Why are sports stars doing the Mannequin Challenge?

It's one of those pointless internet phenomenons that ended up being used by both teams in the friendly between England and Spain, in Wembley, on Tuesday night.

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral video craze, that sees people stand like mannequins in a series of unusual poses as a video is recorded. Sports stars seem to be leading the craze. Why? We simply dont know.

After scoring against Spain, Leicester and England striker Jamie Vardy, celebrated by standing still, in what can only be seen as a homage to the non-celebration celebration. Maybe he always wanted to play for Spain?

After the 2-2 draw, Spain's Sergio Asenjo released a video on Twitter on the Spanish team's version of the "Challenge".

#manequinchallenge @SeFutbol 🇪🇸⚽️🤔😂 pic.twitter.com/OSpIbThhHn

— Sergio Asenjo (@SergioAsenjo1) November 15, 2016

Predominately used in America, the challenge has found its way across the Atlantic to Europe, with teams like Borussia Dortmund and the Belgian national team following the craze.

 

#MannequinChallenge @juweigl @marcinho11 @romanweidenfeller_1 @milany_p @schmelle_29 @andreschuerrle @_erik37durm @sk23.10 @passlackfelix

A video posted by Mario Götze ⭐️️ (@gotzemario) on Nov 6, 2016 at 3:10am PST

American football teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants have also performed the challenge. Is it supposed to help team bonding?

That 7-1 feeling #mannequinchallenge pic.twitter.com/mJeoKlANYS

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 6, 2016

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! #MannequinChallenge #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/vxRhjdXICZ

— New York Giants (@Giants) November 6, 2016

In Ireland, like their cousins in New York, the Belfast Giants took part in the challenge, as did some former Ireland rugby internationals.

#MannequinChallenge 🏒 pic.twitter.com/UFu5jxZXHx

— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) November 11, 2016

They're at it again! @Paul_OConnell and @JNCudmore 😂👊🏽 #IREvCAN LIVE now on SS3 🏉 pic.twitter.com/UVKzDLkQ3z

— Sky Sports Rugby 🏉 (@SkySportsRugby) November 12, 2016

Compared to internet crazes like the Ice Bucket Challenge, there seems to be no charitable reason for the Mannequin Challenge. Like the Harlem Shake, let's hope it goes as quick as it came. 

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