Mohamed Salah’s global following puts Trabzonspor move under the spotlight

A reported move by Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor has drawn attention well beyond Turkey, with the Egyptian forward’s huge social media following once again highlighting his status as one of football’s most popular players worldwide.

According to Turkish newspaper 61 Saat, Salah has 106 million followers across the main social media platforms, making him the seventh most-followed footballer in the world.

The figures have emerged after Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor, a deal the report says has generated significant interest inside Turkey while also reviving discussion about the scale of the player’s international fanbase.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the ranking by a considerable margin. The Portugal captain and Al Nassr forward has a combined following of 964 million, placing him well clear of Lionel Messi, who is second with 633 million.

Brazil forward Neymar occupies third place with 398 million followers. Kylian Mbappe is fourth on 178 million, while Karim Benzema, the Al Hilal player, is fifth with 139 million.

Erling Haaland is sixth with 115 million, just ahead of Salah’s total of 106 million.

The top 10 is completed by James Rodriguez, who has 100 million followers, Paul Pogba with 95 million and Vinicius Junior with 91 million.

The ranking reflects the combined totals reported across different social media platforms rather than the audience of any single network.

Broader impact of Salah’s arrival

61 Saat said Salah’s arrival at Trabzonspor could provide the club with a major boost in global visibility. The report pointed particularly to his strong popularity in the Arab world and Europe, where his profile has developed significantly during his career.

The transfer is being viewed as one of the most prominent moves capable of increasing the Turkish club’s international presence. Its potential effect, according to the newspaper, extends beyond Salah’s contribution on the pitch.

His popularity could also increase Trabzonspor’s commercial value and strengthen the club’s connection with supporters through social media. The report presents the move as an opportunity for the club to benefit from the attention already generated by one of the sport’s most recognisable players.

Salah’s seventh-place position means he is some distance behind the leading pair of Ronaldo and Messi, but he remains ahead of several high-profile players, including James Rodriguez, Pogba and Vinicius Junior.

The interest surrounding the transfer has therefore focused not only on the footballing consequences for Trabzonspor, but also on the wider reach that Salah could bring to the club. His 106 million followers give the move a substantial digital dimension, particularly in markets where he already enjoys a large following.

The report also included promotional links for Trabzonspor match tickets and Saudi Pro League tickets.