Erling Haaland, Little Simz among winners of Instagram Rings Awards 2026

25 creators recognised for originality, creative risk-taking and cultural influence by a 14-member judging panel

Football superstar Erling Haaland, British rapper Little Simz, American footwear designer Salehe Bembury and comedian Jordan Firstman are among the international personalities recognised at Instagram's Rings Awards 2026.

Announced on Thursday, the awards celebrate 25 creators from around the world whose work demonstrates originality, creative risk-taking and cultural influence across fashion, sport, music, comedy, design and entertainment.

Unlike conventional popularity-based rankings, Instagram Rings places greater emphasis on creative vision and the impact individuals make through their work rather than simply their follower counts.

Erling Haaland

 

 

 

 

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is among the most recognisable names on this year's list.

The Norwegian international has built a substantial presence beyond the football pitch, sharing glimpses of his sporting career, training routines and personal life with millions of followers.

His recognition highlights how professional athletes are increasingly expanding their influence beyond their sporting achievements, using social media to connect with audiences through their personalities and interests.

Little Simz

 

 

 

 

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British rapper and actor Little Simz is another prominent name among this year's recipients.

Known for her distinctive musical style and storytelling, the North London artist has established herself as an influential voice in contemporary British music.

Her inclusion recognises the creative influence of musicians who use digital platforms to share their artistic identities and connect directly with audiences around the world.

Salehe Bembury

 

 

 

 

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American footwear and industrial designer Salehe Bembury also features among the winners.

Known for his distinctive approach to footwear design, Bembury has developed an international following through his creative projects and collaborations.

His work has established him as a prominent figure in contemporary sneaker culture, making him a fitting addition to a list celebrating creativity across different industries.

Jordan Firstman and Kareem Rahma bring comedy into the spotlight

 

 

 

 

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Comedy also has a place among this year's recipients, with American writer, director and actor Jordan Firstman and Egyptian-American comedian Kareem Rahma earning recognition.

Firstman has attracted attention for his unconventional comedic performances and digital content, while Rahma is widely known for his popular Subway Takes series, in which he interviews people about their unusual opinions while travelling through New York City.

Their inclusion highlights the awards' recognition of creators who use humour and original storytelling to build communities and shape online conversations.

Other international winners

The 2026 recipients also include Mexican music trio Latin Mafia, photographer Renell Medrano, creative strategist Skylar Marshai, Hungarian photographer Szilveszter Makó and Paris-based fashion commentator Lyas.

Other recognised personalities include footballer Muhammad Riswan, model Bhavitha Mandava, choreographer Damien Jalet, singer-songwriter Joyce Alane, filmmaker Medet Shayakhmetov and multidisciplinary artist MLMA.

The diversity of the list reflects Instagram's effort to recognise creative voices across different disciplines and geographical boundaries.

According to the platform's official announcement, the 25 winners were selected by a 14-member judging panel featuring prominent figures from fashion, music, film, sport and the creative industries.

The panel included fashion designer Donatella Versace, rapper A$AP Rocky, filmmaker Chloé Zhao, musician FINNEAS, Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

What do the winners receive?

Beyond the recognition, each recipient receives a specially designed physical ring created by American fashion designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla.

The design features a four-leaf clover carved from Connemara marble, symbolising the idea that creative individuals make their own luck by taking risks and exploring new possibilities.

Winners also receive special Instagram features, including profile customisation options and a distinctive gold-coloured ring around their Stories profile pictures.

With personalities from football, music, fashion, comedy and visual arts sharing the honours, the 2026 Instagram Rings Awards underline how creativity and cultural influence can take many different forms.