Chinese Netizens Are Down Bad For FIFA’s Erling Haaland

Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland, regarded as the greatest Norwegian soccer player of all time, is becoming a romantic icon on Chinese social media.

Chinese netizens are absolutely smitten with Haaland, who is currently competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an international soccer tournament that kicked off on June 11. It will end on July 19, with one of 48 competing countries taking home the glory.

Recently, Chinese netizens have been expressing their love Haaland on social media, with some editing him into the popular dating game Love and Deepspace as a dreamy male lead.

The trend, which has swept platforms like Xiaohongshu, plays perfectly into Haaland’s already explosive popularity in China.

i just went on chinese social media and they’re busy turning Erling Haaland into a Love and Deepspace male lead pic.twitter.com/cpyUDhcVXA

— 刻矛 MAO 🔆🪱🔆 (@MVjagaimo) June 23, 2026

Yes we like him🤭 pic.twitter.com/BKwMDx722W

— Mia in Shanghai (@Eves_escape) June 24, 2026

His popularity dates back to his Borussia Dortmund days, when he earned nicknames like the “Nordic Cyborg” and “Robot Striker” for his machine-like scoring. The 2022 move to Manchester City and his record-breaking performances turned him into a mainstream celebrity as Premier League viewership—reaching around 300 million regular viewers in China—amplified his profile. In the past 10 days alone, amid 2026 FIFA World Cup buzz, #Haaland impressions on Xiaohongshu have reportedly surged to 982.3 million.

What truly sets Haaland apart is his comedian-athlete appeal. Chinese netizens adore not just his goals but his exaggerated expressions, self-deprecating humor, and steady stream of meme-worthy moments. Known affectionately as “Habao” or “Ha Baby,” he reportedly thrives in China’s meme culture.

International fans on X are loving the unexpected Haaland x Love and Deepspace crossover. If he were an option in the game, would you choose him?

THIS IS HILARIOUS

— ˚⊱dev⊰˚ (@seiyapilled) June 24, 2026

I know they’re doing this because they hate Valko but this is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life

— nanael 🐾🧡 (@chippeddoll) June 24, 2026

Guys sorry to break it to you, here’s the real 6th LI apparently

— ꫂ❁ Jade 🌸 #juneleb (@paperlotus613) June 24, 2026