Erling Haaland Is Norway’s World Cup Machine – and the Internet’s ‘Babygirl’
The Norwegian striker has scored 7 goals in 4 matches and drawn viral posts, memes and fan nicknames across social platforms.
- On Saturday, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland continues his World Cup dominance, scoring seven goals across four matches entering the weekend.
- The 25-year-old athlete captivates fans through a stark contrast between his 6-foot-5 physical presence and a playful online persona, leading some to label him a "big, friendly giant."
- Nearly 100 million views on one viral Instagram video likening his appearance to a green onion fueled the craze fans call "heated Haalandry," helping him cross into non-soccer audiences.
- Haaland called AI-generated content of players a "bit scary," while Arizona State University professor Jeffrey Kassing said sports are a "cultural force" that naturally crosses over into mainstream audiences.
- Gayle Stever, a professor at Empire State University, notes this reflects a parasocial relationship where fans feel personal connection to the nearly 60 million people following him on Instagram alone.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Erling Haaland stands at 6 feet 5 inches, an imposing presence that makes other footballers look small in stature and talent. With seven goals in four World Cup matches before Saturday's game, the Norwegian striker has been described as a machine. But, if you ask some of his new, devoted fans, he's also a "babygirl" and a "princess."
Erling Haaland: Norway's World Cup machine, internet's 'babygirl'
Erling Haaland stands at 6 feet, 5 inches, an intimidating force who can make fellow soccer players look tiny in stature and talent. Scoring seven goals across four World Cup matches entering Saturday, the Norwegian player has been described as a machine. But if you ask some loyal new fans, he’s also a babygirl and princess. Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even football novices into …
Washington Top News
The Seattle TimesErling Haaland is Norway’s World Cup machine — and the internet’s ‘babygirl’
Erling Haaland stands at 6 feet, 5 inches, an intimidating force who can make fellow soccer players look tiny in stature and talent. Scoring seven goals across…
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