Why Erling Haaland has 'Braut' on Norway World Cup kit

Norway striker Erling Haaland netted a brace in the nation’s 4-1 win over Iraq on Tuesday (June 17), but fans noticed that the name printed on his shirt was different from the one he wears when playing for Manchester City.

Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence in style with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq.

Haaland opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark before Aymen Hussein levelled 10 minutes later.

However, it didn’t take long for Haaland to restore the Scandinavians’ lead, making it 2-1 on 43 minutes and registering his 57th international goal in the process.

Leo Ostigard nodded home Martin Odegaard’s corner in the 76th minute to make it 3-1 before Hussein’s own goal in second-half stoppage time sealed a 4-1 win for Norway.

And despite the clinical performance in front of goal, fans noticed that Haaland’s name on his kit appeared slightly different from what it does when he turns out for Man City.

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When he plays for the Premier League side, he simply wears the name ‘Haaland’, accompanied by the number nine.

However, for Norway, the name ‘Braut Haaland’ is printed on his shirt – and there’s an explanation.

Braut is Haaland’s mother’s maiden name, with the City forward also using it on his social media accounts as well as on his Norway shirt.

The Athletic explains: “This is a tribute to both of his parents’ surnames and is reflective of Norwegian custom, where it is more common for both maternal and paternal names to be used. It is worth noting, however, that not every Norwegian player does it.

“In the striker’s case, ‘Braut’ comes from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a former champion heptathlete, and ‘Haaland’ comes from his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, the former Leeds United and Manchester City defender.”

Despite being born in the English city of Leeds, Haaland is proud of his Norwegian heritage and moved back to his parents’ hometown of Bryne at the age of three.

He later joined the club’s academy before representing the senior side between 2016 and 2017.

Why did Haaland choose to play for Norway over England?

As previously mentioned, due to being born in England, Haaland could have represented the Three Lions. However, in a 2023 interview with GOAL, he revealed the reasons behind his decision to represent Norway.

"I lived here [England] for three-and-a-half or four years and I lived in Norway for such a long time, so then it was natural for me to choose Norway," Haaland said.

"You never know how it would have been if maybe my father had played longer in England or whatever. Maybe I would be English, I don't know. But yeah, I'm Norwegian and I'm proud of it."

Norway return to action against Senegal on June 23 before facing France on June 26.