Heartwarming meaning behind why Erling Haaland uses ‘Braut’ on Norway jersey
Erling Haaland is one of the biggest stars at the 2026 World Cup, but some newer fans have been curious about one of the Norwegian striker’s most distinctive details.
The 25-year-old bagged two goals against Brazil over the weekend, securing his team's place in the quarter-finals.
And while most footballers wear their family surname on the back of their national team shirt, Haaland’s jersey reads 'Braut Haaland' rather than simply 'Haaland'.
The choice, however, is not linked to a sponsorship deal, branding decision, or marketing move, it is a meaningful tribute to his family heritage.
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The name Braut comes from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a Norwegian former heptathlete who played an important role in his early life. By including Braut on his shirt, Haaland honours his maternal family name alongside the Haaland name that is already famous in football.
His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, is also a well-known figure in the sport, having played for clubs including Leeds United, Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester City FC in the UK. Erling was born in 2000 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, during his father’s time playing in England.
The detail has caught the attention of fans around the world, many of whom are discovering that the superstar’s full name is Erling Braut Haaland.
One wrote on X: "That's real love right there. Haaland showing the world what family means."
Another commented: "That's a beautiful way to honor the person who helped shape you."
But even the most dedicated football fans may not realise that Haaland only wears one name on his jersey when playing for Manchester City.
He only goes by one name when playing at club level, as fans have seen during his stints at Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg.
It's not uncommon for Norwegians have two surnames, a naming tradition supported by the Norwegian Names Act. People can officially register a double surname, often combining both parents’ family names to reflect their family heritage. Alternatively, one of the names may be registered as a middle name while the other remains the primary surname.
Speaking of Haaland and his clothes, the footballer has sparked his own cheeky fashion trend during this year’s tournament.
The sports star has well and truly embraced American culture during his time across the pond, where a lot of the games are taking place.
He took to Instagram last week Wednesday (1 July) to share an insight into what he’s been up to while off the pitch - shopping for Texas-themed attire, apparently.
Haaland posted two pictures wearing a brown pair of cowboy boots, a black cowboy hat, and a T-shirt that says: “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.”
He simply captioned the post with: “Howdy!” Along with a cowboy emoji - and fans are obsessed.
It came after Norway's World Cup win in Dallas on Tuesday (30 June) against the Ivory Coast, in which Haaland secured the victory as he scored a last-minute winner.
And as reported by Fox 4, the footballer’s interest in Texas fashion has triggered a huge sales surge, almost emptying the store's stock of the particular T-shirt he was wearing.
The publication has revealed that the shop in question is Wild Bill’s Western Store in Downtown Dallas, owned by Cody and Julie Newport, who told the outlet that they knew in advance that Haaland was coming and had specially had part of the floor roped off for his arrival.
Norway's next game is against England in Miami this Saturday (10 July).
World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick off times
Tuesday, 7 July
Round of 16 - Match 95: Argentina vs Egypt, kick-off 5pm - Atlanta, US
Round of 16 - Match 96: Switzerland vs Colombia, kick-off 9pm - Vancouver, Canada
Thursday, 9 July
Quarter-final - Match 97: France vs Morocco, kick-off 9pm - Foxborough, US
Friday, 10 July
Quarter-final - Match 98: Match 93 winners vs Match 94 winners, kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, US
Saturday, 11 July
Quarter-final - Match 99: Norway vs England, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 12 July
Quarter-final - Match 100: Match 95 winners vs Match 96 winners, kick-off 2am - Kansas City, US
Tuesday, 14 July
Semi-final - Match 101: Match 97 winners vs Match 98 winners, kick-off 8pm - Arlington, US
Wednesday, 15 July
Semi-final - Match 102: Match 99 winners vs Match 100 winners, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, US
Saturday, 18 July
Third Place Playoff - Match 103: Match 101 losers vs Match 102 losers, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 19 July
Final - Match 104: Match 101 winners vs Match 102 winners, kick-off 8pm - New Jersey, US
Topics: Football, Sport, World Cup, Erling Haaland
Greg Harris