The Bolognese rider is the second most followed active Italian athlete on social media: Mario is at 11.9, Rossi at 16.1. In 2026 Antonelli doubled the number of followers on social media
What they have in common Kimi Antonelli and Mario Balotelli? If we think back to the early days of Super Mario, we are reminded of his boundless talent, which was later wasted in a career where the “balotellate” prevailed (copyright Antonio Cassano). Just like what Kimi is demonstrating, one step away from a historic world title. But otherwise the two worlds are opposite for character, friendliness and education. Yet in the world of social media, Balotelli’s unscrupulousness is liked even more than Kimi’s class. In fact, among the Italian athletes still in their careers Balotelli is in first place in the follower rankings: although his decline is now almost definitive, Mario has 11.9 million followers. A popularity that after the years of Inter, Manchester City, Milan and Liverpool was not tarnished even by the choice to go and play for Al Ittifaq in Saudi Arabia. A choice evidently dictated only by economic reasons.
Kimi on the rise
At just 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli is therefore preparing for yet another overtaking of his life, the Bolognese has reached 9.2 million followers effectively doubling his followers given that in January he had 4.5 million. Antonelli also put the other phenomenon of Italian sport behind him, Jannik Sinner, who has 5.7 million of followers and who this season has evidently been penalized by the long injury stop which still keeps him away from the tennis courts. Antonelli also surpassed the goalkeeper and captain of the national team Gigio Donnarumma, who with 6.8 million followers is in fourth place preceded by another player now very close to ending his career, Marco Verratti who has 7.9 million of followers.
Valentino unattainable?
There are over 16 million followers Valentino Rossi who retired from racing in 2001 and yet is still the most followed Italian athlete in the world. Unattainable? Looking at Antonelli’s progression in 2026 you would say no, the goal of ten million is very close and with the world title Kimi’s popularity could explode even more than what has happened now. On a global level, however, the climb is a little more difficult to achieve: Cristiano Ronaldo he is the most followed with 680 million followers, behind him Lionel Messi at 517.
