From professional boxers baring all to former golf prospects peddling their wares, social media's hottest sports influencers broke the internet at every turn in 2025
07:00, 01 Jan 2026Updated 07:20, 01 Jan 2026
Kinsey poses on Instagram
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Kinsey Wolanski is among the hottest influencers in sport heading into 2026(Image: @kinsey/Instagram)
Social media has become a major revenue generator in the sports sector, and it's no longer just athletes earning the big bucks. In fact, there are numerous examples to show you don't have to compete in any athletic discipline to make bank in the industry.
There's more money in sport than ever before, and the figures are going nowhere but up. That means more to be made not only by the athletes, but also by anyone clever enough to capitalise on audience engagement.
Whether it's golf, tennis, boxing, gymnastics, or all of the above, sports influencers are grabbing more attention heading into 2026. And Star Sport has compiled a list of the hottest names in the business, each of whom will be eying record figures this year.
1. Ebanie Bridges
Instagram Followers: 798,000
Ebanie Bridges poses on Instagram
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Ebanie Bridges once held the IBF bantamweight crown(Image: @ebanie_bridges/Instagram)
A rare breed blending beauty and no small amount of brawn, Ebanie Bridges put her looks to fine use while crafting her career as a boxing star. And she was arguably one of the first to do so, creating a platform that will put her in good standing long after her ring career is over.
'The Blonde Bomber' has collaborated with a host of huge names and is even good friends with former UFC great Conor McGregor. Former school teacher Bridges has since stepped away from the sport after having a baby with British icon Kell Brook, but is scheduled to make a comeback against Alexis Mones on January 3.
2. Mikayla Demaiter
Instagram Followers: 3.1million
Mikayla Demaiter poses on Instagram
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Mikayla Demaiter doesn't look like your average hockey player(Image: @mikaylademaiter/Instagram)
Mikayla Demaiter looks more at home in a bikini than she ever did in a set of hockey pads, and her fans will be all the more glad for it. The former goalie traded in her stick after playing for the Bluewater Hawks in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League and now boasts millions of followers online.
3. Olivia Dunne
Instagram Followers: 5.3million
Olivia Dunne poses on Instagram
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Olivia Dunne won a national gymnastics title at LSU in 2024(Image: @livvydunne/Instagram)
One of the entries on this list, Olivia Dunne, who competed at a very high level, recently celebrated the anniversary of her graduation from university. And while her time competing in gymnastics may be over, her social media career is only just beginning.
Last year saw the LSU graduate play her role in leading the school to a national title. In addition to her own online popularity, the beautiful blonde also runs in famous circles after entering into a relationship with MLB pitcher Paul Skenes.
4. Rachel Stuhlmann
Instagram Followers: 303,000
Rachel Stuhlmann poses on Instagram
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Rachel Stuhlmann once held dreams of going pro in tennis(Image: @rstuhlmann/Instagram)
The least followed personality on this countdown, Rachel Stuhlmann, had a burgeoning tennis career and was once nationally ranked on the USTA’s junior circuit. However, turned her back on the promise of a court career in favour of influencing, and the decision hasn't worked out that badly so far.
5. Alisha Lehmann
Instagram Followers: 16million
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Far and away the most followed individual included, former Aston Villa winger Alisha Lehmann is another who has used her athletic gifts as a business tool. And it surely helps that the Swiss star wouldn't look out of place on a runway.
Lehmann, 26, left Birmingham for Juventus last year, where she was joined by on-and-off boyfriend Douglas Luiz. The pair are no longer an item, however, and Lehmann has since completed a move to fellow Serie A side Como.
6. Veronika Rajek
Instagram Followers: 6.8million
Veronika Rajek poses on Instagram
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Veronika Rajek is a self-confessed Tom Brady super fan(Image: @veronikarajek/Instagram)
Veronika Rajek is a bikini model first and foremost - but she's also the hottest Tom Brady super fan you're ever likely to stumble upon. The Slovak stunner was pictured attending Tampa Bay Buccaneers games in the past wearing Brady's jersey, and NFL fans can only hope she comes back despite the fact 'TB12' has long since retired.
7. Kinsey Wolanski
Instagram Followers: 3.7million
Kinsey Wolanski was a streaker during the 2019 Champions League final
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Former prankster Kinsey has fashioned a career in sports presenting(Image: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
If sports presenter and licensed pilot Kinsey Wolanski seems familiar, you may know her for her work in the 2019 Champions League final. Not for hosting, however, as she instead made her mark by streaking onto the field in a one-piece bikini to promote the website of her then-boyfriend and prankster, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy.
Needless to say, the artist now known simply as 'Kinsey' has put her infamy to good use since then. Her online content has toned down considerably, and she now surrounds herself with more wholesome colleagues in her new career.
8. Mandy Rose
Instagram Followers: 3.3million
Mandy Rose poses on Instagram
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Mandy Rose has lost none of her fans sine leaving WWE(Image: @mandysacs/Instagram)
Mandy Rose hit serious heights during her time in WWE and broke records as the NXT Women's Champion during her stay. As fate would have it, Rose (real name Amanda Saccomanno) was released by the company in a move that was reportedly motivated by the content she uploaded on an adult subscription site.
Not that she's allowed that to keep her down after a string of business ventures outside the ring. She's also been married since leaving WWE and has another company alumnus, Tino Sabbatelli, as her spouse.
9. Paige VanZant
Instagram Followers: 3.1million
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Another tried and tested sports superstar who evolved outside her field, Paige VanZant dwarfed her MMA earnings through online content. The former UFC competitor got a new look after leaving the Octagon behind, and her legions of subscribers couldn't be more glad.
Not completely satisfied with where she left her combat career, '12 Gauge' has explored other fields in Bare Knuckle FC, Misfits boxing and Dana White's Slap Fighting competition. And despite any anxieties from her adoring fans, she's somehow managed to hold onto her looks throughout.
10. Paige Spiranac
Instagram Followers: 4million
Paige Spiranac poses on Instagram
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Paige Spiranac played golf in college and shares her thoughts on the pro game(Image: @_paige.renee/Instagram)
Another former college prospect who once dreamed of competing in the LPGA, Paige Spiranac still spends plenty of time on the fairway. These days, however, it's more for educational means as she offers tutoring and lessons to her fans.
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The 32-year-old is a triple threat, possessing serious golf talent, an infectious hosting personality, and the looks to make even models jealous.