Ronaldo sets YouTube record with 1 million subscribers in 90 minutes

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo’s worldwide celebrity reached another height as he became the fastest to reach 1 million subscribers on YouTube this week.

Ronaldo created his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, on Wednesday. He’s used to reaching goals in 90 minutes on the pitch, but that’s also how long it took for him to reach 1 million subscribers on the video sharing platform.

Ronaldo even hoisted YouTube’s Golden Creator Award for reaching 1 million later Wednesday night, sharing the moment with his family and legion of fans on social media.

All it took was one social media post from Ronaldo, asking fans to SIUUUbscribe – making light of his “SIUUU” goal celebration.

And he’s already qualified to receive YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award for 10 million subscribers: Ronaldo’s YouTube account boasts 24 million subscribers and counting, as of Thursday.

“YouTube’s dream team-up with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been a labour of love and dedication. And watching his channel explode is pure gold!” YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa vice president Pedro Pina told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.

“This is just the kickoff to an epic adventure, and we’re strapped in for the ride. Massive congrats to Cristiano and his squad! And let’s keep those SIUUUUUUUBSCRIPTIONS rolling in!’

Ronaldo, 39, is considered one of the greatest soccer players in the world. The Portuguese star played for European powerhouses Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus. He is currently playing with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo is the most followed person on Instagram with 636 million followers and Facebook with 170 million followers. He is the third-most followed person on X, behind owner Elon Musk and former U.S. President Barack Obama, with 112.6 million followers.

Ronaldo isn’t close yet to YouTube leader and American social media influencer MrBeast, who has 311 million subscribers. But Ronaldo’s initial YouTube splash is another showcase of his worldwide fame and marketability for the legendary soccer star.