Model goes viral as followers declare she is the spitting picture of England nemesis Haaland
Anastasia Kostromitina shot to internet fame when her mum posted a tongue-in-cheek video likening her to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The model has been likened to the striker star(Image: Jam Press)
A model has gone viral after fans claimed she is the spitting image of Erling Haaland. Anastasia Kostromitina shot to internet fame when her mum posted a tongue-in-cheek video of her copying the Norway striker’s trademark poses and goal celebrations.
The clip exploded online as viewers marvelled at the Russian beauty’s striking resemblance to the superstar, with many joking the pair could be related.
Her mum Mariya’s Instagram reel racked up more than four million views and 62,000 comments, while similar clips across social media amassed around 30 million views within 24 hours of Haaland’s World Cup double against Brazil.
Many viewers were stunned by the similarities, pointing to their blonde hair, piercing eyes, sharp features and trademark intense stare. One follower said: “Brother from another mother?” Another person added: “DNA test not required.”
A third fan joked: “Questions for Haaland’s dad?” Anastasia, who has modelled for brands including Clarins, Dyson, Uniqlo and Lamoda, revealed the comparisons first started around four years ago.
But while she initially bristled at the suggestion she looked like the football star, she has since decided to embrace the joke.
The 24-year-old, from Moscow, said: “If I’m honest, I went through all the stages of denial. At first I didn’t understand how I looked like him. Then I was a little offended.
“But now I realise that being similar to such a cool athlete – even just physically – is actually not bad at all. So I decided to play on it.
“As soon as the haters appeared in the comments, I realised the video had properly hit the trends. But there are way more kind comments. It’s nice, haters don’t bother me, they just boost the activity.”
According to her modelling agency profile, Anastasia has blue-grey eyes and blonde hair – features many fans believe make her a dead ringer for the Norwegian goal machine.
The viral sensation comes as England prepare to face Norway in a crunch World Cup quarter-final on 11 July.
Three Lions fans will be hoping Haaland, who is currently the tournament’s joint-top scorer with seven goals, is not celebrating quite so much against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
