Erling Haaland is one of those players who never stays out of the headlines. Whether it’s his record-breaking goal tallies, his powerful presence in the Premier League, or his performances for Norway, he always finds a way to spark conversation. But this time, the Manchester City striker is in the spotlight for something a little different – his name.
Yes, you read that right. Norway has confirmed that Haaland will wear a slightly different name on the back of his shirt during their upcoming international matches. Instead of just “Haaland,” the shirt will carry his full family identity: “Braut Haaland.” It’s not a legal name change, but it’s a symbolic move that has caught the attention of fans across the football world.
For those who may not know, Erling’s full name is **Erling Braut Haaland.** The “Braut” comes from his mother’s side of the family and has always been part of his official name, but it has rarely been used in the football world. At Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and even earlier at Salzburg, fans only ever saw “Haaland” on the back of his shirts. Norway, however, has decided to highlight his full surname for the upcoming fixtures – a nod to his roots and his heritage.
This isn’t the first time a footballer has had his shirt name adjusted. Many players have chosen to display different names, nicknames, or even middle names on their shirts for personal or cultural reasons. Brazilian players like Neymar and Ronaldinho became global icons with just one name. Meanwhile, others, like Alexis Sánchez (who sometimes wore “Alexis”), have switched shirt names depending on club or international duty. Haaland’s decision is more about honoring both sides of his family, something that carries deep meaning in Norway.
Born in Leeds in 2000, when his father Alf-Inge Haaland was playing for Leeds United, Erling had the rare option of playing for England. But after the family moved back to Norway when he was four, his identity was shaped there. He joined Bryne FK’s academy as a little boy and began his incredible journey. Despite being eligible for England, Haaland himself has always said Norway was the natural choice. “I’m Norwegian and I’m proud of it,” he explained in a past interview. This new name choice feels like another way of reaffirming that pride.
Of course, this announcement arrives at an exciting time for Norway’s national team. They’re flying in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sitting top of their group after four straight wins. Haaland has been at the heart of it, with 42 goals in just 43 games for his country – a staggering record that puts him among the most lethal strikers in international football. Alongside Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and emerging stars like Oscar Bobb, Norway finally looks like a team capable of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998.
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The friendly against Finland on September 4 will be the first time fans get to see “Braut Haaland” on the back of his shirt. A few days later, Norway faces Moldova in a qualifier that could take them one step closer to their World Cup dream. For Haaland, it’s more than just another game. It’s a chance to connect even more strongly with his country’s identity while continuing his mission of carrying Norway to the biggest stage in world football.
But what does this name change really mean for fans? For some, it’s simply a minor adjustment, nothing more than a different look on his jersey. For others, it’s symbolic – a reminder that Haaland isn’t just a Premier League superstar; he’s also a son of Norway, rooted in his family and heritage. In an age where footballers often feel like global brands, this move makes Haaland feel a little more human, a little more connected to home.
Fans have already reacted with excitement online. Some Norwegian supporters see it as a proud gesture, while City fans are joking that they might need to buy new shirts if he ever carries the “Braut Haaland” identity back to Manchester. While that’s unlikely, it certainly adds a fresh twist to his story.
For now, the focus remains on what Haaland does best – scoring goals. But the name on his back will carry more weight this time. It will remind everyone watching that behind the goals, the power, and the records, there’s a family story, a heritage, and a pride in where he comes from. Whether he’s called Haaland or Braut Haaland, one thing is clear: defenders across Europe won’t be any less scared when they see him lining up against them.
And if Norway finally makes it back to the World Cup with him leading the line, “Braut Haaland” might just become a name remembered forever in football history.
