News
Ronaldo streets ahead of Instagram influencers in the annual ranking
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet again left the competition behind as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was named Instagram’s top earner for the third year in a row.
Ronaldo, who in July was ranked as the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes for the first time since 2017 following his move to Saudi Arabia, has now topped the 2023 Instagram Rich List, a global marker of online influence.
The list, compiled by the Instagram scheduling tool Hopper HQ, is based on internal and publicly available data on how much each user can charge for a post on Instagram and YouTube.
Portugal forward brings in a massive $3.23 million per Instagram post, according to Hopper HQ, as he nears 600 million followers on the social media platform.
To little surprise, Ronaldo’s closest rival on the list is Lionel Messi, with the Argentina World Cup winner attracting almost $2.6 million for each post.
This puts the two football giants ahead of not only every other sports star but also celebrities such as singer and actress Selena Gomez, reality star and make-up mogul Kylie Jenner and actor Dwayne ‘The Rock Johnson.
Only two other athletes – Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and Brazilian footballer Neymar – made it to the Top 20. Neymar brings in almost double the amount that his Paris St Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe does per post.
“It’s still shocking to me that the annual money made on the platform increases every year,” Mike Bandar, co-founder of Hopper HQ, said.
“Yet, what fascinates me more is the consistent players at the top. It’s apparent that the glitz and glamour of traditional celebrities still hold power over the new ‘influencer’ status.
“Ronaldo and Messi not only dominate the pitch but also the digital sphere as it’s clear they personify the power of personal branding and the influence it holds over us ‘ordinary’ people.”
The highest-earning influencer on Instagram, TikTok star Khaby Lame, is number 40 on the list. Ronaldo earns almost 10 times the amount Lame brings in for his Instagram posts.
News
Nadeesha Gayanthi Shines Internationally with Double Medal Triumph in England
Sri Lanka’s badminton scene received a major boost as experienced shuttler Nadeesha Gayanthi delivered an impressive performance at a prestigious international championship in England, bringing home both gold and silver medals.
Competing at the 108th edition of the All England Senior Badminton Championship, Gayanthi stood out among a highly competitive field that featured nearly 400 players from 25 countries. The tournament, held in London from April 10 to 12, attracted seasoned athletes from across the globe, making her achievement even more remarkable.
Gayanthi dominated the over-40 women’s singles category, securing the gold medal with a series of strong performances. She further showcased her versatility by advancing to the finals in the mixed doubles event, where she claimed the silver medal, completing a successful campaign on the international stage.
Cricket
Dilshan Madushanka Earns IPL Opportunity with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sri Lankan pace sensation Dilshan Madushanka has secured a spot in the Indian Premier League, stepping in as a replacement player for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise announced his inclusion after England fast bowler Brydon Carse was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Madushanka, known for his sharp left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball early, joins the squad as a like-for-like replacement. His addition comes at a crucial stage in the tournament, where teams are looking to fine-tune their combinations for a strong finish.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have been actively reshaping their bowling unit, and Madushanka’s arrival is expected to add both variety and depth. His international experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, makes him a valuable asset as the team navigates the latter half of the competition.
For Madushanka, this opportunity marks another significant milestone in his growing career. Having already impressed on the global stage with his pace and wicket-taking ability, the IPL now offers him a platform to showcase his skills among some of the best players in the world.
Cricket
Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s bowling action under scrutiny?
Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamindu Wickramasinghe has come under the spotlight after his bowling action was officially reported as suspicious during a recent domestic encounter.
The incident occurred in a match of the National Super League held from April 6 to 9, where the Dambulla side faced Colombo. Wickramasinghe, representing Dambulla, drew attention from match officials, prompting concerns over the legality of his action.

The on-field umpires, Deepal Gunawardena and Ravindra Wimalasiri, made the report in accordance with standard procedures. Match referee Manoj Mendis also oversaw the process, ensuring that all regulations were followed.
Following the report, the matter has been referred to the Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Unit for further assessment. Wickramasinghe may now be required to undergo biomechanical testing to determine whether his bowling action complies with the laws of the game.
-
Football1 year agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
News1 year ago2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
Cricket11 months agoNuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
Cricket1 year agoSri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time
-
Live4 years agoLive Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
News11 months agoMajor Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka
-
Football1 year agoFFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
Football11 months agoSri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

