A video claiming to show football star Erling Haaland getting frightened after noticing his own reflection in a restaurant mirror has gone viral across social media platforms.
The clip has attracted millions of views, with many users believing it captures a funny real-life moment.
However, the claim is false.
Our review, along with multiple independent fact-checks, found that the viral video has been digitally manipulated using AI face-swapping technology. The original footage does not feature Haaland at all. Instead, it shows another person performing the same actions before AI tools were used to replace the face with Haaland’s.
Researchers and fact-checkers traced earlier versions of the clip online, where the original individual’s face is clearly visible. Several AI detection tools also identified strong signs of digital manipulation, supporting the conclusion that the video is not authentic.
The edited version spread rapidly across X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, leading many users to mistake it for genuine footage. The realistic facial replacement demonstrates how convincing AI-generated content has become and why viral videos should be verified before being shared.
Verdict
False. The viral video does not show Erling Haaland getting scared by his own reflection. It is an AI-edited face-swap created from an unrelated original video featuring another person.
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Fact Check: Is the Viral Video of Erling Haaland Getting Scared by His Own Reflection Real?
