Top 20 Athletics & Sports from Manchester on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: October 17, 2026

Total Athletics & Sports Influencers in Manchester, United Kingdom

1,487

Expected Reach

59.8M

Total Followers

171.6M

Avg Engagement

7.01%

Audience Analysis

Gender Distribution

Female33%
Male67%

Age Distribution

25-3443.9%
18-2432.6%
35-4413.9%
13-174.8%

Top Countries

United Kingdom31.1%
United States of America14.7%
Brazil3.6%
Italy3.1%
Germany2.4%

Top Languages

en72.5%
es7.3%
ar4.6%

Top Cities

Greater London4.4%
Manchester2.9%
Lagos0.8%
New York City0.6%
Los Angeles0.6%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
João Cancelo
@jpcancelo
‘Sempre fui sonhador, é isso que me mantém vivo…’ @fcbarcelona @nikefootball @alomen @polarissports
Manchester, United Kingdom
9.8M
Followers
5.55%
Engagement
+2.7%(+257.0K)
7.8
2
Lisandro Martinez
@lisandromartinez
🔴 @manutd & @afaseleccion 🇦🇷 Gualeguay, Entre Ríos @yosoypolitoo 😍🐶
Manchester, United Kingdom
9.5M
Followers
12.48%
Engagement
+0.7%(+64.2K)
8.8
3
Shea Lacey
@shealacey
@manutd @nikefootball
Manchester, United Kingdom
499.8K
Followers
35.49%
Engagement
+12.8%(+57.0K)
9.8
4
Top Shot Dustin
@topshotdustin
Energetic videos, Youth Marksmanship Camp, pew pew things
Manchester, United Kingdom
406.4K
Followers
0.31%
Engagement
+14.6%(+51.9K)
7.5
5
Ayden Heaven
@aydenheaven
Manchester, United Kingdom
807.1K
Followers
35.27%
Engagement
+5.4%(+41.6K)
10.0
6
Mikel Arteta
@mikelarteta
Manager of Arsenal FC
Manchester, United Kingdom
1.6M
Followers
14.27%
Engagement
+2.2%(+34.6K)
9.5
7
Emilio Sansolini
@emiliosansolini
Graphic Designer. 🎨⚽️🌍
Manchester, United Kingdom
428.4K
Followers
14.82%
Engagement
+4.4%(+18.2K)
8.8
8
YL15
@lenyyoro
• @manutd \ @adidasfootball \ @polarissports • #GodDid✝️
Manchester, United Kingdom
1.5M
Followers
12.95%
Engagement
+1.0%(+15.1K)
8.8
9
Rubén Martín | FÚTBOL
@rubenmartinweb
| COPE 🎙️ DAZN | YouTube ▶️ 📩 ruben.martin@muganagency.com
Manchester, United Kingdom
259.1K
Followers
0.96%
Engagement
+5.2%(+12.7K)
8.3
10
B-Girl Terra B-Girl Eddie
@b_girl_terra_b_girl_eddie
Bookings/work: bgirlterra27@outlook.com. Snap: Terra27
Manchester, United Kingdom
305.0K
Followers
41.99%
Engagement
+4.1%(+12.0K)
6.3
11
Harry Balmer
@harrybalmerfit
Running | Hybrid Coach @muscleandmindcoach Men’s Community @carrytheweightclub Creator/Model @brother.models Kyra@brothermodels.com
Manchester, United Kingdom
122.3K
Followers
3.65%
Engagement
+10.0%(+11.1K)
8.5
12
RONNIE
@ronnievint
@loveisland S11 & ALL STARS Management: @neonmanagement
Manchester, United Kingdom
339.4K
Followers
3.56%
Engagement
+3.1%(+10.3K)
7.5
13
Tom Aspinall
@tomaspinallofficial
@ufc Undisputed HW @champion @grenadeofficial @cloudbetofficial @zapply_ 🎙️ @theinnergameofficial Aspinall Way ⬇️
Manchester, United Kingdom
1.9M
Followers
7.56%
Engagement
+0.5%(+9.6K)
8.5
14
Classic Football Shirts
@classicfootballshirts
Home of the Collector 👕 Shop via the link below 👇🛒
Manchester, United Kingdom
1.6M
Followers
1.83%
Engagement
+0.6%(+8.8K)
5.1
15
Beth
@bethhfitness_
📍Manchester @dfyne.official Athlete || BETH @ultrahumanhq || BETHDALE10
Manchester, United Kingdom
103.8K
Followers
1.92%
Engagement
+8.8%(+8.4K)
8.2
16
ON15
@onyedika15
Live yours🖤
Manchester, United Kingdom
115.2K
Followers
21.13%
Engagement
+6.7%(+7.3K)
10.0
17
ATEBA GAUTIER
@ateba_thestorm
UFC Fighter BJJ blue belt 🔵 @gautierthestorm Contact: team.ateba@iala.com @fightdivision athlete
Manchester, United Kingdom
134.3K
Followers
2.48%
Engagement
+5.3%(+6.8K)
8.3
18
WILL BAILEY
@willbaileyyyy
Welcome to the world of WILLB @ayblmen athlete 🚀 Improving your physique @willb_coaching Increasing your income @willb_trades
Manchester, United Kingdom
132.7K
Followers
3.39%
Engagement
+5.3%(+6.7K)
7.8
19
Alin Saura Ellis
@alin.lifts
@gymshark - Code "ALIN10" for 10% @w_sportsmgmt - 🇦🇷🇬🇧 ⬇️Mejora tu rendimiento entrenando como atleta híbrido
Manchester, United Kingdom
442.5K
Followers
3.22%
Engagement
+1.2%(+5.1K)
7.8
20
David James Seed
@davidjamesseed
Helping men in business become peaceful entrepreneurs Presence - Purpose - Profit Breathwork expert to over 30k clients DM “RESET” for 1:1
Manchester, United Kingdom
98.6K
Followers
0.08%
Engagement
+5.4%(+5.0K)
6.0

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in Manchester with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Athletics & Sports content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 59.8M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 171.6M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 7.01% - significantly above industry average
  • Market Coverage: 1,487 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

The influencers in this ranking reach a diverse, global audience with primary concentrations in:

  • Top Markets: United Kingdom, United States of America, Brazil
  • Gender Distribution: 33% Female, 67% Male
  • Primary Age Group: 25-34 years (43.9% of audience)
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Athletics & Sports niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weeklyto ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Manchester on Instagram?

João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) is, as of October 2026, the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Manchester on Instagram, with +2.7% monthly growth (+257.0K followers).

How many followers did João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) gain last month?

João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) gained about 257.0K followers last month (+2.7%).

Who grew more: João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) or Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez)?

João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) grew more than Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) (257.0K vs 64.2K).

How is Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) performing right now?

Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) is growing at +0.7% (+64.2K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.8 and average engagement of 12.48%.

How is Shea Lacey (@shealacey) performing right now?

Shea Lacey (@shealacey) is growing at +12.8% (+57.0K) per month, with a Profile Score of 9.8 and average engagement of 35.49%.

How is Top Shot Dustin (@topshotdustin) performing right now?

Top Shot Dustin (@topshotdustin) is growing at +14.6% (+51.9K) per month, with a Profile Score of 7.5 and average engagement of 0.31%.

How is Ayden Heaven (@aydenheaven) performing right now?

Ayden Heaven (@aydenheaven) is growing at +5.4% (+41.6K) per month, with a Profile Score of 10.0 and average engagement of 35.27%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) or Shea Lacey (@shealacey)?

Shea Lacey (@shealacey) leads (12.8% vs Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) 0.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of João Cancelo (@jpcancelo)?

João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) gained about 257.0K followers last month (+2.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez)?

Lisandro Martinez (@lisandromartinez) gained about 64.2K followers last month (+0.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Shea Lacey (@shealacey)?

Shea Lacey (@shealacey) gained about 57.0K followers last month (+12.8%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Top Shot Dustin (@topshotdustin)?

Top Shot Dustin (@topshotdustin) gained about 51.9K followers last month (+14.6%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Ayden Heaven (@aydenheaven)?

Ayden Heaven (@aydenheaven) gained about 41.6K followers last month (+5.4%).

Is João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) still a relevant creator?

Yes — João Cancelo (@jpcancelo) has a Profile Score of 7.8, average engagement of 5.55%, and +2.7% (+257.0K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Athletics & Sports in United Kingdom?

The average engagement rate for this category is 7.01%. Generally, rates above 8.4% are considered excellent, while rates above 5.6% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in Manchester?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.