Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history, could have surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense earning potential if social media had been around during his prime. While Ronaldo is currently one of the most marketable figures in the world, Michael Jordan’s legendary popularity in the 1990s could have driven his earnings even higher, according to his former Chicago Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen.
Ronaldo’s Social Media Empire
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond the football pitch. The Portuguese star boasts an impressive 647 million followers on Instagram, making him the most-followed person on the platform. His social media dominance plays a crucial role in his financial success, with Ronaldo reportedly earning $3.23 million per sponsored post. In 2023 alone, Ronaldo posted 46 sponsored posts, promoting various brands such as Binance, CR7 Fragrances, and Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid. His ability to leverage his online presence for lucrative endorsements has contributed to his staggering $148 million side hustle income last year.
What If Jordan Had Social Media?
Pippen, speaking on the PBD Podcast, expressed his belief that Michael Jordan’s popularity would have exploded even further had he had access to social media during the 1990s. “I think he would have probably doubled that,” Pippen said when asked how many followers Jordan could have amassed. He explained that Jordan was already one of the most famous people in the world during his playing days with the Chicago Bulls. A 1996 study by Warner Brothers confirmed Jordan’s global fame, placing him alongside figures like Princess Diana and the Pope as some of the most recognized people on Earth.
At the height of his career, Jordan was the face of Nike, and his endorsement deals set the standard for athletes seeking corporate partnerships. His charisma, marketability, and worldwide appeal would have made him a social media sensation if given the tools Ronaldo has today.
Jordan’s Reluctance Toward Social Media
While Jordan could have benefited from the vast reach of platforms like Instagram and Twitter, he has expressed reservations about the invasive nature of modern social media. In an interview with Cigar Aficionado, Jordan explained that the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy in the social media era would have been challenging for him to handle. “I don’t know if I could’ve survived in this Twitter time,” Jordan said, reflecting on the pressure modern athletes face in an era where every aspect of their lives is scrutinized.
For Jordan, the allure of privacy and the ability to control his public image was important. His concerns align with those of other sports figures like Tiger Woods, who also navigated the intense spotlight of fame without the added complexity of social media.
In a time when social media can dramatically amplify an athlete’s financial opportunities, it’s fascinating to consider how Michael Jordan’s marketability would have translated in today’s world. His legendary status, combined with the power of social media, could have seen him eclipse even Ronaldo’s massive earnings from sponsored content. However, Jordan’s reluctance to embrace the invasive nature of modern digital platforms reminds us that not every iconic athlete is comfortable with the new age of celebrity branding and online scrutiny.
While we’ll never know for sure, the thought of a social media-savvy Michael Jordan undoubtedly sparks curiosity about what could have been. As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he continues to dominate the social media game, showing how modern athletes are redefining what it means to be a global icon.
