Erling Haaland makes waves as rapper, meme king outside of World Cup 2026
MANILA, Philippines — Norway’s most popular player Erling Haaland is not just stealing hearts on the pitch but also hitting the virality meter with him starring in memes from “White Chicks” to “Majin Buu” and the rising popularity of his old remixed rap song.
Even if one does not follow football, their social media algorithm have most likely included a meme of Haaland, most notably a popular clip featuring a background music or audio that chants his last name.
Erling’s Norway has powered through the quarter-finals of the quadrennial sporting event, considered to be the world’s most popular tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first time in 28 years that Norway qualified in the World Cup after its last stint in 1998. His father, Alfie Haaland, represented the country in the 1994 edition.
Norway will face the Harry Kane-led England squad on Sunday, July 12, 5 a.m. Manila time.
Before he faces one of the top teams in the world, Erling’s popularity saw a massive resurgence.
Prior to his faceoff with Brazil, he and the Brazilian Vinicius Jr. were part of the hugely popular “White Chicks” meme.
In the meme, Haaland’s face was superimposed on Terry Crew’s while Vini’s replaced the face of Marlon Wayans disguised as one of the hotel heiress Wilson sisters. Terry’s Latrell Spencer was blasting Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” while out on a date with the disguised FBI agent.
Haaland tagged Vini in the viral clip and said they should recreate it. Crews, meanwhile, approved the AI memes, saying that it is a “perfect combination of entertainment meeting sports.”
Crews was present at the Norway versus Brazil game in the round of 32, where Haaland eliminated Vini and Brazilian legend Neymar Jr.
Apart from the “White Chicks” meme, Haaland is also a favorite among “Dragon Ball Z” fans with his Majin Buu meme circulating as early as January 2021.
The ever-popular meme saw a resurgence with Norway’s winning stint at this year’s World Cup, and even Erling giving his seal of approval.
“Fans are saying that Erling Haaland looks like Majin Buu. Majin Buu is a major villain in ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ awakened by Babidi after being created by the wizard Bibidi. He is a magical being known for his regeneration, immense strength, and ability to turn people into candy,” the fanpage posted on Instagram with a carousel of photos showing Erling and the popular fictional character side-by-side.
The meme caught Erling’s attention with the Norway player writing in the comments section, “I mean I don’t disagree.”
The 6’5’’ blond striker also saw a “made it moment” when his 2016 rap song “Kyjo Jo” was recorded by the star when he was 16 together with his Norway Under-17 teammates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg. They formed the rap trio Flow Kingz as a joke.
Norwegian DJ Kygo said that he would release a reworked version of Haaland’s 2016 rap, and last July 7, he released the remixed version. The DJ promised to release the music, with Haaland credited as Lyng, when Norway beats five-time World Cup champion Brazil.
“Made it moment! Thanks, @kygomusic! Does this mean I’m officially an artist now?” Haaland wrote on his Instagram post.
Haaland is also set to voice a Viking Marauder in the animated film “Viqueens.”
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