The Atlas Lions performances at the 2026 World Cup continue to be the talk of the town, both on the pitch and on social media. Buoyed by Morocco’s run in the tournament, several Moroccan internationals are among the players who have seen the biggest increases in Instagram followers since the start of the tournament, confirming the global enthusiasm surrounding the national team.
According to a study published by the specialist website MyBettingSites, Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the footballers who have gained the most popularity on the platform since the World Cup kicked off. This is further proof of the growing international influence of Moroccan football.
Hakimi, Saibari and Bouaddi are winning over fans around the world
Captain and leader of the Atlas Lions, Achraf Hakimi remains the most-followed Moroccan player on Instagram. Thanks to his performances at this World Cup, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back ranks 17th in the MyBettingSites rankings, confirming his status as a global star.
The study also highlights the rise of Ismael Saibari. Having put in a convincing World Cup performance for Morocco, the midfielder ranks 40th among the players who have gained the most followers. Further down the list, Ayyoub Bouaddi, the competition’s Moroccan revelation, appears in 49th place after impressing with his performances in midfield.
These figures illustrate the impact of the Atlas Lions’ performances on the popularity of their players. With every match, the Moroccan internationals attract new supporters from all corners of the world, bolstering their image far beyond the football pitch.
Moroccan football is gaining visibility
This growth on social media confirms the growing influence of Moroccan football on the international stage. Their performances at the 2026 World Cup have given the Atlas Lions exceptional visibility, which naturally translates into a sharp rise in their online following and new opportunities for the players.
On a global scale, Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha tops this ranking. Having emerged as the tournament’s revelation thanks to his performances against Spain and Uruguay, his follower count has soared from around 50,000 to nearly 16 million in less than two weeks, according to a study reported by several international media outlets.
Whilst some surprise teams are also capitalising on this surge in popularity, Morocco is cementing its status as a rising force in world football. The performances of Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Ayyoub Bouaddi are not only boosting their individual popularity, but are also enhancing the image and appeal of Moroccan football amongst international audiences.
