Social Media: Ronaldo’s YouTube growth: unprecedented – National

The content of the videos is also well suited to generating emotions in viewers, says the scientist. As an example, she cites a video in which the footballer explains why he burst into tears at last summer’s European Championships. “He even brings us into his emotions,” emphasized von der Heyde. According to her, fans are interested in the authenticity and approachability of an icon.

There are not only the classic football fans who go to the stadium. There are also interested people who know Ronaldo’s name and have asked themselves what his girlfriend is like, why he cries? “It’s just really exciting to take a look into people’s worlds.”

Ronaldo himself also has an idea of ​​why his fans love him: “For many reasons: football, trophies, family, lifestyle,” he lists in the video.

Why now?

With 132 goals in 214 international matches, the five-time world footballer is his country’s record player and record goalscorer. However, he was heavily criticized at the European Championships because, even at the age of 39, he still played as captain and regular player without making any noticeable contribution to the team in sporting terms.

Could starting a YouTube account also be a retirement insurance policy? Blase doesn’t rule that out: “I think it’s very smart to establish yourself now, while you’re still active – as an idol in this world and to build a new career for yourself.”

Future prospects

But long-term success requires more than just the star player’s fame. “YouTube doesn’t just give you random views and play you just because you’re famous,” said Blase. A viewer has to click on a video and watch it to the end for it to do well. Ronaldo has to follow this example.

Most recently, he says he has broken the barrier of a combined one billion followers on social networks. “We have made history,” the Portuguese posted on Instagram, X, Facebook and Kuaishou, among others. But that’s not all. Ronaldo will overtake YouTube star “MrBeast.” According to broadcaster “Giga,” he will achieve this in the next two years. There are already live counters that compare the subscribers of the two YouTube channels in real time.

In his post to one billion followers, the professional from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia promised his fans worldwide: “The best is yet to come and we will fight together, win and make history.”