A Russian model has shot to internet fame after fans claimed she bears a striking resemblance to Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland. Anastasia Kostromitina, 24, from Moscow, went viral when her mother, Mariya, posted a tongue-in-cheek Instagram reel showing Anastasia copying Haaland's trademark poses and goal celebrations.
Video Explodes Online
The clip racked up more than four million views and 62,000 comments on Instagram, while similar clips across social media amassed around 30 million views within 24 hours of Haaland scoring a World Cup double against Brazil. Viewers were stunned by the similarities, pointing to their blonde hair, piercing eyes, sharp features and trademark intense stare.
One follower commented: "Brother from another mother?" Another added: "DNA test not required." A third joked: "Questions for Haaland's dad?"
Model's Journey from Denial to Embrace
Anastasia, who has modelled for brands including Clarins, Dyson, Uniqlo and Lamoda, revealed the comparisons first started around four years ago. Initially, she bristled at the suggestion she looked like the football star. "If I'm honest, I went through all the stages of denial. At first I didn't understand how I looked like him. Then I was a little offended," she said.
But she has since decided to embrace the joke: "Now I realise that being similar to such a cool athlete - even just physically - is actually not bad at all. So I decided to play on it. As soon as the haters appeared in the comments, I realised the video had properly hit the trends. But there are way more kind comments. It's nice, haters don't bother me, they just boost the activity."
Physical Similarities and World Cup Context
According to her modelling agency profile, Anastasia has blue-grey eyes and blonde hair - features many fans believe make her a dead ringer for the Norwegian goal machine. The viral sensation comes as England prepare to face Norway in a crunch World Cup quarter-final on 11 July. Three Lions fans will be hoping Haaland, who is currently the tournament's joint-top scorer with seven goals, is not celebrating quite so much against Thomas Tuchel's side.
