidos" YouTube channel , as well as his participation in the reality show "Big Brother Brasil 23".

In addition to his media ventures, Fred has earned a place in the futsal world. He participated in the pre-season of the Brazilian futsal club Magnus Futsal and starred in the YouTube series "Vai Pra Cima, Fred!", which chronicles his journey to becoming a professional futsal player. 

Fred was named one of the 30 most promising young people by Forbes Brasil in 2019.

Check out his Instagram profile .

37 . Alexa Grasso (Mexico)

Alexa Grasso is a distinguished Mexican mixed martial artist known for her prowess in the women's Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 

Currently holding the esteemed title of UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, Grasso has solidified her position as one of the top athletes in the sport. 

Check out her Instagram profile .

36 . Gabi Gagliassi (Brazil)

Gabriele Gagliassi is a talented volleyball player from Brazil, where she primarily plays as an outside hitter.

In addition to her achievements on the volleyball court, Gagliassi has also established herself as a digital creator. On her social media platforms, she shares content related to her athletic adventures and games.

Check out her Instagram profile .

35. Gabriel Medina (Brazil)

Gabriel Medina is a celebrated Brazilian professional surfer, renowned for his outstanding international achievements, which include winning the WSL World Championships in 2014, 2018, and 2021.

The athlete began surfing at the age of eight and made waves in the surfing world at just 17 when he became the youngest Brazilian surfer to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour (CT).

Medina is set to compete in the 2024 Olympics.

Check out his Instagram profile .

34. Felipe Franco (Brazil)

Felipe Franco is one of Brazil's most accomplished bodybuilders, recognised for his IFBB Pro status. 

He has participated in international competitions, such as the 2018 Los Angeles Grand Prix, where he secured first place in the IFBB Men's Physique category.

Check out his Instagram profile .

33. Denilson (Brazil)

Denílson de Oliveira Araújo, commonly known as Denílson or Denílson Show, is a Brazilian football commentator and former professional player celebrated for his exceptional dribbling skills. 

He had a remarkable 17-year career primarily as a forward. In 1998, he was the world's most expensive player.

Denílson represented his country in six international tournaments. The highlight of his career was winning the 2002 World Cup with Brazil. 

After his retirement, he transitioned to a successful career as a football pundit, where he continues to share his knowledge and passion for the sport.

Check out his Instagram profile .

32. Rodrigo Caio (Brazil)

Rodrigo Caio is a prominent footballer who recently joined the Brazilian football club Grêmio. 

Previously, Caio played for São Paulo and Flamengo, where he won multiple championships, including the Copa Libertadores in 2019 and 2022.

He was also part of Brazil's national team when the country secured the Olympic Gold Medal in 2016.

Check out his Instagram profile .

31. Tatán Mejía (Colombia)

Sebastián Mejía, also known as Tatán Mejía, is a freestyle motocross rider.

The Colombian athlete has achieved significant accomplishments, including the title of South American champion in Ecuador and the position of Latin American runner-up in Chile. 

Check out his Instagram profile .

30. Nicolás de la Cruz (Uruguay)

Nicolás de la Cruz is a Uruguayan footballer who currently serves as a midfielder for Flamengo in Brazil.

After honing his skills and beginning his professional career with Liverpool, de la Cruz joined the Argentine team River Plate. During his tenure with River, he secured a total of 10 titles, including the Copa Libertadores. His transfer to Flamengo was finalised in January 2024.

Check out his Instagram profile .

29. Whindersson Nunes (Brazil)

Whindersson Nunes, also known as Lil Whind, is a multitalented Brazilian personality recognised for his work as a YouTuber, comedian, actor, musician, and boxer. He is famous for his comedic sketches and music parodies, as well as his leading roles in films and television series such as "Os Parças".

Nunes ventured into the world of boxing and made his amateur debut in September 2019. Despite his relatively short tenure in the sports scene, he has showcased his versatility as a performer both inside and outside the ring.

Check out his Instagram profile .

28. Sergio Romero (Argentina)

Sergio "Chiquito" Romero is a professional footballer renowned for his skills as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for the Argentine team Boca Juniors.

His journey began with Racing Club and continued with European teams such as AZ Alkmaar, Sampdoria, and a season-long loan with Monaco. Romero's career took a significant turn when he signed for Manchester United in 2015, where he played a crucial role in the club's UEFA Europa League victory in the 2016-17 season.

Romero has also represented Argentina on several occasions, including two World Cups and three Copa América tournaments.

Check out his Instagram profile .

27. Lucas Pratto (Argentina)

Lucas Pratto is an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for the Paraguayan team Club Olimpia.

Pratto has played for clubs in Argentina, Norway, Chile, Italy, Brazil, and the Netherlands. In 2018, he won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate.

Check out his Instagram profile .

26. Juan Fernando Quintero (Colombia)

Juan Fernando Quintero is a Colombian professional footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Racing Club in Argentina and represents Colombia's national team.

His previous experience includes stints at European and Latin American clubs.

Check out his Instagram profile .

Discover the first part of the list (numbers 1-25) on July 2.

This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'athletes' and 'sports' in all Latin American countries. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers.

It’s no surprise that sports hold significant weight on social media among Latin American audiences. Athletes and sports celebrities use these platforms to connect more intimately with their fans, share personal moments, and even monetise their presence.

But if social media were the playing field, the champions would not always be the same as those in the tournaments.

At Global South World, we have created a list of the 75 most influential sports personalities on Instagram in the region.

With the help of Hypeauditor , an AI-powered influencer marketing platform, we have built a ranking based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS) . This score, which ranges from 1 to 100, is calculated by measuring four factors: engagement rate, audience quality, follower and following growth, and engagement authenticity. For more details about our methodology, check the bottom of the article.

This is the first piece in a three-part series.

Here are our top 51-75.

75. Mateus Souza (Brazil)

Mateus Souza is an emerging internet phenomenon and a passionate football fan.

His humorous videos and sketches about football, where he also showcases his skills as a player, have helped him gather over one million followers on Instagram alone. His account's growth rate on that platform highly surpasses that of similar accounts.

Check out his Instagram profile.

74. Cássio Ramos (Brazil)

Cássio Roberto Ramos is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. After 12 years with the Brazilian team Corinthians, he recently joined Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a sports club based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

His career also includes a stint in the Netherlands with PSV and Sparta Rotterdam.

Cássio has also played for Brazil's national team, participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and contributing to their victory in the 2019 Copa América.

Check out his Instagram profile.

73. Stefani Jiménez (Mexico)

Stefani Jiménez is not only considered one of the best goalkeepers in Liga MX Femenil but also stands out as a social media content creator. She currently serves as a reserve goalkeeper for the Mexican football club Pachuca Femenil.

Jiménez's previous experiences include playing for FC Juárez, Atlético de San Luis Femenil, and Tigres.

Check out her Instagram profile.

72. Léo Pereira (Brazil)

Leonardo Pereira is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Brazilian team Flamengo.

Before joining the club based in Rio de Janeiro, the athlete played for other teams, such as Atlético Paranaense and Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

Check out his Instagram profile.

71. MC Gui (Brazil)

Music is not MC Gui's only passion. The Brazilian funk singer and songwriter is also a racing driver. Through his Instagram account, he shares his car adventures, including his competitions in the NASCAR Brazil Sprint Race.

Check out his Instagram profile.

70. Norma Palafox (Mexico)

Norma Duarte Palafox is a Mexican football player who currently plays as a forward for Liga MX Femenil club Juárez. 

Palafox has distinguished herself for her performance on the Guadalajara Chivas women's team. She was also part of C.F. Pachuca Femenil and played as a reinforcement for Atlas FC Femenil and Cruz Azul Femenil.

The Mexican sportswoman gained further notoriety by winning the fifth season of "Exatlón USA", a reality TV series that follows a group of athletes undergoing physical and mental challenges.

Check out her Instagram profile.

69. Iván Torres (Paraguay)

When visiting Iván Torres' Instagram profile, one might not immediately realise he is a football star. The Paraguayan footballer, who currently plays as a left-back for the sports club Goiás, mostly shares details of his daily life, moments with his family, motivational content, and training routines.

Before joining the Brazilian team, Torres played for the Paraguayan football club Olimpia. He also had stints with Cerro Porteño, another team from Paraguay, and the Argentine team Colón.

Check out his Instagram profile.

68. Ramon Dino (Brazil)

Ramon Dino, also known as "O Dinossauro do Acre" (the Dinosaur from Acre), is a professional bodybuilder who competes in the Classic Physique division.

Dino has participated in several international competitions, including the Olympia and the Arnold Classic Ohio, where he emerged victorious in 2023.

Check out his Instagram profile.

67. Nicole Moreno (Chile)

Nicole Moreno, also known as Luli or Luli Love, is a Chilean fitness champion, dancer, singer, model, and entrepreneur.

On her Instagram account, Moreno shares her workout routines and passion for bodybuilding. Recently, she was crowned Bikini Overall Champion at the Viña Muscle Show 2024.

Check out her Instagram profile.

66. María Malibrán (Mexico)

María Malibrán, 19, is a content creator and national barrel racing champion. Through her social media platforms, she shares her passion for the countryside, horse riding, and rodeo.

Born in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, the cowgirl started competing at a very young age. Today, she has not only won several national and international championships but has also founded her own line of clothing and accessories for horse enthusiasts.

Check out her Instagram profile.

65. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil)

Rubens Barrichello, also known as "Rubinho," is a professional racing driver from Brazil. He competed in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2011 and achieved 11 Grand Prix victories and 68 podium finishes.

Since 2023, he has been competing full-time in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series. He also co-hosts the Brazilian automotive YouTube channel "Acelerados".

Check out his Instagram profile.

64. Bruno Henrique (Brazil)

Bruno Henrique is a professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for Flamengo and Brazil's national team.

After starting his career in Brazil, Henrique moved abroad in 2016 to join Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg. He returned to his country a year later to play for Santos before joining Flamengo in 2019.

In that same year, Flamengo won the Campeonato Carioca, with Henrique finishing as the top scorer. Flamengo also clinched the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores.

Check out his Instagram profile.

63. Fabián Cubero (Argentina)

Fabián Cubero is a former professional footballer who predominantly played for the Argentine sports club Vélez Sarsfield. Cubero spent most of his career as a right-back and won five league titles with Vélez Sarsfield.

In April 2024, Cubero was announced as the new coach of the Argentine team Sportivo Italiano.

Check out his Instagram profile.

62. Guilherme Arana (Brazil)

Guilherme Arana is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a left-back for Atlético Mineiro and Brazil's national team.

After starting his career in the Corinthians youth academy, Arana moved up to the first team. His performance during the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A contributed to the team's victory. The Brazilian athlete has also played for European clubs, including Sevilla FC.

Arana was also part of the national team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Check out his Instagram profile.

61. Rafael Borré (Colombia)

Rafael Borré is a Colombian footballer who plays as a forward for the Brazilian sports club Internacional.

Borré's previous experiences in Latin America include playing for the Colombian team Deportivo Cali and the Argentine club River Plate, with whom he won several titles, including the 2018 Copa Libertadores and the 2019 Recopa Sudamericana.

In Europe, Borré played for Spanish clubs Atlético Madrid and Villarreal CF, as well as Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he contributed to their second Europa League title in 2022.

Check out his Instagram profile.

60. Joaquín Piquerez (Uruguay)

Joaquín Piquerez is a professional footballer who plays for the Brazilian club Palmeiras and Uruguay's national team.

In 2022, he was honoured with the ESPN Bola de Prata Sportingbet Prize for being the best left-back in Brazilian football. Piquerez can also play as a midfielder.

Check out his Instagram profile.

59. Luccas Abreu (Brazil)

Luccas Abreu is an archery athlete who has gained fame on social media. Through his platforms, Abreu shares moments from his daily life and provides a behind-the-scenes look at this niche sport.

The Brazilian athlete competes internationally and has achieved significant success. In 2022, he won two silver medals in compound archery at the South American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

Check out his Instagram profile.

58. Andrés Nicolás D’Alessandro (Argentina)

Andrés Nicolás D'Alessandro is a retired professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He finished his career with the Brazilian club Internacional de Porto Alegre.

D'Alessandro began his journey with the Argentine club River Plate. He then spent some years with European clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg, Portsmouth, and Real Zaragoza.

The athlete also competed in the Copa America and participated in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where Argentina won a gold medal.

Check out his Instagram profile.

57. Alejandra Estefanía (Mexico)

Alejandra Estefanía is a lawyer and fitness model who shares exercise routines on her Instagram account. She also has a background as a teacher and Taekwondo competitor. 

Alejandra Estefanía has participated in several international competitions, including Joe Weider's Olympia Amateur, where she secured 3rd place in the Bikini Open Class B category in 2023.

Check out her Instagram profile.

56. Daniel Corral Barrón (Mexico)

Daniel Corral is a renowned Mexican gymnast who has participated in three Olympic Games and has received several international recognitions.

Among his most notable achievements are the 2011 Pan American Games, where he won two gold medals in the pommel horse and parallel bars finals. Corral also competed in the 2013 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, where he tied with the British gymnast Max Whitlock for the silver medal on the pommel horse. He became the first Mexican gymnast to win a medal in that event.

Check out his Instagram profile.

55. João do Grau (Brazil)

João Victor Pereira has become a social media reference for motorcycle wheelies and stunt riding.

The young Brazilian began sharing his skills as a teenager. He mainly practices motocross but also enjoys riding various types of vehicles.

Check out his Instagram profile.

54. Weverton (Brazil)

Weverton Pereira da Silva is a professional football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Palmeiras and Brazil's national team.

Weverton garnered the support of thousands of fans when he won the Campeonato Paranaense with Athletico in 2016. In that same year, he served as the goalkeeper at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the Brazilian national team clinched the gold medal against Germany.

Check out his Instagram profile.

53. Gabriel Montiel (Mexico)

Gabriel Montiel is not only one of the best-known YouTubers in Latin America, but he is also a former Mexican footballer who played as a midfielder.

His career as an athlete started with the youth team Águilas de Teotihuacán and ended with Murciélagos FC. Although Montiel decided to retire from football to devote himself fully to his career as a YouTuber, the sport is still a significant part of his life.

Montiel, also known as Werevertumorro , is a co-founder of the Kings League Americas, a 7-a-side football league based on Gerard Piqué's Kings League, in which he competes against other content creators and sports celebrities, such as James Rodríguez.

Check out his Instagram profile.

52. Sol Pérez (Argentina)

Sol Pérez is an Argentine gymnast, model, and journalist. She started artistic gymnastics at the age of five and is a sports enthusiast. Volleyball, basketball, swimming, and skating are some of the disciplines she has practised throughout her life.

Pérez became a public figure in Argentina when she worked as a weather presenter for the programme Sportia on TyC Sports. She also participated in the dance competition TV series "Bailando por un Sueño" (Dancing for a Dream).

Check out her Instagram profile.

51. Santiago Arias (Colombia)

Santiago Arias is a professional football player who currently plays as a defender for the Brazilian team E.C. Bahia and Colombia's national team.

He is considered one of the best full-backs in Colombian football. Arias has also played for European clubs such as Atlético de Madrid and the Dutch club PSV, where he stood out for his performance in the 2014-15 Eredivisie.

Check out his Instagram profile.

Discover the second part of the list (numbers 26-50) on June 29.

This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'athletes' and 'sports' in all Latin American countries. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers.

The property, currently listed on the market, includes two neighbouring homes. One has been transformed into a welcome centre and gift shop, while the other is intended for short-term rental.

The owners are asking for $1.5 million (£1.1 million) for all three properties. Co-owner George Bochetto stated that finding a buyer committed to preserving Ali's childhood home as a museum would be "the best possible outcome."

The museum opened shortly before Ali's death in 2016. Bochetto and his business partner renovated the house to reflect its appearance during Ali's childhood, using old photos to replicate the furnishings, appliances, artwork, and even the pink exterior from that era.

Ali lived in the home when he left for the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where he won a gold medal. This marked the beginning of a career that would make him one of the most recognisable figures in the world and a three-time heavyweight boxing champion.