Full Breakdown
Tom Holland’s Unanswered DM to Football Star Erling Haaland
7/14/2026, 8:27:30 PM
The Missed Direct Message
During the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix earlier this summer, actor Tom Holland spotted Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in a hospitality suite and sent the footballer a direct-message invitation to dinner. Holland later confirmed on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* that he received no reply, describing the silence as a “humbling experience” for an actor.
Public Discussion on The Tonight Show
When Fallon asked whether the story was true, Holland affirmed the ghosting, noting, “I just thought I’d shoot my shot.” He added that the lack of any response—“not an excuse, not ‘I’m busy, I’m playing football’… nada”—was “exactly the kind of humbling experience that’s important for actors.” The interview also turned to England’s 2-1 victory over Norway, which eliminated Haaland’s side from the World Cup quarter-finals; Holland sympathised, saying “A little bit, bless him.” Holland mentioned he is preparing for the release of Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey* and the upcoming *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*. Haaland later appeared on Norway’s programme *A Laget* and explained he ignored the message because he “doesn’t watch movies much, so I have no idea who people are.” Both parties said there were no hard feelings; Holland praised Haaland as “an absolute legend,” and Haaland laughed, admitting he probably owed Holland a reply.
Why the Mix-up Occurred
Holland’s encounter with Haaland happened while watching Lewis Hamilton race, and the actor, a self-declared lifelong football fan, seized the chance to reach out. Haaland, who rarely follows cinema, did not recognize Holland’s name and assumed the message came from a stranger, leading him to leave it unanswered.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just thought I’d shoot my shot.” — Tom Holland, Actor
- “I texted him thinking, ‘I’ll take him to dinner.’ But there wasn’t even a response—not an excuse, not ‘I’m busy tonight, I’m playing football,’ nothing. Nada” — Tom Holland, Actor
- “'I don't watch movies much, so I have no idea who people are', he admitted.” — Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker
