As the FIFA World Cup keeps football fans glued to the exploits of the world’s biggest stars, Russian fashion model Anastasia Kostromitina is enjoying a surge of global attention.

This is after videos of her uncanny resemblance to Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland amassed more than 100 million views across social media.

Kostromitina, whose striking likeness to the prolific forward has earned her the nickname of Haaland’s female lookalike, said she never imagined that mimicking the footballer’s facial expressions and mannerisms would propel her to internet fame.

Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, the model said she first learned about the resemblance about four years ago after a friend pointed it out.

“The first time I heard that I looked like him was about four years ago. My friend told me, so I’m used to it now,” she said.

What started as a lighthearted imitation has since evolved into a viral social media phenomenon, with millions of football fans sharing and reacting to her videos.

Kostromitina admitted she was stunned by the scale of the response.

“I didn’t expect them to go this viral. It was unexpected, so I still don’t know how to act,” she said.

The model said she hopes her online popularity will eventually catch the attention of Haaland himself.

She revealed that the Manchester City striker has not contacted her despite the widespread attention her videos have attracted.

“Unfortunately, no. But I hope he will contact me,” she said when asked whether the Norwegian football star had reached out.

Rather than shy away from the comparisons, Kostromitina said she has embraced them.

She insisted there is nothing wrong with making people laugh.

“I guess it’s just my sense of humour. I don’t think it’s something to be ashamed of. If people can laugh, why not? I can be beautiful and I can be funny,” she said.

The unexpected fame has also brought fresh opportunities beyond the runway.

Kostromitina disclosed that she has landed several projects linked to her viral persona while continuing her career as a fashion model.

“I already have a lot of projects, and they all want this attitude. I still have my modelling work and I’ll continue on that path. But for now, why not?” she said.

She also dismissed suggestions that the comparisons had affected her personal life.

According to her, her boyfriend finds the resemblance amusing and remains supportive.

“He thinks I look like him, but he tells me I’m beautiful and he loves me, so there are no problems with it,” she said.

Kostromitina’s online fame has gathered fresh momentum in the ongoing World Cup.

Football fans continue to share her videos as one of the tournament’s lighter viral moments fueled by Haaland’s exploits.

The model’s online fame coincided with Haaland’s impressive World Cup debut.

The prolific striker played a pivotal role in guiding Norway to a historic quarterfinal finish in the nation’s first appearance at the expanded tournament, scoring seven goals in six matches before their campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to England. (Daily Trust)