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The World Cup is the biggest stage many professional soccer players will face in their careers. International rivalries, drama, and the pressure to showcase your best skills all come to fruition in one 39-day tournament. The better you play, the more your name will spread.

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland didn’t skyrocket to fame solely because of his incredible skills. Instead, his towering 6’5” stature, intimidating running form, and good-natured approach to memes helped catapult him to stardom.

In today’s world, talent gets noticed — but strategic storytelling creates icons. Just as Haaland’s global profile was amplified through social media, Emerson Street Media crafts PR and digital strategies that transform brands into leaders.

Where Did He Come From, and Where Did He Go?

Haaland already had a famous name before joining the World Cup meme hall of fame. From having an (admittedly) catchy theme song to his former professional soccer player father, “Alfie” Haaland, he was already well-known throughout Europe and the English Premier League.

The World Cup simply introduced “The Viking” to an entirely new audience: the U.S. And Haaland took full advantage of his new American fans.

Haaland’s expressive reactions on the pitch and unique appearance generated hundreds of memes, but his online persona ultimately contributed to his rise as the internet’s “Norwegian Princess.” Snapchat Shrek filters, AI hair styling tips, and AI-generated drives down Pacific Coast Highway with fellow soccer star Vinícius Júnior all became staples of Haaland’s digital character.

Beyond the memes, Haaland became known for being chronically online, so much so that even his simple “nice” or “not nice” Instagram comments received news coverage. The fact that these stories referenced Haaland in any way demonstrates how timely social media engagement can lead to earned media opportunities.

In short, Haaland’s ability to not take himself too seriously and embrace the jokes surrounding his appearance helped rapidly grow his social media following to 76 million and transformed novice soccer fans into die-hard supporters.

Emerson Street Media Can Help, Seriously!

Although he didn’t take home the World Cup trophy, he did leave with a taxidermy raccoon outfitted with a cowboy hat and whiskey bottle, along with thousands of new fans who will keep Haaland in their hearts long after the tournament hype fades. We can do the same for you.

While we can’t guarantee you’ll become the next blonde, Viking “baby girl” of the internet, we know how to take what may seem like a negative and turn it into a positive. Algorithms change and fads fade, but we make sure your message truly connects. Through creative campaigns, strategic engagement, and content that resonates, we turn passive scrollers into active fans.

Connect with us today and discover how we can elevate your presence.