Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil is a big hit with Chinese fans.

Red Card, in their sixth annual edition, analyses the influence of European clubs and players on China's social media platforms.

The Arsenal star ranks in second behind Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lionel Messi fails to make the top five, after measuring a player's Weibo followers, engagement and output.

Gareth Bale takes third spot ahead of Manchester United duo Anthony Martial, in fourth, and fifth-placed Wayne Rooney.

Red Card note that "Chinese social media is now a credible channel to grow revenue opportunities" with "fans' appetite for football stars' content" never bigger.