A Russian model has gone viral during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after social media users spotted her striking resemblance to Norway and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
Twenty-four-year-old Anastasia Kostromitina, from Moscow, has attracted millions of views and likes on social media by recreating Haaland’s trademark facial expressions, smile and mannerisms.
What started as a joke among family and friends has quickly turned into an online sensation.
Kostromitina revealed that those close to her had been pointing out the resemblance to the Norwegian striker for the past four years. However, it was only after Haaland’s impressive performances at this summer’s World Cup that she decided to share videos embracing the comparison.
One video, posted on Instagram on 5 July, rapidly gained traction, collecting more than six million likes as football fans commented on the similarities between the pair.
The model highlighted several features she shares with Haaland, including blonde hair, blue eyes, a prominent forehead, full lips and a broad nose, leading many social media users to nickname her “the female Haaland.”
Speaking about the unexpected attention, Kostromitina admitted she never imagined a light-hearted video would become so popular, describing the experience as “a dream.”
She also joked that copying Haaland’s expressions comes naturally.
“I think I’m quite good at imitating him because I don’t even have to try very hard,” she said.
Kostromitina added that she hopes Haaland eventually sees her videos and finds them amusing.
With the Manchester City striker once again attracting global attention during the World Cup, the Russian model has become one of the tournament’s most unlikely viral stars.
