Russian model Anastasia Kostromina has become an internet sensation after a video highlighting her resemblance to Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland attracted millions of views on social media.

The 24-year-old, who said friends and family had compared her to Haaland for years, decided to embrace the likeness after the Norwegian’s standout performances at the FIFA World Cup. Earlier this month, she shared an Instagram video recreating the footballer’s distinctive facial expressions and mannerisms.

The clip quickly went viral, amassing more than 6.4 million likes. Kostromina said she was overwhelmed by the response.

“At first, I did not even know what was happening. It felt like a dream,” she said, adding that she “never expected” the video to gain such widespread attention.

Kostromina admitted she initially found the comparisons unusual because Haaland is a male footballer, but said she has since learned to take them in good humour.

“At first, to be honest, I didn’t understand how I could resemble a male football player. But then I started to take it with a sense of humour, and now I’m completely fine with it,” she said.

Haaland was one of the standout performers at the World Cup, scoring seven goals, including a brace against Brazil in the round of 16, as Norway reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to England.

Kostromina said she supported Norway throughout the tournament and was disappointed by the team’s elimination. She also expressed hope that Haaland would eventually see her viral video and find it amusing.

“I hope he sees my video, maybe even laughs,” she said.