The Norwegian legend finally weighs in on his Dragon Ball Z alter ego
By
Crystal Bell
Digital Culture Editor
Crystal Bell is the Digital Culture Editor at Mashable, where she leads coverage of the creator economy, internet culture, and digital life. Her work focuses on the people, platforms, and communities shaping modern entertainment, from YouTube creators and livestreamers to fandoms, social media trends, and the evolving relationship between technology and culture. She also oversees the Mashable 101, the publication's annual list recognizing the internet's most influential creators.
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I totally see it. Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images; Toei Animation
Erling Haaland bears a striking resemblance to Dragon Ball Z villain Majin Buu. This isn't new information; it's a comparison that first went viral way back in 2021. The meme has resurfaced as the Norway striker has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But only now, as his team prepares for a quarter-final showdown with England, has Haaland finally acknowledged the likeness himself.
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The latest chapter in this long-running meme began with an Instagram post from @hidden.ny, showing Haaland recreating Majin Buu's signature hand gesture.
Fans immediately flooded the comments with references to the iconic villain, continuing a joke that has done the rounds on social media for years.
Then Haaland joined in. Responding in the comments on July 6, the Manchester City striker wrote: "I mean I don't disagree."
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That single sentence was all the internet needed.
Screenshots of Haaland's response quickly spread on X, Instagram, and TikTok, with fans celebrating the striker's tacit approval of one of his most persistent online memes.
Majin Buu is one of the most memorable antagonists in the legendary anime series Dragon Ball Z. Created by the wizard Bibidi and later unleashed by Babidi, the pink magical being is known for his seemingly limitless power, ability to regenerate from almost any injury, as well as his habit of turning opponents into candy before eating them.
Fans aren't exactly saying Haaland has the character's villainous tendencies. The joke has always been about the resemblance — not just his closely shaved blond hair and broad facial features, but also the occasional expression that gives off unmistakable Majin Buu energy.
The meme has gone far beyond side-by-side comparisons. Some fans have made art by kitting Majin Buu out in a Norway shirt and giving the pink villain Haaland’s signature blond hair.
One kitted-out mockup DBZ figure seems a perfect collectible for soccer and anime fans alike.
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As far as athlete-anime comparisons go, it's one of many. But they don't always get acknowledged by the subject. Now that Haaland has officially signed off, fans can consider this meme canon.
Crystal Bell is the Digital Culture Editor at Mashable, where she leads coverage of the creator economy, internet culture, and digital life. Her work focuses on the people, platforms, and communities shaping modern entertainment, from YouTube creators and livestreamers to fandoms, social media trends, and the evolving relationship between technology and culture. She also oversees the Mashable 101, the publication's annual list recognizing the internet's most influential creators.
Previously, she was the entertainment director at MTV News, where she helped expand the brand's coverage of fan culture, K-pop, and the internet's most passionate communities. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, PAPER, NYLON, ELLE, Glamour, NME, W, The FADER, and elsewhere on the internet.
She's exceptionally fluent in fandom and will gladly make you a K-pop playlist and/or provide anime recommendations upon request. Crystal lives in New York City with her two black cats, Howl and Sophie.
