And guess what? That’s exactly what it really turned out to be. The Norwegian football superstar did not just see the video, but he actually dropped a comment on the post that left the creator and thousands of fans stunned as the internet celebrated the unexpected interaction.
A viral fitness challenge catches Haaland’s attention
In a viral reel shared on Instagram, content creator Sahil Gupta recreated Erling Haaland’s famous “cyborg walk”, the stuff-armed, head-forward stride that became a viral meme during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he walked towards a life-sized poster of the Norwegian striker.
The further made a bold promise that said, “If Haaland comments on this reel, I will lose 20 kg in the next 3 months.” While in the caption, Gupta playfully tagged the football star, writing, “Come, Haaland, you want me to see lean.”
Erling Haaland’s four-word reply leaves the creator stunned
The reel soon exploded in popularity, crossed 12 million views and reached the one person Sahil had hoped would see it, Erling Haaland.
Most to everyone’s surprise, the Manchester City and Norway striker responded in the comments with just two words: “Starting now”. Haaland’s brief reply instantly went viral on the internet, and fans celebrated the unexpected interaction and encouraged Sahil to stick to his promise.
He further commented, “Lose it🙌🔥”
Overwhelmed by the support, Sahil thanked his followers for helping the video reach Haaland. In a heartfelt message, he announced that he would officially begin his weight-loss journey and document his progress by posting a new update every Friday for the next three months. He also invited his audience to share his fitness advice and motivate him throughout the challenge.
He wrote that their encouragement had turned a fun social media post into a commitment.
Social media reacts to the viral Instagram post tagging Erling Haaland
As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly sparked a debate and discussion online. Sahil shared on the post, “Thank you so much, my people, my audience ❤️. Because of you, @erling_haaland commented on this reel…And from now on, I will start my weight loss journey and will make you a witness by posting one reel every Friday for the next 3 months. Support me; let me know in the comments what all I should do for my weight loss. ❤️ Love you all once again. Yours, Sahil Gupta @sahilgptgo ❤️
One user joked on Instagram, You better keep your words 😆.”
While one said, “@erlin.g_ got a lot of time to reply to each one who tagged him in the post. 😆 Amazing person and amazing game. If there is only one person who deserves to win the Fifa World Cup, it is him. Better luck next time, Champ. ❤️”
“They say Haaland comments on the reel where he’s tagged; if it’s true, then I really wish for him to reply to my comment…Love from India ❤️, dear Erling,” another added.
“Forget about waiting for others to say something… You should start when you feel it’s time 💯💪🏻.”
While one questioned, “It’s your health, why do you need Haaland to comment?”
Image credit : Instagram | Indian creator vowed to lose 20 kg if Erling Haaland replied
“Bro is a footballer, not your gym trainer 😂.” One laughed, and more such comments surfaced on it.
Haaland’s comment also triggered a flood of reactions across social media, with users cheering Sahil on and urging him to stick to his challenge. While many praised the football star for taking notice of the reel, others reminded the creator that the real journey was only beginning, encouraging him to keep posting regular updates and achieve his 20 kg weight-loss goal.
