Viral Video Of Norwegian Football Star Erling Haaland Getting Scared By His Reflection Is Actually An AI Deepfake

You might have seen the viral video of Norwegian football star Erling Haaland getting startled by his own reflection in a mirror while eating at a restaurant.

Funny? Yes.

Real? Not at all.

The video, which has racked up tens of millions of views across TikTok, Instagram and X, is actually an AI-generated deepfake.

Using face-swap technology, creators digitally placed the Manchester City striker’s face onto footage of Chinese comedian Jin Long, who originally posted the comedy skit on Douyin on June 15.

In the original clip, Jin Long plays a worker enjoying a meal after work before catching sight of his dirt-covered face in the mirror and jumping in fright.

If you thought something felt a little off, you weren't alone.

After all, why was Haaland casually using chopsticks while eating a bao in what was clearly a Chinese restaurant.

"I did wonder why he was using chopsticks," one commenter wrote.

Still, plenty of people admitted the AI edit had completely fooled them.

"I'm genuinely terrified I fell for this," one person confessed.

Some reckoned the prank was believable because Haaland is known goofy, easy-going personality off the pitch, while others were simply amazed by how convincing the edit looked.

"It's funny how the original one looks more like AI," one user joked.

"Haaland looks more real than the actual guy," another commented.

The clip first gained traction on Chinese social media, where the 26-year-old has become something of an internet darling.

Already popular in China thanks to his exploits on the pitch, Haaland's popularity got another boost after starring in ads for Chinese herbal drink Wang Lao Ji (WALOVI), even surprising fans by speaking a few words of Mandarin.

Since then, Chinese creators have embraced him with a wave of AI memes, parody videos and edits, often playing on the contrast between his fearsome on-pitch persona and his light-hearted personality off it.

While many laughed after learning the truth, others said the video was another reminder of how convincing AI-generated content has become.

"Can't believe anything you see now," one user wrote.

Another added: "Just goes to show people believe everything they see on the internet and are easily manipulated."