Before Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, there was an incomparable phenomenon named Michael Jordan, a figure whose secrets have been revealed over time, and with whom comparisons to other great sports figures continue to arise.

This time, it was Scottie Pippen himself who claimed on the PBD Podcast that His Majesty could have surpassed the 647 million followers currently held by the Portuguese footballer from Al-Nassr.

Michael Jordan Could Surpass Cristiano Ronaldo

"Definitely looking at those numbers, you don’t know what it would be like for a player who played in the '90s, how those numbers were obtained, and what they really mean because we didn’t grow up in the social media era. But definitely, the one you're talking about, Ronaldo is one of the greatest players, one of the greatest athletes in the world. And 647 million speaks for itself," said Pippen, who accompanied Jordan during one of his best phases in the NBA.

No one can doubt the global impact that the former Chicago Bulls player had in the '90s, and his former teammate argued his response by adding: "Michael was already a global icon before social media. Imagine that magnified."

The basketball player’s rise to popularity peaked during the '90s, a period when the sport also grew in popularity due to the NBA’s international broadcasting deal with China in 1987; it also coincided with the appearance of the Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Cristiano Ronaldo: $3.2 Million Per Sponsored Post

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most influential athletes of all time, holds the title of the most followed person on Instagram worldwide. His global appeal spans all continents, driven by his brilliant career and meticulously built personal brand.

On Instagram, it is reported that Ronaldo earns an astounding $3.23 million for each sponsored post, highlighting his unmatched influence. In 2023 alone, it’s estimated that he earned $148 million through his social media endeavors, solidifying his power in the marketing world.