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One of the breakout stars of this FIFA Men’s World Cup is undoubtedly Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old striker for Team Norway. He wears “Braut Haaland” on his jersey as a tribute to both his parents, mom Gry Marita Braut and father Alf-Inge Haaland.
While it’s Erling’s first time competing in the World Cup, it’s not the first time a Haaland has represented Norway in the biggest soccer tournament: His father played for Norway at the 1994 World Cup. Here, get to know Erling Haaland’s parents, Martita and Alfie.
Meet Erling Haaland’s mom, Gry Marita Braut
Michael Regan – UEFA//Getty Images
Erling and his mom in 2023.
Gry Marita Braut is a Norwegian athlete; she was a national heptathlon champion in the 90s. While Erling was born in Leeds, when he was 3, the family—including his older siblings Astor and Gabrielle—moved to Byrne, Norway, his parents’ hometown.
In Byrne, Erling tried many different sports, but decided to focus on soccer. At 16, he moved away to pursue a full-time career in the sport. “It was tough to leave at 16, but I knew that if I was to be the best I could be,” Erling said. “I made the right decision. Anyway, I had to leave Bryne at some point, so I’ve always had it in the back of my mind and thought about it. Of course I miss my friends, my parents, and my family, but you get used to a new everyday life, a new club, and new people around you.”
Meet Erling Haaland’s dad, Alf-Inge “Alfie” Haaland
Rune Hellestad – Corbis//Getty Images
Erling and Alfie in 2022.
Erling’s father Alfie is a famous Norwegian soccer player. He played with Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Manchester City during his career, and represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup. He retired after a career-ending injury in 2001.
Alfie encouraged his son to play soccer. “He has been very dedicated and understood that he has to sacrifice quite a lot if he wants to be good. He has been willing to take the consequences of what is required. That is where he has impressed me the most,” Alfie said in 2018 of his son. “He has always had talent, but there are many who have talent. When it has become tiring with school, homework and training, he has always had the desire to go out and do unorganized sports in addition. It has never been a chore. He has continued to train and had the inner drive. This is what helped him understand that he really wanted this.”
After Alfie and Gry divorced, Alfie remarried to Anita Strømsvol. They have two daughters.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.