​Norway’s Erling Haaland has emerged as a standout figure at the World Cup, acclaimed not only as his team’s MVP and one of the tournament’s leading scorers alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, but also for his wholesome antics and engaging social media presence. Now, the scoring sensation is trending again after the resurfacing of a rap track Haaland released with friends a decade ago.
The track, titled Kygo jo, was laid down in 2016 by Haaland and his fellow under-17 national teammates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg, who together form the group Flow Kingz. In the video, Haaland appears at just 15 years old, performing under the rap alias Lyng. He raps in a homemade music video, playfully tending a barbecue, bouncing on a trampoline, and posing on a miniature car, capturing a lighthearted glimpse into his younger days. The clip has surged across the internet and has racked up about 21 million views on YouTube.
For listeners who don’t speak Norwegian, here’s a sense of the opening lines: “Haven’t seen you lately, have you gotten lost? / I’ve been making tracks and made a thousand mill / By the way, I also bought myself a gas grill / In case you were wondering, I’ve also been to the store / Did some shopping ’cause I’ve got plenty of cash to spend / Of course I’ll share some with you, my friend / ’Cause I know you don’t have that much money left.” The lyrics reveal a playful confidence and flavor of a teen’s early ambitions, including a casual brag about affording luxuries and a willingness to share with friends.
Later verses continue the same tongue-in-cheek vibe, with Haaland rapping about days spent out and about, from enjoying a Caesar salad to a shopping trip in the Bahamas, all while juggling the duties of everyday life and the lure of leisure. The overall tone remains lighthearted and self-assured, a snapshot of a young athlete mixing music, humor, and swagger.
The video’s charm has only grown with time, and it’s easy to see why Haaland’s early music project endears him to fans. Some have even noted that the track’s infectious energy adds another facet to his public persona—a blend of athletic excellence and a playful, approachable side.
In addition to the track’s enduring appeal, Kygo, the Norwegian DJ renowned for his electronic house productions, released a new house remix of Kygo jo that has amplified its reach on social media and Spotify. The collaboration or cross-pollination with Kygo has given the song renewed visibility and energy, further fueling fan conversations and online chatter surrounding Haaland.
Public reaction to the rediscovered track has been lively and buoyant. Fans have flooded comment sections with reactions ranging from admiration for Haaland’s multi-faceted talent to humorous takes on how a football star could become so successful in another field. Some comments speculate that Haaland’s crossover appeal could make him a natural fit for broader music-related opportunities, while others playfully suggest the track could become an official FIFA song should Norway advance further in the tournament.
The World Cup narrative around Haaland has intensified as Norway reached a historic milestone by advancing to their first-ever quarterfinal, edging out Brazil 2-1 in a dramatic match. This achievement has amplified interest in his various off-field endeavors, including his earlier musical foray, illustrating how his influence extends beyond the pitch.
In sum, Erling Haaland’s World Cup journey continues to captivate fans not only with his on-field prowess but also with glimpses into his youthful musical experiments and the ongoing cultural footprint he’s carving out. The resurgence of Kygo jo—now paired with a fresh house remix—has given supporters another reason to celebrate Haaland, and it’s a testament to how a footballer’s personality can resonate far beyond standard sports coverage.