In a night that blended the worlds of pop music and premier league soccer like never before, Sabrina Carpenter turned her Dublin concert into an unforgettable spectacle. The 26-year-old singer, known for her chart-topping hits and charismatic stage presence, surprised thousands of fans at the 3Arena by striking a pose that immediately drew comparisons to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s signature goal celebration. But it wasn’t just the mimicry that set social media ablaze – it was Carpenter’s candid, surprised admission about the Norwegian footballer that has everyone talking. “He is my role model, a new icon of sexy football and I would love to be with him,” she exclaimed in a voice laced with genuine astonishment and excitement. What led to this crossover moment, and could it spark something more between the two stars? Let’s dive into the details of this viral event that’s bridging the gap between stadium chants and concert screams.

The evening started like any other stop on Carpenter’s highly acclaimed Short n’ Sweet Tour, which has been packing arenas across Europe since kicking off earlier this year. Fans in Dublin, a city known for its passionate crowds, were treated to a high-energy setlist featuring favorites like “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Nonsense.” Carpenter, dressed in a sparkling ensemble that accentuated her playful yet sultry vibe, had the audience in the palm of her hand from the opening notes. But midway through the performance, during a brief interlude between songs, she paused, sat cross-legged on the stage, and formed her hands into a meditative gesture – thumbs and index fingers touching in perfect circles, eyes closed in mock serenity. The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter as the jumbotron captured the moment, instantly reminding soccer enthusiasts of Haaland’s famous “lotus pose” celebration.

For those unfamiliar with Haaland’s trademark move, the 25-year-old powerhouse forward often celebrates his goals by sitting in a lotus position on the pitch, embodying a zen-like calm amid the chaos of a match. It’s a nod to his interest in meditation and yoga, practices he credits for maintaining his mental edge in the high-stakes world of professional football. Haaland, who has scored over 100 goals for Manchester City since joining in 2022, has made this pose a symbol of his unflappable confidence and physical prowess. Seeing Carpenter replicate it so flawlessly was a delightful surprise, especially in a venue far removed from the Etihad Stadium.

As the applause died down, Carpenter grabbed her microphone, her face flushed with a mix of amusement and what seemed like real admiration. In a voice that carried a hint of surprise – as if she couldn’t believe she was saying it out loud – she shared her thoughts on the inspiration behind the pose. “You guys, I have to confess something,” she began, her signature bubbly energy shining through. “That was my little homage to Erling Haaland. He is my role model, a new icon of sexy football, and I would love to be with him… on the field or off, who knows?” The crowd went wild, with cheers echoing through the arena. Social media exploded almost immediately, with fans posting clips under hashtags like #SabrinaHaalandCrossover and #SexyFootballIcon. Was this just playful banter, or a genuine crush spilling out in the heat of the moment?

To understand the buzz, it’s worth exploring the backgrounds of these two young icons. Sabrina Carpenter first rose to fame as a Disney Channel star in shows like “Girl Meets World,” but she’s since evolved into a pop powerhouse with a string of successful albums and singles. Her music often blends catchy melodies with witty, empowering lyrics, appealing to a generation that values authenticity and fun. At 26, she’s not just a singer but a cultural influencer, with over 30 million Instagram followers and collaborations with brands that highlight her fashion-forward style. Her tour has been a testament to her growth, featuring elaborate stage designs, dance routines, and interactive moments that keep fans coming back for more.

On the other side of the spectrum is Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation who’s redefining what it means to be a modern striker. Standing at 6’4″ with a build that’s equal parts athlete and Viking warrior, Haaland has dominated the Premier League, breaking records and leading Manchester City to multiple titles. His “sexy football” – a term Carpenter coined in her confession – refers to the blend of raw power, technical skill, and charismatic appeal that makes him a fan favorite. Off the field, Haaland is known for his disciplined lifestyle, including meditation sessions that inspire his celebrations. He’s also dipped his toes into pop culture, appearing in ads and even hinting at interests beyond soccer, like music and fashion.

The comparison between Carpenter’s pose and Haaland’s celebration isn’t just visual; it highlights a shared ethos of confidence and self-expression. Both stars use their platforms to project an image of cool composure under pressure – Carpenter amid the spotlight of live performances, Haaland in the intensity of matches. Fans have long speculated about celebrity crossovers, but this one feels particularly organic. Social media users pointed out how Carpenter’s playful energy mirrors Haaland’s occasional cheeky interviews, where he flashes a grin that could melt ice.

the-sun.com

Erling Haaland in his signature lotus pose celebration after scoring a goal.

The reaction from fans has been a mix of excitement and speculation. On platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), videos of the moment have garnered millions of views. One fan tweeted, “Sabrina Carpenter fangirling over Haaland? This is the collab we didn’t know we needed!” Another commented, “From pop stages to soccer pitches – 2025 is the year of unexpected icons uniting.” Even sports commentators chimed in, with ESPN UK posting a side-by-side comparison that racked up thousands of likes. The Dublin crowd, a melting pot of music lovers and soccer enthusiasts (Ireland’s love for the Premier League is no secret), amplified the energy, chanting Haaland’s name interspersed with Carpenter’s lyrics.

But what does this mean for the two stars? Could Carpenter’s confession lead to a real-life meeting? Haaland, who’s been linked to various high-profile figures but keeps his personal life private, hasn’t publicly responded yet. However, insiders suggest he’s aware of the buzz – after all, who wouldn’t notice a shoutout from one of pop’s brightest stars? Carpenter, on the other hand, is no stranger to bold statements; her music often touches on themes of desire and empowerment, making her on-stage admission feel like an extension of her artistry.

This moment also underscores a broader trend in 2025: the blurring lines between entertainment industries. With athletes like Haaland embracing mindfulness and pop stars like Carpenter drawing from sports culture, we’re seeing more interdisciplinary inspirations. It’s reminiscent of past crossovers, like Taylor Swift’s NFL connections or Beyoncé’s athletic-themed performances, but Carpenter’s tribute feels fresh and unscripted.

As the Short n’ Sweet Tour continues across Europe, fans are left wondering if Haaland might make a surprise appearance – perhaps at a Manchester show? Or maybe Carpenter will attend a City match, lotus pose in hand. Whatever happens next, this Dublin night has cemented a pop-soccer bond that’s as intriguing as it is entertaining. Sabrina Carpenter’s pose and confession aren’t just a fleeting viral hit; they’re a reminder that icons can emerge from unexpected places, inspiring us all to strike our own poses of confidence.

In the end, whether it’s “sexy football” or sultry pop anthems, both Carpenter and Haaland represent a new era of stars who aren’t afraid to mix worlds. And who knows? That “I would love to be with him” might just be the start of something bigger. Stay tuned – this story is far from over.