1
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran
2
Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
Abstract
In the digital age, sports celebrities construct complex and multifaceted identities on social media platforms that extend beyond athletic performance. This study presents a meta-synthesis of qualitative research exploring how sports celebrities actively build and manage their digital identities in online environments. Through synthesizing findings related to self-presentation, personal branding, and audience engagement, five core themes emerge: authentic and multilayered identities; lived digital identity; heroic branding; transitional athletic individuality; and meaningful social personas reflecting cultural alignment, activism, and moral symbolism. These themes reveal the evolving, strategic, and culturally embedded nature of digital identity work among sports celebrities. The study proposes a comprehensive conceptual model that expands understanding of identity construction within mediated sporting contexts, offering practical implications for sports communication, athlete branding, and digital culture analysis. This conceptual model also provides a foundation for future research in digital identity and sports communication
Ghorbani,M H , Alidoust Ghahfarokhi,E and Rajabi Noush Abadi,H . (2026). An exploration of digital identity construction among sports celebrites on social networks. (e12138). Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, 16(1), e12138 doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
MLA
Ghorbani,M H , , Alidoust Ghahfarokhi,E , and Rajabi Noush Abadi,H . "An exploration of digital identity construction among sports celebrites on social networks" .e12138 , Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, 16, 1, 2026, e12138. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
HARVARD
Ghorbani M H, Alidoust Ghahfarokhi E, Rajabi Noush Abadi H. (2026). 'An exploration of digital identity construction among sports celebrites on social networks', Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, 16(1), e12138. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
CHICAGO
M H Ghorbani, E Alidoust Ghahfarokhi and H Rajabi Noush Abadi, "An exploration of digital identity construction among sports celebrites on social networks," Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, 16 1 (2026): e12138, doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
VANCOUVER
Ghorbani M H, Alidoust Ghahfarokhi E, Rajabi Noush Abadi H. An exploration of digital identity construction among sports celebrites on social networks. Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture. 2026;16(1):e12138 (In Persian). doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53910.3021
