The world’s most influential female athletes, ranked from 10 to 1

October 30, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From Olympic icons to rising stars, these ten women aren’t just dominating in their sports — they’re making waves online too. With millions of followers and powerful engagement, they represent the modern athlete’s impact beyond the field, court, or slope.

10. Chloe Kim – snowboarding’s golden girl

Chloe Kim has carved out a global fanbase with over 1 million Instagram followers. With a solid 6.3% engagement rate, she ranks tenth on the list of most influential female athletes, proving snowboarding's reach stretches far beyond the winter season.

9. Iga Świątek – Poland’s tennis powerhouse

World-renowned for her skill on the court, Iga Świątek commands over 2.3 million followers and an engagement rate of 4.0%. Her influence extends far beyond tennis, helping her land ninth in this global ranking.

8. Tatiana Weston-Webb – surfing’s Brazilian sensation

With over 1.1 million followers and an impressive 10.6% engagement rate, Tatiana Weston-Webb shows that surfing can rival mainstream sports in digital impact. She averages high interactions per post, placing her eighth among the most influential female athletes.

7. Sam Kerr – Australia’s football star

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has 1.7 million followers and a strong engagement rate of 7.8%. With an average of 133,883 likes per post, she proves football fandom is alive and well online.

6. Alex Morgan – a soccer icon still in the spotlight

Even in retirement, Alex Morgan remains a major digital force with nearly 9.5 million followers. Though her engagement rate is just 0.9%, her posts still carry weight, with potential earnings of nearly $98,000 per sponsored share.

5. Naomi Osaka – influence beyond tennis

Naomi Osaka blends athletic prowess with advocacy, using her 2.9 million follower platform to speak on mental health and social justice. Her 6.4% engagement rate and 178,000 average likes per post secure her spot at number five.

4. Serena Williams – the queen of tennis and Instagram

With 18.2 million followers, Serena Williams has the largest audience on this list. While her engagement rate is lower at 0.3%, her earning potential tops the chart at over $182,000 per sponsored post.

3. Caitlin Clark – basketball’s breakout star

At just 23, Caitlin Clark has quickly amassed 3.6 million followers and an engagement rate of 6.8%. Her meteoric rise on and off the court puts her firmly in third place.

2. Alexia Putellas – a midfield maestro with massive reach

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas may have fewer followers than some, but she boasts the highest engagement rate at 11.8%. Her authenticity and connection with fans make her a standout digital presence in women’s sport.

1. Simone Biles – gymnastics’ unstoppable force

Simone Biles tops the list with 12.2 million followers and a stellar 8% engagement rate. As the most decorated gymnast in history, her influence goes far beyond the mat, earning her the number one spot.