A fitness influencer's bizarre 5K challenge at the World Cup has left football fans furious.
Fitness influencer Jacob Abrams Cohen, better known online as NotReallyWellness, has gone viral after completing one of his trademark 5K challenges during a FIFA World Cup match. Instead of running on a treadmill or inside an airplane like in some of his previous videos, Cohen spent the entire game jogging in place while standing in his stadium seat, a stunt that quickly divided viewers online.
Fans Say The Stunt Ruined the Matchday Experience
Cohen performed the challenge during the World Cup group-stage match between Morocco and Haiti in Atlanta as part of his ongoing series, "Running A Random 5K Every Day Until I Reach 1 Million Followers." While FIFA's official social media account praised the stunt, many football fans had a different reaction.
Social media quickly filled with criticism, with many arguing that spectators spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on tickets, travel, and accommodation to watch World Cup matches. Several users said they would have been furious if someone had spent the entire game moving around directly in front of them, while others even joked they would have called stadium security. Videos from the stands appeared to show nearby fans becoming visibly annoyed as Cohen repeatedly bumped into people around him.
Influencer Defends His Viral Challenge
Cohen pushed back against the criticism, saying the video was simply meant to be entertaining. He also claimed he had been invited to the match by a brand and was seated in a sponsored section where, according to him, nobody had paid for their tickets, and the people featured in the video were happy to take part. Even so, many viewers argued the stunt prioritized social media content over the experience of watching one of football's biggest events.
The debate has once again highlighted the growing clash between influencer culture and live sporting events, where viral content often competes with the expectations of fans who simply want to enjoy the match.
What do you think? Was this a harmless challenge, or did it go too far? Let us know in the comments!
