Two of the biggest names online have finally teamed up. On 19 September, Erling Haaland posted a photo with MrBeast captioned “2 YouTubers” 🎥. MrBeast replied with one word: “Nice.”
Two days later, the Haaland MrBeast collaboration delivered its first result, and it was a nod to one of the internet’s favourite Haaland memes.
The viral AI meme, brought to life
Earlier this year, an AI-generated video of Haaland went viral. It took a comedy clip of Chinese actor Jin Long in a diner and swapped in Haaland’s face. In it, “Haaland” catches sight of himself in a mirror and jumps in fright.
On 21 September, MrBeast posted a real-life version. The two sit eating together until Haaland glances at his reflection and recoils in mock terror. MrBeast’s caption: “scariest meal of my life.”
Haaland also hinted at a proper appearance in a MrBeast YouTube video, which fans are still waiting for.
Why this pairing makes sense
Haaland is a YouTuber himself. His channel, @erling, has 4.49 million subscribers and shows what everyday life as a professional footballer is like. He has also appeared with the Sidemen, in one of their “guess the footballer” videos.
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) runs the most-subscribed channel in the world, with more than 517 million subscribers. He regularly features famous athletes in his big-budget challenge videos.
The timing works for Haaland. He had a memorable World Cup, scoring twice as Norway knocked out Brazil in the round of 16 before losing to England in the quarter-finals. He’s also started the season in form, recently reaching 300 club goals.
Balancing YouTube and the day job
Haaland’s content never seems to get in the way of his football. When he posted the “2 YouTubers” photo, Manchester City were unbeaten after four league games, winning all four, and Haaland had scored in every one of them: four goals in four matches. A week later, his header against Coventry brought up his 300th club goal.
His channel works because it doesn’t try to be a MrBeast-style production. Instead, it offers a look at what fans rarely see: training days, recovery routines and life away from the stadium. Uploads come every couple of weeks, fitting around a packed fixture list.
That’s what makes the MrBeast link interesting. Haaland brings authenticity and one of the biggest profiles in world football, and MrBeast brings huge production and a massive audience. If the full video lands, it could introduce Haaland to millions of viewers who don’t follow football at all, and bring MrBeast’s fans closer to the game.
What we still don’t know
Neither side has confirmed when a full MrBeast video featuring Haaland will be released, or what it will involve. Until they do, treat online rumours about it with caution.
The bigger picture
Haaland’s move into online content shows how elite athletes are changing. The pitch is no longer their only stage. As more football stars become creators, crossovers like this blur the line between sport and entertainment, and fans clearly love it.
FAQ
Did Haaland and MrBeast collaborate?
Yes. MrBeast posted a skit on 21 September of the two recreating a viral AI meme of Haaland.
What was the viral Haaland meme?
An AI-edited clip showing “Haaland” in a diner, scared by his own reflection in a mirror.
Does Haaland have a YouTube channel?
Yes, @erling, with around 4.5 million subscribers.
Will Haaland appear in a MrBeast video?
He has hinted at it, but no release date has been confirmed.
Sources: Yahoo Sports; VnExpress; Fox Sports; Time.
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