World Cup's Sexiest Fan Lands a Modelling Contract After TV Cameras Spot Her in the Crowd
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, most eyes will be on the action on the pitch. But the occasion is also a stage for fans to shine, as Axelle Despiegelaere demonstrated in 2014. In Brazil for the Belgium group game against Russia, she was all smiles as Belgium secured a 1-0 victory. Yet the moment that followed would redefine her life. Spotted by TV cameras wearing Belgium-coloured devil horns, face paint and waving pom-poms, she went viral and was dubbed the World Cup's 'sexiest fan'. That instant sparked a modelling contract with L'Oreal, launching a brief but unforgettable collaboration that would be interrupted by controversy.
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Viral moment in Brazil fossil leads to a modelling deal with L'Oreal
Despiegelaere's viral moment occurred in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup. Despiegelaere was out in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, cheering on the Red Devils during their group game against Russia. She was all smiles as she watched Belgium record a 1-0 win, but there was even more to come after Despiegelaere was spotted by TV cameras. Her appearance during the game, wearing Belgium-coloured devil horns, face paint and waving pom-poms, went viral. Dubbed the World Cup's 'sexiest fan', Despiegelaere soon received a modelling contract from L'Oreal. And just like that, the Belgian had accidentally landed a new career. She began working with the personal care company as part of a social media campaign, featuring in a 'hair tutorial' video.
Backlash over oryx photo and the social media scrutiny that followed
However, Despiegelaere's new role proved to be short-lived. She received backlash following a Facebook post that showed her posing with the body of a dead oryx - a type of large antelope. Ahead of Belgium's round of 16 game against the USA, the new L'Oreal model captioned her post: "Hunting is not a matter of life or death. It's much more important than that... this was about one year ago... ready to hunt Americans today, haha." When confronted with negative comments, Despiegelaere responded: "I didn't mean to offend anyone... it was a joke." Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over the USA in extra time.
L'Oreal ends the contract with a formal explanation and what happened next
However, Despiegelaere parted ways with L'Oreal just days after the match. In a statement, the company insisted that the decision was not due to the Belgian's social media activity. A spokesperson for the company told The Independent: "L'Oreal Professionnel Belgium collaborated with her on an ad hoc basis to produce a video for social media use in Belgium. The contract has now been completed." It was a whirlwind few days for Despiegelaere, who now works as an events co-ordinator, following her appearance at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The upcoming World Cup presents football fans with another opportunity to shine on a global stage.
World Cup 2026 draw: dates, seeds and Belgium’s place in the mix
The World Cup draw is due to take place on Friday, December 5, starting at 5pm UK time at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The draw will decide how the 48 countries will be split across 12 groups in the expanded format. England are in pot one and are one of four seeded teams, meaning the Three Lions, Spain, Argentina and France cannot meet until the semi-finals. Scotland are in pot three as the country prepare for their first World Cup campaign since 1998. Play-off hopefuls Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales are all in Pot Four. Meanwhile, Despiegelaere's Belgium are also in pot one.
