Sydney Thomas Posts Haaland Halloween Costume
The 22-year-old influencer shared an AI-generated Halloween look depicting Manchester City striker Erling Haaland on Instagram.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Fashion
Influencer Sydney Thomas posted an Instagram carousel on Wednesday featuring a costume inspired by Manchester City's home kit, using an AI photo and a video of Erling Haaland's face placed on her body. Thomas tagged Haaland in the post, which she described as a joke.
Why it matters
The post illustrates how AI-generated imagery is being used in celebrity-themed social media content, including depictions of real athletes. It also reflects the continued crossover between sports fandom and influencer culture in the United States.
The costume featured a plunging crop top, micro shorts, and sky blue high socks drawn from Manchester City's home kit. The post was a carousel built from an AI photo and a video of Haaland's face on Thomas's body, and no reaction from Haaland or the club has been reported.
The players
Sydney Thomas
Sydney Thomas is a 22-year-old influencer from St. Louis, Missouri, who previously worked as a ring girl at a high-profile boxing event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional soccer striker who plays for Manchester City and is among the most prominent players in the Premier League.
The details
Thomas, who worked as a ring girl at the November 2024 Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight in Arlington, Texas, tagged Haaland in the carousel. The post was made as a joke and follows her Halloween costume of a cheetah last year.
Timeline
November 15, 2024: Thomas worked as a ring girl at the Paul-Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium.
February 2025: Thomas starred in Graham Barham's 'Oil Money' video.
May 2025: Thomas received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama.
Wednesday, November 5, 2026: Thomas posted the Haaland Halloween costume on Instagram.
Culture Shift
The post reflects the spread of AI face-swap tools into everyday influencer content featuring real athletes. It sits within a wider trend of sports fandom being repackaged through social media personalities.
The trend of AI-generated celebrity costumes may influence how Halloween outfits are planned and shared online. Readers who follow influencer fashion may see similar AI-assisted content in their feeds.
The takeaway
AI tools now make it easy to place a real person's likeness into any costume, so followers should take viral celebrity imagery with some skepticism. Checking whether a post is labeled as AI-generated can help separate jokes from genuine endorsements.
Further reading
For more on how social media trends shape style, see Fashion.
