The report says Knoll recalled meeting Haaland in Ibiza after Manchester City’s treble-winning season in 2023. She also joked about the striking height difference between them, saying: “We have a photo together, and I'm small next to him, and I'm 180.”
Knoll said she also knows Vinicius Jr and Rafael Leao, but Haaland and his friends stood out because they were “very nice people”. It is a revealing compliment for a player whose public image is often built around his physical power and ruthless finishing.
For Knoll, the strongest impression came not from Haaland’s status but from his manner away from the stadium.
The update says Knoll attended Croatia’s reported 1-0 win over Panama before performing at the Fan Festival. She acknowledged that Zlatko Dalic’s side have not yet produced their best football, but Croatia’s recent World Cup record gives supporters reason to remain hopeful.
Croatia reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022, establishing themselves as one of international football’s most stubborn tournament teams. Their games frequently become tests of patience, nerve and endurance - qualities that can carry a side deep into the knockout stages.
“We can surprise,” Knoll said, adding: “everything can happen with us.”
Knoll has followed Croatia across multiple World Cups and has become one of the tournament’s most recognisable supporters. She said one of the biggest compliments she receives is hearing that people support Croatia because of her, even while accepting that Luka Modric remains far more famous.
The next Croatia fixture will test whether that familiar resilience is still present. For Knoll, the story is already twofold: Haaland has made the biggest personal impression, but Croatia remain the team capable of creating the biggest football surprise.