Beyond the Game: 15 Athlete Influencers to follow in 2025

Today’s top athletes aren’t just dominating on the field, court, or track, they’re winning over millions online and building communities of like-minded people. Athlete influencers are redefining what it means to connect with fans, blending elite performance with authentic glimpses into their lives outside their sport. Today, we’re delving into our favourite 15 athlete influencers you won’t want to miss following this year. 

So, let’s meet the athlete influencers dominating their sport and our fyp. 

Ilona Maher @ilonamaher (3.6M TikTok) (5.1M Instagram)

@ilonamaher

Cowboy boots and rugby kit

♬ original sound – RENO 911!

Ilona’s witty, relatable videos about life in women’s rugby have earned her 3.6M TikTok followers and 5.1M Instagram followers – initially gaining traction following her BTS footage of the Olympic village during the Tokyo Games in 2021. She’s passionate about women’s sport, effortlessly funny, and instantly likable. Her debut rugby game in England drew record crowds, and a stint on Dancing with the Stars brought even more well-deserved recognition. One scroll through her content and it’s easy to see why she stands out.

Anthony Hamilton Jr @hamilt0njr (1.2M TikTok) (603k Instagram) 

@hamilt0njr

DIY Garage Gym in 24 Hours

♬ original sound – Anthony Hamilton Jr

Anthony Hamilton Jr. blends his elite sportsmanship with inspiring content, captivating audiences on both Instagram and TikTok. He highlights his journey through adversity, showcases his skills in basketball and track, and even recently launched his own Dunk Collective. He’s a dynamic voice in the athlete-influencer space, winning Sports Illustrated’s ‘Athlete Influencer of the Year’ for 2025.

Joshua Patterson @joshuapatterson_jp (440k Instagram) (8.3k TikTok)

Joshua Patterson is a former pro rugby player turned Made In Chelsea star. He rose to social media fame whilst advocating for mental health and disability awareness, as he drew from his own struggles with anxiety and his brother’s life-changing motorbike accident.

Katie Ormerod @ormerodkatie (66.6k Instagram) (11.5k TikTok)

British pro snowboarder and Red Bull athlete Katie Ormerod has impressed since age 16. Competing in both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics, she continues to grow her fanbase with bold tricks and fearless style. 

Sofie Dossi @sofiedossi (4.6M Instagram) (12.4M TikTok)

Sofie Dossi is a self-taught contortionist and America’s Got Talent finalist whose jaw-dropping flexibility, athleticism, and creativity have built her a massive social following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Her content blends talent, challenge, and entertainment, making her a must-follow athlete influencer.

Billy Morgman @billy_morgman (39.2k Instagram) 

Retired British snowboarder Billy Morgan shares everything from trick tips to travel vlogs and storytimes. With his laid-back style and infectious humour, he’s a fun, down-to-earth athlete influencer who keeps his audience entertained and engaged.

Elliot Burton @elliotbfit (684k Instagram) (254k TikTok)

Elliot Burton shares strength training content, challenges inequality, and connects personally with his audience. With free resources, coaching tools, and a supportive fitness community, he’s built a well-rounded, impactful social media presence as an athlete influencer.

Conner Coffin @connercoffin (266k Instagram) (1.5k TikTok)

Conner Coffin’s Instagram highlights his life beyond the World Surf League, blending surfing, sustainable living, music, and travel. A family man and athlete influencer, his love for the ocean and close-knit lifestyle shines through, even having a joint YouTube channel he shares with his pro-surfer brother.

Leah Williamson @leahwilliamsonn (1.2M Instagram) (242.9k TikTok)

English footballer Leah Williamson is a must-follow athlete influencer. A key player for both Arsenal FC and the England national team, her social media radiates positivity, passion, and determination, mirroring the winning mindset she brings to every game.

Travis Burke @travisburkephotography (700k Instagram)

Travis Burke blends extreme sports and outdoor adventure with breathtaking photography. From climbing and slacklining to hiking and skateboarding, his feed showcases both his athletic pursuits and his exceptional talent behind the camera.

Joe Wicks @thebodycoach (4.8M Instagram) (186.7k TikTok)

Joe Wicks, known as The Body Coach has built his social media empire around high-energy HIIT workouts, 15‑second recipe videos, and motivational livestreams. With millions of Instagram and YouTube followers, he’s been dubbed the UK’s “National PE Teacher” during the pandemic, and continues inspiring fitness through positivity and consistency for all ages.

Ovie Soko (1.4M Instagram) (658.7k TikTok)

Ovie Soko is a British athlete, influencer, and former Love Island star whose Instagram fuses basketball life, thoughtful reflections, and lifestyle content. A professional player with the London Lions and GB, his content is curated, fashion-forward, and effortlessly cool.

Sunisa Lee (3.7M TikTok) (3.5M Instagram)

@sunisalee_

Amid the holiday chaos, I prioritize self-care by slipping on my JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds. #JBLPartner As the first-ever Hmong American Olympian, gymnastics has always been my grounding force, helping me reconnect with my mind and body. JBL’s adaptive noise-canceling technology lets me tune out distractions and fully immerse myself in the moment. These earbuds—first of their kind—adjust to my surroundings, blocking out external noise, so I can focus on my training or just enjoy the peace of the gym. It’s the perfect balance of innovation and dedication, and I’m grateful to experience it every time I train. @JBLAudio #FirstDoesntFollow

♬ original sound – suni

American artistic gymnast Sunisa “Suni” Phabsomphou Lee is quickly becoming a Gen Z it girl. Her social media presence is energetic and authentic, with millions following her across TikTok and Instagram – she shares inspiring gymnastics routines, candid moments, lighthearted trends, and fashion-forward lifestyle updates.

Emma Radacando @emmaraducanu (2.8M Instagram) 

British prodigy Emma Raducano made history at the 2021 US Open by becoming the first male or female qualifier to win a Grand Slam tennis title, being only 18 at the time. Her Instagram blends athletic dedication with relatable, down-to-earth moments from life as a young woman in her twenties.

Grant McMurtrie @_gmtennis (47.5k Instagram) (25k TikTok)

Scottish tennis player Grant McMurtrie calls himself a “professional amateur” and has built a community around the name. His upbeat, humble, and humorous personality makes him impossible not to love. He’s definitely one athlete influencer to watch in 2025.

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