The roar of the crowd at the FIFA World Cup isn't the only sound echoing around Norway star Erling Haaland. As the Manchester City striker continues to dominate on the pitch, a decade-old rap video from his teenage years has gone viral, proving that Haaland's talents extend beyond the pitch. The clip, for a song titled "Kygo Jo," has captured the attention of millions, racking up an impressive 20 million views on YouTube as Haaland leads Norway through the tournament.
Back in 2016, a then 16-year-old Haaland, performing under the rap moniker Lyng, joined forces with his youth national teammates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg. Together, they formed a rap trio known as Flow Kingz. Their lone musical endeavor, "Kygo Jo," was born out of youthful boredom during a national team camp, as Haaland himself later shared with Manchester City. The track featured playful lyrics touching on global issues, financial success, and even healthy eating, showcasing a lighter, more whimsical side of the future football icon.
While never intended as a serious career move, the "Kygo Jo" video has become a fascinating artifact of Haaland's early days. Its resurgence is directly tied to his electrifying performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haaland has been a standout player, instrumental in Norway's historic run to their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. His prowess in the Round of 16 match, where he netted two goals to defeat Brazil, propelled his tournament total to seven, placing him on par with giants like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
Norway's improbable journey continues as they prepare to face England in the quarterfinals, with the nation dreaming of a first World Cup title. Haaland's dual threat as a world-class footballer and a once-aspiring rapper adds another layer to his already captivating global persona. The viral success of the Flow Kingz video serves as a testament to the enduring curiosity surrounding elite athletes and their lives beyond the sport.
This unexpected musical detour from one of the world's most dominant strikers highlights the multifaceted nature of athletes who achieve superstardom. It provides a unique glimpse into the camaraderie and youthful expressions that exist even among elite competitors. The 20 million views are not just for the song itself, but for the fascinating context it provides to Haaland's already legendary ascent.
Reporting via XXL. Read the original story here: https://www.xxlmag.com/erling-haaland-rap-song/
