Russian model goes viral as Erling Haaland's 'twin'
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Russian model Anastasia Kostromitina went viral for resembling Erling Haaland.
- A playful Instagram Reel sparked over 100 million views during the World Cup.
- Kostromitina now embraces the comparison after initially rejecting it.
What started as a light-hearted comparison has evolved into one of the tournament's most talked-about viral stories, with countless fans joking that Haaland has a long-lost twin sister.
Social media spots an uncanny resemblance
The comparisons exploded across Instagram, TikTok and X after a humorous reel featuring Anastasia began circulating online.Created with the help of her mother, Russian influencer Mariya Kostromitina, the video showed Anastasia recreating Haaland's trademark expressions, goal celebrations and intense stare.
Placed alongside clips of the Norwegian striker, the similarities immediately caught viewers' attention.
The original reel has gained well over 5 million likes, whilst reposts, reaction videos and imitation clips generated millions more across multiple platforms.
A comparison she once disliked
Although the internet has only recently embraced the comparison, Anastasia says she has been hearing it for more than four years.Initially, she struggled to understand why people believed she resembled the footballer and admitted the comments were difficult to accept.
I went through all the stages of denial.Over time, however, her perspective changed.
Rather than resisting the comparison, she decided to embrace it with humour.
If people can laugh, why not? I can be beautiful, I can be funny.She also acknowledged that online criticism has become easier to ignore because increased engagement ultimately benefits her growing social media presence.
Established model before going viral
Long before becoming associated with Haaland, Anastasia had already built a successful modelling career in Moscow.Signed to MOTION Model Agency, she has worked with internationally recognised brands including Dyson, Uniqlo, Clarins and Lamoda, appearing in fashion, beauty and lifestyle campaigns.
Her sudden rise to worldwide recognition was therefore not driven by a modelling campaign or runway appearance, but by a playful social media video that unexpectedly resonated with football fans.
Why fans think they look so similar
Much of the fascination comes from how closely their natural features appear to match.Both share long blonde hair, light blue-grey eyes, angular facial features, pronounced cheekbones and a serious expression that has become synonymous with Haaland's on-pitch persona.
Without any digital editing or AI-generated effects, the resemblance has convinced many viewers that they could easily pass as siblings.
Unlike many viral lookalike stories fuelled by face-swapping technology, this one relies entirely on natural similarities, making it even more compelling for social media audiences.
From football outsider to Norway supporter
Ironically, Anastasia was not a particularly keen football follower before becoming an internet sensation.The unexpected attention encouraged her to watch Norway's matches more closely, and she now admits she often finds herself supporting Haaland as the jokes continue online.
She has also said she would happily take a selfie with the striker if they ever crossed paths and hopes he eventually notices the viral phenomenon.
So far, there is no evidence that the pair have met in person.
The internet's favourite World Cup lookalike
Celebrity lookalikes have fascinated the internet for years, but few have captured attention quite like Anastasia Kostromitina.Her resemblance to Haaland arrived at exactly the right moment, coinciding with the striker's impressive World Cup performances and creating one of the tournament's most unexpected viral moments.
Whether the comparisons eventually fade or continue long after the World Cup ends, one thing is certain: football supporters are unlikely to stop joking about Haaland's supposed "twin sister" any time soon.
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