What happened: Ditcheva called Haaland a "great guy" with "good banter." The longtime Manchester City supporter welcomed his new admirers, provided they join the club's fan base.
Why it matters: Haaland's profile grew during the 2026 World Cup as his personality attracted attention beyond his scoring. The surge broadens the reach of the Manchester City striker in the US market.
By the numbers: Haaland scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup and surpassed 60 million Instagram followers, gaining nearly 19 million in 30 days.
What to watch: Manchester City will see whether that World Cup attention carries into the coming club season.