Erling Haaland's 2016 Rap Song Resurfaces Amid Norway's World Cup Run

Erling Haaland is not the breakout star of the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup because he was already a global superstar before the World Cup.

But, while previously seemingly impossible, he has become even more beloved during Norway‘s historic run this summer.

Haaland, 25, has scored seven goals in his debut World Cup and gone viral for his incredible knack for social media. Now, fans are rediscovering Haaland’s formative rap dreams, and it is glorious.

Haaland and fellow Norwegian footballers Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias made a rap song called “Kygo Jo” as the Flow Kingz in 2016. Haaland was 16 at the time. As of this writing, the YouTube video has over 20.8 million views.

Upon joining Manchester City in June 2022, Haaland discussed the making of his now-viral song. “We are three good friends that was a bit bored, so we decided to make a rap song,” Haaland said.

Kygo, the world-famous Norwegian DJ and producer, remixed “Kygo Jo” after Haaland scored a brace in Norway’s 2-1 upset over Brazil in the Round of 16 last weekend. Kygo revealed that he had promised Haaland to remix the old song if he scored a goal against Brazil.

“Kygo Jo (Kygo Remix)” was officially released on Kygo’s YouTube channel on Tuesday, July 7. The best part has to be Kygo’s incorporation of Norway’s famed “Viking Row” as the beat drop.

“Made it moment!” Haaland captioned an Instagram post of the official track’s cover art. “Thanks, @kygomusic [handshake emoji, musical notes emoji] Does this mean I’m officially an artist now?”

This summer marks Norway’s first men’s World Cup appearance since 1998. Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard have led Norway deeper than the nation has ever gone in the men’s World Cup, by far, as Norway had never won a knockout stage match before now.

Norway will next face England in the World Cup quarterfinal in Miami on Saturday, July 11.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 8:53 PM.