Tom Holland reveals what happened after he DM'd Erling Haaland

Tom Holland reveals the embarrassing celebrity rejection he never expected

Tom Holland has confirmed the story that he once sent Erling Haaland a direct message on Instagram, and never received a response.

Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Spider-Man actor laughed off the awkward moment after Fallon brought up reports that the Manchester City and Norway striker had unknowingly ignored his message.

When Fallon asked if the story was true, Holland replied simply, "Yes."

He joked that the experience served as a reminder that fame doesn't guarantee a response.

"That is exactly the type of humbling experience that is important for actors," Holland said. "You know, they're like, 'I'll text him. I'll take him to dinner.' Not even a response. Not an excuse. Not, 'I'm busy tonight.' Nothing."

Explaining what prompted the message, Holland said he was attending the Monaco Grand Prix when he spotted Haaland in a hospitality suite nearby.

"I was at Monaco. I was watching Lewis race, and I saw him. He was like a hospitality suite across from me," Holland recalled. "And I just thought I'd shoot my shot."

Tom Holland confirms to Jimmy Fallon that he did message Norway star Erling Haaland to have dinner, but Haaland ghosted him because he had NO IDEA who he was 😭😭

“That is exactly the type of humbling experience that is important for actors. ‘I’ll text him, i’ll take him to… pic.twitter.com/UzjeY0iAZW

— Killa 🌺 (@KillaKreww) July 14, 2026

Although the message went unanswered, Holland said he has no hard feelings. When Fallon asked whether he'd still have dinner with Haaland if given the chance, the actor joked that the footballer might not be interested after Norway's defeat to England in the Women's Euro tournament discussion that opened the interview.

"I don't think he would have dinner with me after the other day," Holland quipped, before praising the striker. "He's a professional. He's incredible. He's an absolute legend."

The lighthearted exchange quickly became one of the standout moments of Holland's appearance, with the actor embracing the humorous story of being left on read by one of football's biggest stars.