In a stunning achievement that has shaken the YouTube landscape, Belgian influencer Celine Dept has dethroned the long-reigning king of the platform, MrBeast, to become the most-watched YouTuber in the world. According to Tubefilter, her channel amassed over 1.1 billion views in a single week, a feat that underscores the explosive growth of her football-centric content and the global appeal of soccer fandom.
The Rise of a Football-Focused Channel
Since May 2023, Celine Dept has pivoted her YouTube presence to focus exclusively on football. Based in Ostend, Belgium, the 26-year-old leverages her charisma and insider access to create content that resonates with millions of fans worldwide. Her formula is simple yet effective: collaborate with the biggest names in the sport. She has secured appearances from legends like Gareth Bale, Neymar, Erling Haaland, and most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo. Clubs as prestigious as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have also partnered with her, allowing her to produce high-quality, behind-the-scenes content that few other creators can match.
The video documenting her recent meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo has been viewed more than 6.9 million times since its release on June 16. The emotional connection she made with the Portuguese superstar touched a nerve with fans, driving massive engagement and solidifying her reputation as a key player in the sports influencer arena.
Surpassing MrBeast: A New Benchmark
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has dominated YouTube for years with his elaborate stunt videos and philanthropic giveaways. Toppling him from the top spot is no small achievement. Celine Dept’s victory reflects a shift in viewer preferences toward niche, passion-driven content. While MrBeast’s videos often feature large-scale productions and challenges, Dept’s success hinges on the universal language of football and the star power of its athletes. Her 1.1 billion weekly views represent a 40% increase over her average performance, driven largely by a viral wave around the Ronaldo video and several high-profile matchups covered on her channel.
Industry analysts note that her achievement is particularly remarkable given her relatively small subscriber base compared to MrBeast (who boasts over 200 million subscribers). This indicates an extremely high engagement rate, with fans returning multiple times to watch new and old content. The surge also coincided with the UEFA European Championship, where football interest was at its peak.
Previous Success with CEMI
Before her solo success, Celine Dept was half of the popular Belgian duo CEMI, alongside her partner Michiel Callebaut. Together, they built a loyal following among younger audiences by creating entertaining vlogs, challenges, and lifestyle content. Their business acumen was evident early on: they launched a clothing line, forged commercial partnerships, and even produced a feature-length film in 2022, which was released in Belgian cinemas.
However, the duo's trajectory hit a speed bump last year. Their joint channel CEMI has not posted a new video in over twelve months, and their online store is currently inactive. Additionally, the Flemish media regulator fined them €5,000 for undisclosed product placement in a children's program on Ketnet, the VRT’s kids' channel. The program was called the “Peetie Club,” a humorous and interactive show. This sanction highlighted the strict rules around advertising to minors in Belgium and prompted a strategic rethink for the couple.
Financial Performance and Restructuring
Despite the regulatory hiccup, Celine Dept’s business remained robust. The annual accounts of CDMC Works, the company she ran with Michiel, showed net profits of €841,740 in 2024. However, the recently published 2025 accounts reveal a sharp drop to €153,683. This decline is not a sign of failure but rather a result of a corporate restructuring. Since January 1, 2025, both Celine and Michiel have established their own separate management companies, each drawing a confidential monthly salary. This move allows them to tax-optimize their earnings and pursue individual projects more efficiently.
While the combined profits of the new entities are not yet public, industry insiders estimate that Celine’s personal earnings from her football channel alone could surpass €1 million this year. With millions of views per day and lucrative brand deals, her financial future looks bright. The drop in CDMC Works’ profit is a temporary accounting effect, not a downturn in business activity.
The Broader Landscape of Sports Influencers
Celine Dept’s rise is part of a larger trend where sports influencers are reshaping digital media. Unlike traditional broadcasters, these creators offer unfiltered, personal access to athletes and clubs. Football, being the world’s most popular sport, provides an endless stream of content opportunities. Other successful football YouTubers include creators like “ATouchMore” and “FNG,” but few have managed to secure face-to-face interactions with top-tier stars as effectively as Dept.
Her ability to blur the line between fan and insider has endeared her to millions. She is often seen on the pitch, interviewing players after matches, or participating in challenges with them. This authenticity drives high retention rates and makes her channel a prime destination for both football enthusiasts and casual viewers.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Maintaining the top spot will be challenging. MrBeast is known for his relentless work ethic and innovative content, and he will likely reclaim his position soon. However, Celine Dept has proven that she can compete at the highest level. She plans to expand her channel to include more in-depth player interviews, training sessions, and exclusive matchday vlogs. Additionally, she is exploring opportunities to host live events and possibly launch a subscription-based community.
The regulatory warning from the Flemish media regulator has prompted her to be more transparent about sponsorships, but this has not dampened her enthusiasm. She has stated in recent interviews that she aims to build a lasting legacy in the sports content space, much like former athletes turned media entrepreneurs.
Impact on the Belgian Influencer Scene
Celine Dept’s success also puts the Belgian influencer ecosystem on the map. Known primarily for music and fashion influencers, Belgium now boasts a digital creator who competes with global giants. Her journey from a small-town duo with Michiel to a solo powerhouse inspires many aspiring creators in the Low Countries. The local media, initially focused on the couple’s antics, has now turned its attention to her football empire.
Educational institutions in Belgium are also taking note, incorporating her case study into courses on digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Her story demonstrates that with the right niche, persistent effort, and strategic collaborations, even a small European nation can produce world-beating content.
In the end, the dethroning of MrBeast may be a temporary crown, but it cements Celine Dept’s status as a force to be reckoned with. As YouTube continues to evolve, creators who can tap into passionate communities and deliver consistent quality will thrive. Celine Dept has shown that football, when combined with genuine personality and star access, is a formula for viral success.
Source:VRTNWS News