After the content creator went viral for her resemblance to Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland, she embraced the moment in a way that would make The Lions proud.
Emma Willman, a South Carolina-based hair and makeup influencer, recreated a number of Haaland’s iconic looks, including his double gold braids and signature slicked back bun. The Haaland-inspired hair tutorials come after the 24-year-old posted a viral how-to video for French braids in early June. It has racked up more than 1.3 million likes and 181,000 comments from not only hair lovers and die-hard football fans, but also football brands and the World Cup fan favorite himself. Check!
World Cup fans can’t get enough of Willman’s resemblance to the Norwegian football star.Emma Willman/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
When it comes to the flood of comments about doppelgängers, Willman tells TODAY.com she loves it.
“It was so much fun to watch, especially seeing all the fans in the comments. He’s definitely someone who really enjoys what he does,” Willman says of the 25-year-old striker, who has become an internet fan favorite for his antics both on and off the field. “I think it’s really special that I can do the same thing.”
In her viral video, Willman shares simple step-by-step instructions on how to French braid by parting your hair down the middle and effortlessly twisting the strands for a finished look. Willman says that while she occasionally received jokes about her resemblance to the Manchester City player, it wasn’t until the French braid video began circulating during the World Cup that the comparison really took off. And social media users couldn’t resist pointing out what they thought was obvious.
“While I was on social media, a lot of people made comments here and there about how I really looked like him, but it wasn’t to the point where I could say I really noticed,” Willman says. “I think because of how well he’s playing and everything that’s going on right now, I woke up and literally overnight my video went crazy viral.”
Haaland, who scored two winning goals against Brazil to send home the five-time world champions, green-lighted the comparisons with the simple comment “Hi👍🏻.” The congratulation alone received more than 2.3 million likes.
Commentary by Erling Haaland to Emma Willman.Instagram/Emma Willman
In a follow-up video from July 7, Willman recreates Haaland’s bun and reconciles with her celebrity doppelgänger.
“I’m going to be very honest,” Willman says in the video. “I see the similarities too.”
Haaland is not the only famous person intrigued by the creation of twin cities. Brands also joined the action.
“You are not related in any way,” Adidas wrote under one of Willman’s videos.
Modelo USA urged people to “check the family tree as soon as possible.”
Willman says that since Haaland is known for his “amazing hair,” she was flattered by the comparisons. She adds that her newfound popularity has been enjoyable, especially because she has been able to learn more about the game, as well as the striker and his fans.
“I was interested in being a part of it and getting to know the fans a little bit more, because that’s what he would do,” Willman says. “I think he’s someone that everyone should look up to, especially with how well he plays and how he feels about his reputation in the sport.”
The content creator revealed that she is heading to the World Cup game between England and Norway, which will take place on July 11 in Miami. And she hopes she can finally meet her twin.
“I’m really excited about the trip and going to see the game in person and everything that comes out of it,” Willman said. “If I had met him, I think it would have been one of the proudest moments of my life.”
As for hair tips that fans can use to get their own Haaland-style curls, Willman recommends eating right, using rosemary hair oil, and using natural hair.
“Of course, I can’t compare my hair to something as great as his,” Willman laughs. “But lately I’ve been really into my natural hair…it’s so fun to have natural hair texture.”