Why Is Everyone Calling Erling Haaland 'Majin Buu'? The Viral Dragon Ball Meme, Explained
The 2026 World Cup has been dominated by the biggest footballing stars this summer - one of them being Norway's Erling Haaland, who is finally proving what he can do on the top stage.
Manchester City’s main man has carried Norway on his shoulders during the tournament with seven goals in four matches. Next up is a quarter-final clash with England – a game which will most likely be won or lost depending on how involved Haaland can be.
But, aside from his goalscoring exploits, football fans have made one major observation regarding the Norwegian striker, and it links to Dragon Ball Z.
Who is Majin Buu?
Majin Buu is one of the most powerful and fearsome antagonists in the Dragon Ball Z anime series. The product of experimental work carried out by evil wizard Bibidi, he was unleashed on Earth to make life difficult for Goku and Co.
The villain originally appears as a podgy, almost cute, and very pink oddball with a traditional anime smile and a fancy purple cape. However, the heroes quickly realise looks are deceiving, with Buu absorbing his foes and eating them up like candy.
He has incredible abilities, including regeneration, limbs that can stretch, immense strength, and, as we mentioned above, he’s capable of absorbing other beings and adopting their powers and intelligence.
If you thought all of that was bad, his evolution into Super Buu later on in his arc is when he becomes truly formidable. And that’s where Haaland comes in.
Erling Haaland’s Connection to Majin Buu
The visual similarities between Haaland and Buu (illustrated above) were first pointed out in 2021, but they’ve resurfaced more prominently now that the superstar has had the chance to make waves at the World Cup. Now, fan art, videos, and memes comparing the two, or turning Haaland into the villain via Photoshop, have flooded the Internet.
While football fans have been calling Haaland Majin Buu, they should technically be referring to him as Super Buu, as the towering striker bears an uncanny resemblance to that specific version of the character.
Super Buu is taller, leaner and meaner. He’s also quicker, stronger, and more dangerous. Suffice it to say, these are all words folks would use to describe Haaland when he’s on the football pitch.
Not only does Haaland resemble Super Buu's physical frame, but his mannerisms, movements, and facial expressions, too. He’s got that menacing glare and unnerving smile down to a tee at this point.
Clearly embracing the comparisons these days, Haaland has even been striking a few poses that match up with Buu, from the cocky head tilt and smile to Dragon Ball-related goal celebrations.
While he’s not said a lot about the nickname, Haaland did respond in the comments section of an Instagram post recently to say, “I mean I don't disagree."
Other Footballers Who Look Like Animated Characters
Haaland is not the first footballer to be compared to a cartoon character, and he probably won’t be the last.
In fact, one of the few players on the planet who might just be better than Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, also has an animated alter-ego. A lot of football fans say the French captain looks like one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The forward has even worn a Michelangelo mask in the past to lean into the comparison.
Former Arsenal and Brazil defender David Luiz was also likened to The Simpsons' Sideshow Bob, thanks to his wild, curly hair. Speaking of hair, former Uruguay icon Edinson Cavani was often told he looked like Tarzan due to his flowing locks and chiselled jawline.
There are far less complimentary references that players would probably rather forget, including Wayne Rooney being compared to the titular ogre in Shrek, and Luis Suarez looking like Sid the Sloth from Ice Age.
Being told you look like a strange, pink alien perhaps isn’t the most flattering thing to hear, but Haaland seems to be too busy banging in goals to care.
