Erling Haaland is making headlines not only for his performances on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup but also for an unexpected achievement in the music world. The Norwegian striker has reached the number one spot on Spotify's Top 50 chart in Norway with a song he recorded as a teenager, titled «Kygo Jo». The track, originally created in 2016 as a casual project with two friends, has become a viral sensation after a remix by the internationally renowned Norwegian DJ Kygo.
The song was recorded when Haaland, along with Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg, were part of Norway's under-17 national team. The trio formed a group called Flow Kingz and released the track as a lighthearted hobby. In the original music video, a young Haaland appears under the alias Lyng, grilling food, riding a small toy car, and dancing in slow motion over a tropical house beat. The lyrics reference Kygo, one of Norway's most prominent electronic music artists, and touch on themes of money, success, and girls — typical subjects for teenagers at the time.
The recent surge in popularity began when Kygo made a public promise before Norway's round of 16 match against Brazil at the World Cup. The DJ pledged to release an official remix of the song if Haaland scored a goal in that game. Haaland delivered spectacularly, netting a brace in Norway's victory, which eliminated Brazil and sent the Norwegian team to the quarterfinals — their best ever performance in the tournament. Kygo kept his word and released the remix on July 7, two days after the match, blending tropical house sounds with Haaland's original vocals.
The remix quickly climbed to the top of Spotify's Norwegian chart, becoming an immediate phenomenon. The original YouTube video, which had already accumulated over 22 million views, saw a resurgence in popularity. Kygo shared a screenshot of the chart on social media with a humorous caption: «That Erling Haaland is the number one artist in Norway was not something I expected in 2026.» Haaland responded in kind, writing on his own social media: «I made it possible! Thanks, Kygo. Does this mean I'm officially an artist now?» Kygo replied by calling him a «part-time footballer, full-time artist,» a comment that garnered nearly 150,000 likes within hours.
The success of «Kygo Jo» comes at a historic moment for Norwegian football. Norway's run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup marks the country's best ever result in the competition, and it is their first appearance in a World Cup finals in 28 years. Haaland has been instrumental in this achievement, scoring crucial goals and leading his team with determination. The tournament has seen Norway defy expectations, particularly with their victory over Brazil, a result that stunned the football world and caused disappointment in Brazil.
Haaland's two former teammates from the Flow Kingz project have also pursued professional football careers, though neither has reached the global superstar level that Haaland now enjoys. Erik Botheim currently plays for Malmö, a club with a strong presence in European competitions, while Erik Tobias Sandberg plays professionally for the Icelandic club ÍA Akraness. The trio's teenage project has now become a cultural touchstone, bridging the worlds of football and music in an unexpected way.
The story of «Kygo Jo» highlights the intersection of sports and popular culture, showing how a lighthearted creation from years ago can resurface and capture the public's imagination during a major sporting event. For Haaland, the number one spot on Spotify adds another dimension to his already remarkable career, proving that his talents extend beyond the football field. As Norway prepares for their quarterfinal match, fans are celebrating both the team's historic run and the quirky musical success of their star player.
Kygo, who is known for hits like «Firestone» and «Stole the Show,» has a strong connection to football and has previously collaborated with other athletes. His decision to remix Haaland's teenage track has been widely praised as a fun and spontaneous gesture that resonated with fans. The remix has not only topped charts but also sparked conversations about the playful side of professional athletes and the bonds formed during youth sports.