After a content creator went viral for her likeness to Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland, she leaned into the moment in a way that wouldโve made The Lions proud.
Emma Willman, a South Carolina-based influencer who specializes in hair and beauty content, has been re-creating a number of Haalandโs iconic looks, including his golden double braids and signature, slicked-back bun. The Haaland-inspired hair tutorials come after the 24-year-old posted a viral french braid โhow-toโ video in early June. It drew more than 1.3 million likes and 181,000 comments from not only hair enthusiasts and dedicated soccer fans, but soccer brands and the World Cup fan favorite himself. Score!
When it comes to the deluge of doppelgรคnger comments, Willman tells TODAY.com that sheโs lovinโ it.
โItโs been so fun to see โ especially to see all the fans in the comments. Heโs definitely someone who has a lot of fun with what he does,โ Willman says of the 25-year-old striker, whoโs become a highly-memed internet fan-favorite for his antics both on and off the pitch. โI think itโs really special that Iโm able to do the same thing.โ
In her viral video, Willman shares simple, step-by-step instructions on how to french braid, parting her hair down the middle and effortlessly twisting strands into the finished look. Willman says that while sheโs sporadically received quips about her resemblance to the Manchester City player, it wasnโt until the french braid video began circulating amid the World Cup tournament that the comparison really took off. And social media users couldnโt help themselves from pointing out what they felt was obvious.
โFor as long as Iโve been on social media, a lot of people would make the comment here or there that I did resemble him, but it wasnโt to the point where I would say I really noticed,โ Willman says. โI guess because of how well heโs playing and everything going on right now, I woke up and literally my video had went insanely viral overnight.โ
Haaland โ who scored two game-winning goals against Brazil, sending the five-time World Cup champs home โ greenlit the comparisons with a simple comment of โHi๐๐ป.โ The greeting alone drew more than 2.3 million likes.
In a follow-up video from July 7, Willman re-creates Haalandโs bun and comes to terms with her celebrity lookalike.
โIโll be so honest,โ Willman says in the video. โI also see the resemblance.โ
Haaland isnโt even the only big name whoโs intrigued by the twinning. Brands got in on the action, too.
โThere is nรธ way you two arenโt related,โ Adidas wrote under one of Willmanโs videos.
Modelo USA called on people to โcheck the family tree ASAP.โ
Willman says that because Haaland is known for his โfabulous hair,โ sheโs been flattered by the comparisons. She adds that her newfound virality has been enjoyable, especially because sheโs been able to learn more about the game, as well as about the striker and his fans.
โItโs been fun for me to play into it and get to know the fan base a little bit more, because thatโs exactly what he would do,โ Willman says. โHeโs someone that I think everyone should look up to, especially with how well heโs playing and how he treats his reputation around the sport.โ
The content creator says sheโs headed to the England vs. Norway World Cup game on July 11 in Miami. And sheโs hoping that she can finally meet her twin.
โIโm really excited about the trip and going to see the game in person and whatever is able to come from that,โ Willman says. โIf I did meet him, I think that that would probably be one of the highlights of my life.โ
As for any hair tips that fans can use to get their own Haaland-ified locks, Willman recommends eating right, using rosemary hair oil and embracing your natural hair.
โI cannot compare my hair to as great as his is, of course,โ Willman says with a laugh. โBut I have been very big into embracing my natural hair lately โฆ itโs so fun to have your natural hair texture out.โ