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Russian model goes viral for looking like Erling Haaland

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Russian model Anastasia Kostromina has gone viral on Instagram for her striking resemblance to Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland.
  • Kostromina's video, mimicking Haaland's mannerisms and expressions, garnered 6.4 million likes, surprising her with its rapid spread.
  • While initially unsure about resembling a male athlete, Kostromina has embraced the comparison and hopes Haaland himself will see and appreciate her viral video.

Russian model Anastasia Kostromina is experiencing a surge in online fame after a video highlighting her uncanny resemblance to Norwegian football superstar Erling Haaland went viral. Friends and family had long pointed out the similarity, but it was only after Haaland's prominent role in the World Cup that Kostromina decided to share a video on Instagram showcasing their likeness.

At first, I did not even know what was happening, it felt like a dream.

— Anastasia KostrominaKostromina's reaction to her viral video's unexpected popularity.

The video, which features Kostromina mimicking Haaland's signature mannerisms and facial expressions, has captivated social media users, accumulating an astonishing 6.4 million likes. Kostromina, 24, expressed her disbelief at the video's rapid spread, telling AFP in Moscow, "At first, I did not even know what was happening, it felt like a dream." Despite the unexpected nature of her newfound fame, she added, "But I’m happy about it anyway."

But I’m happy about it anyway.

— Anastasia KostrominaKostromina's feelings about her newfound online fame.

Haaland, 25, has been a major sensation during the World Cup, where he scored seven goals, helping Norway reach the quarter-finals. His social media following has also grown significantly, now standing at 68.8 million. Kostromina admitted to having mixed feelings when first told she resembled the prominent male footballer. "At first, to be honest, I didn’t even understand how I could possibly resemble a male football player," she said. However, she has since adopted a humorous perspective, stating, "But then I started to take it with a sense of humour and now I’m completely fine with it."

At first, to be honest, I didn’t even understand how I could possibly resemble a male football player.

— Anastasia KostrominaKostromina's initial reaction to being told she looked like Erling Haaland.

Kostromina, who was supporting Norway in the tournament, expressed disappointment at their loss to England in the quarter-finals. "I was really rooting for them and was on the edge of my seat," she said. Russia has been largely excluded from international sports following its 2022 offensive in Ukraine and did not participate in the World Cup. Represented by Motion Model Management in Moscow, Kostromina expressed her hope that Haaland will eventually see her viral video and perhaps find amusement in it.

But then I started to take it with a sense of humour and now I’m completely fine with it.

— Anastasia KostrominaKostromina's current attitude towards the resemblance to Erling Haaland.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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