Sofascore Season 2025 is here, giving fans a personalised recap of how they followed sports throughout the year. But beyond individual habits, the global data also shows which athletes the world checked most, sport by sport. From football to motorsport, tennis to darts, each category had its own clear favourite.

Below is a full breakdown of the most followed athletes in 2025 and what made them stand out.

Most Popular in Football: Lamine Yamal

Football had a year defined by young stars and legendary names, but no one drew more attention than Lamine Yamal. At just 18 years old, the Spanish winger for FC Barcelona became the most followed footballer in the world. Fans checked his progress weekly as he delivered goals, assists and performances well beyond his age. A breakthrough season at one of the biggest clubs on the planet keeps curiosity high, and his role for both Barcelona and Spain made him central to nearly every major conversation in the sport.

Top 5 in Football

1. Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
2. Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Al Nassr)
4. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
5. Neymar (Brazil, Santos)

Most Popular in Basketball: Nikola Jokić

Basketball’s global leader was Nikola Jokić, the 30-year-old Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets. One of the most complete players in NBA history, Jokić consistently draws attention through his scoring, passing and control of the game. Every triple-double alert brings a wave of checks from fans, and another elite season placed him at the top of basketball interest worldwide.

Top 5 in Basketball

1. Nikola Jokić (Serbia, Denver Nuggets)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada, Oklahoma City Thunder)
3. Luka Dončić (Slovenia, Dallas Mavericks / later Los Angeles Lakers)
4. Stephen Curry (USA, Golden State Warriors)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece, Milwaukee Bucks)

Most Popular in American Football: Patrick Mahomes

For American football, Patrick Mahomes was checked more than any other athlete. The 30-year-old quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs continues to be the sport’s defining figure. With his leading comebacks and weekly highlights he remained the central name in nearly every NFL conversation. His numbers were almost double those of the next one, showing how strong his hold on the sport remains.

Top 5 in American Football

1. Patrick Mahomes (USA, Kansas City Chiefs)
2. Jalen Hurts (USA, Philadelphia Eagles)
3. Saquon Barkley (USA, Philadelphia Eagles)
4. Lamar Jackson (USA, Baltimore Ravens)
5. Josh Allen (USA, Buffalo Bills)

Most Popular in Tennis: Jannik Sinner

Tennis had one of the most competitive seasons in years, but Jannik Sinner remained the most followed athlete in the sport. The 24-year-old Italian, currently at close second at the top of the ATP rankings (behind Carlos Alcaraz), delivered consistent titles, deep runs at majors and a calm, controlled playing style that fans check daily. His rise has made him one of the most popular athletes across all sports.

Top 5 in Tennis

1. Jannik Sinner (Italy)
2. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
3. Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
4. João Fonseca (Brazil)
5. Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)

Most Popular in Motorsport: Max Verstappen

Motorsport had an intense season, with Formula 1 going down to the final race. Even though Lando Norris won the 2025 championship, Max Verstappen remained the most followed driver of the year. The Dutch Red Bull Racing driver fought for the title until the final weekend, keeping fans checking results, qualifying laps and championship standings throughout the season. His consistency and rivalry with McLaren made him the most viewed athlete in motorsport.

Top 5 in Motorsport

1. Max Verstappen (Netherlands, Red Bull Racing)
2. Oscar Piastri (Australia, McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (Great Britain, McLaren)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain, Ferrari)
5. Charles Leclerc (Monaco, Ferrari)

Most Popular in Ice Hockey: Alex Ovechkin

In ice hockey, Alex Ovechkin continued to draw massive attention. The 40-year-old Washington Capitals winger, long considered one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, remains central to fans tracking milestones and team progress. His chase of all-time goal records keeps him regularly checked worldwide.

Top 5 in Ice Hockey

1. Alex Ovechkin (Russia, Washington Capitals)
2. Leon Draisaitl (Germany, Edmonton Oilers)
3. Connor McDavid (Canada, Edmonton Oilers)
4. Nathan MacKinnon (Canada, Colorado Avalanche)
5. Nikita Kucherov (Russia, Tampa Bay Lightning)

Most Popular in Baseball: Shohei Ohtani

Baseball’s biggest star remained Shohei Ohtani, the 31-year-old two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With fans checking both his pitching and hitting numbers, Ohtani continued to stand alone as the sport’s most unique player. Every appearance drew large attention, making him the most followed name in baseball once again.

Most Popular in Cycling: Tadej Pogačar

Cycling’s most followed athlete was Tadej Pogačar, the 27-year-old Slovenian rider for UAE Team Emirates. Already one of the best cyclists of his generation, Pogačar’s dominance in both Grand Tours and classic races made him the central figure fans tracked throughout the season.

Most Popular in Darts: Luke Littler

Darts had a breakthrough name: Luke Littler, still just 18 years old. His rise through major tournaments captured worldwide interest and reshaped how fans follow the sport. With confident finishes and a growing list of titles, Littler became the most followed darts athlete globally.

Most Popular in Handball: Mathias Gidsel

Handball’s top name was Mathias Gidsel, the 26-year-old Danish right back known for his speed, accuracy and major performances for Füchse Berlin and the Danish national team. His constant influence on matches kept him the most followed player in the sport.

Most Popular in MMA: Islam Makhachev

MMA’s global leader was Islam Makhachev, the 34-year-old Russian lightweight and welterweight champion competing in the UFC. His title defenses and consistency at the top of two divisions made him the fighter fans checked most. Behind him came Charles Oliveira, Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira, showing how competitive the sport remains.

Most Popular in eSports: s1mple

In eSports, s1mple once again led global interest. The 28-year-old Ukrainian Counter-Strike player, known for his years with NAVI and widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the game, continued to attract fans whether competing or not. His presence in top-tier events, combined with a massive legacy, kept him as the most followed eSports athlete worldwide.

A Global Year of Stars, Now Available for Every Fan

These rankings show how fans around the world followed sport in 2025. Each sport had its own well deserved leader.

Read more: Sofascore Season 2025 is Here!

Now every fan can open Sofascore Season 2025 inside the app and discover their own personalised recap: their most checked players, clubs and matches, their busiest months, their fan type and their attribute overview. Everything in one simple scroll.

Read more: Sofascore Season: The Most Opened Players and Teams in 2025