China Embraces Erling Haaland as its Soccer Icon
BEIJING — Although this year’s World Cup lacks Chinese players, the country has embraced a new soccer sensation: Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. The Manchester City star, standing at 6ft 4in, has become a beloved figure among Chinese fans, who affectionately refer to him as ‘Her Bao’, meaning ‘Baby Her.’
Gum Li, a 34-year-old from Guangdong province, recently shared her newfound admiration for Haaland via a messaging app. “I never thought I’d fall in love with another soccer player after Cristiano Ronaldo,” she said. “However, after watching social media videos of Haaland’s performances and entertaining moments off the pitch, I was captivated.”
Haaland’s expressive facial gestures have inspired a wave of viral memes on Chinese social media. Users have drawn amusing comparisons between his exaggerated expressions and the iconic cat from the American cartoon “Tom and Jerry.” His unique running style, characterized by a forward lean, has also captured the attention of fans.
Not just a sports phenomenon, Haaland’s long blonde hair has prompted playful memes likening him to various celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, challenging traditional notions of “blonde beauty.” Since debuting his official Douyin account—China’s version of TikTok—about a month ago, Haaland has gained an impressive 5.8 million followers, surpassing Norway’s entire population.
During the World Cup, the 25-year-old has shared updates in both English and Chinese, expressing excitement over Norway’s victories, including a recent 2-1 triumph over Brazil, where he scored both goals. His performance has sparked admiration, with fans in Shanghai proclaiming Haaland as the world’s best striker, with the potential to dominate for years to come.
His popularity has gone beyond the pitch; Haaland has become a trendsetter in fashion, particularly with his signature headbands which have emerged as coveted items on Chinese e-commerce platforms. Fans jokingly aspire to maintain their hair as perfectly intact as Haaland’s after games.
Certainly, his burgeoning fan base has paved the way for lucrative business opportunities. Haaland recently starred in advertising campaigns for a Chinese herbal tea brand and formed a partnership with Midea, a consumer electronics company whose cooling products are experiencing soaring sales amid an intense heatwave across Europe.
In Norway, he is also promoting the country’s fresh Atlantic salmon, marketed in China, which is recognized as one of Norway’s largest seafood markets. While Chinese fans have long supported global soccer icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Haaland’s rise to fame presents a refreshing, personal connection.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a superstar we admire from afar,” noted fan Lee. “Haaland, on the other hand, feels like someone we can closely relate to.” His authenticity resonates with fans, as evidenced by his approachable style on Chinese social media, where he actively engages with followers.
One particularly popular Douyin video features Haaland addressing the humorous speculation about whether he is a robot. With a deadpan expression and a hint of mischief, he playfully quipped, “Maybe I’m like that sometimes, too.” His partner, Isabel Hausen Johansen, is also making waves on the platform with a following of around 350,000.
Fans have drawn contrasts between Haaland’s Scandinavian roots and China’s more structured sports system, which often emphasizes sacrifice from a young age. “He plays soccer purely from a place of love and dreams,” Lee observed. “His relaxed approach is quite different from many athletes in China, who often bear heavy burdens and expectations.”
Haaland’s affable demeanor and genuine teamwork have further endeared him to fans, with Lee commenting, “He appears to be a refreshingly authentic person, comfortable in his own skin.” In a world filled with pressure, Haaland represents a life that many aspire to.
