Erling Haaland Adopts Braut Haaland for Norway Shirt

Erling Haaland will now wear Braut Haaland on his Norway shirt, honouring his mother’s surname, though his Manchester City kit remains unchanged. The striker, who scored 31 goals last season, is targeting World Cup qualification with Norway, who lead their group with four wins. At City, Haaland eyes a stronger campaign after a mixed start.

After the announcement from Norway’s football federation, Erling Haaland will now wear the name Braut Haaland on his national team shirt, a nod to his mother Gry Marita Braut, a former heptathlete who he credits for his athleticism. The decision follows a Norwegian tradition of carrying both parents’ surnames, but the Manchester City striker will keep “Haaland” on his club shirt at the Etihad, where he has been a mainstay since joining in 2022.

The change will be seen when Norway face Finland on September 4 and Moldova on September 9 as they aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Norway have made a strong start, winning all four of their group matches and still having three home games to come against Moldova, Israel, and Estonia before a crucial away fixture in Italy. Alongside Haaland, Norway’s squad features City’s Oscar Bobb and Sverre Nypan, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, all hoping to end a long wait for a major tournament.

At City, Haaland remains key despite admitting last season’s 31 goals could have been better. He started this campaign with a brace against Wolves but was subdued in a home defeat to Spurs. City now faces Brighton, then returns from the international break with huge clashes against United and Arsenal.