Kakalika Dance Goes Global as Arsenal W Stars Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith Join Trend
- The viral Kakalika dance took another leap onto the global stage after two women’s football stars joined the trend
- Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith, both players for Arsenal W, thrilled fans by showing off their moves to the fast-rising dance
- Netizens, particularly in Ghana, flooded social media with reactions, sharing their own views on the viral dance challenge
Arsenal W delivered both football brilliance and cultural flair during their victory over the London City Lionesses W, as two of the team’s stars celebrated with a viral Ghanaian dance that quickly caught the attention of fans online.
For many supporters from Ghana, it came as a surprise when Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith broke into the popular Kakalika dance after finding the net, bringing a piece of Ghanaian pop culture into a European football celebration.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal W stars perform Kakalika dance
A video circulating across social media captured the duo performing the energetic routine with confidence and joy.
Their moves mirrored the choreography linked to the hit song 'Kakalika' by the Ghanaian music duo DopeNation.
The lively routine blends rhythmic body movements with expressive hand gestures that create a flowing pattern.
Since the track’s release, the dance has exploded across the internet, with fans, influencers and celebrities joining the challenge.
See the X clip below:
Kelly, who was part of England W's side that pipped Ghana in an international friendly, initiated the dance moves after she combined with Smith for the game's opener in the 15th minute.
The brief performance showed how far the Kakalika challenge has travelled beyond its original audience.
What began as a music trend has now reached football grounds in Europe, further highlighting the global reach of African culture.
Reactions to Arsenal W stars dancing 'Kakalika'
Fans on social media quickly reacted after watching the clip, celebrating the crossover between sport and music.
One supporter, @experience_2477, predicted an even bigger future for the dance.
"Kakalika to the world. It will be a banger at the World Cup too."
Another fan, @TwiArsenalfc, wrote in Twi:
"Ndwom no aduru akyiri."
@Boiii61887 expressed confidence in the song’s popularity.
"Kakalika is the biggest song in Africa."
Meanwhile, @KobbyBrown88 praised the Arsenal star involved in the celebration.
"Chloe Kelly was always gonna be a part of this vibe, hahaha. What a player and what a girl she is. You guys do am!"
Another user, @lee_adjoa, summed up the moment in one word.
"Global."
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal W extend winning streak in WSL
Beyond the viral celebration, the match itself ended on a positive note for Arsenal.
Smith’s early strike set the tone before teammate Stina Blackstenius added another goal in the 76th minute to secure the result.
The victory stretched Arsenal’s impressive run to eight consecutive wins, according to BBC Sport.
The triumph moved the North London side into fourth place on the table with 32 points, one point behind rivals Chelsea Women in third position, per AOL.
Above them, Manchester United Women remain two points ahead, while leaders Manchester City Women hold a commanding advantage at the summit.
5 celebrations by Ghanaian players
YEN.com.gh also previously reported on five iconic celebrations by Ghanaian players across local and international football.
From Mohammed Kudus’s stool celebration to the Black Stars’ kangaroo dance in 2008, Ghana is known for its creative streak.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
