Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United aren't just leading the way with their performances on the field this season but are doing so off it in China too.
Due to their digital presence in the Asian country, both lead the way in terms of football influence, according to a report published by digital communication agency Mailman.
'The Red Card' study analysed the impact that football is having in a country where it is not the most popular sport but is steadily increasing in popularity with each passing year.
The most influential clubs in China
The list is based on data on various social media and communication accounts and was compiled based on figures collected between September 1 and December 31, 2016.
On the list of the most influential clubs in China, Manchester United sit comfortably ahead of Bayern Munich in second, with the highest ranking Spanish side being Real Madrid in sixth.
The top 10 clubs for social networks
Barcelona are close to slipping out of the top 10 as they currently occupy ninth spot in the list, although they do have more followers on social media networks in total than any other club.
The European league with the biggest presence in China is the Bundesliga, largely thanks to being the only division with live streaming rights in the country, ahead of the Premier League in second and LaLiga in third.
European leagues' with most Chinese presence
Mailman's study also analysed the influence of individual players and ranked Cristiano Ronaldo as a runaway leader, ahead of Mesut Ozil in second and his Real teammate Gareth Bale.
The most influential players in China
The most surprising thing about the individual top five is the absence of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, with the fourth and fifth spots being occupied by Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney respectively.
