Why does Erling Haaland have 'Braut Haaland' on the back of his Norway jersey?

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City star, plays for the Norwegian national team with "Braut Haaland" printed on his jersey instead of just "Haaland." This change, adopted in late August 2025, reflects Norwegian naming traditions and family heritage. His full name, Erling Braut Haaland, includes "Braut" from his mother's side and "Haaland" from his father, former footballer Alf-Inge Haaland.

In Norway, it is common to use both parts of a surname to honor family roots, unlike in many other countries where middle names are often omitted. Haaland already uses his full name on social media, such as Instagram, but at the club level—with Manchester City, Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund—he has consistently used just "Haaland." However, he was registered under his full name during the 2019 Under-20 World Cup, where he gained fame for scoring nine goals in a single match.

The inclusion of "Braut" is a personal tribute to his upbringing in Bryne, Norway, where his football journey began, and it emphasizes identity over branding. While global fans recognize him as "Haaland" for commercial simplicity, his national team prioritizes heritage. Additionally, much of his athletic talent is inherited from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a former Norwegian heptathlon champion.

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played a key role in his career, both in negotiations and by sharing his own history with Manchester City. Erling grew up supporting the club after being born in England during his father's time at Leeds United, and their family connection to City was strengthened when Alf-Inge later played for the team.