Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, former Borussia Dortmund teammates and close friends, will face each other at international level for the first time when England take on Norway in the World Cup quarter-final in Florida. The match has generated enormous media attention, with Hello! magazine running a feature titled "Inside Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland's unlikely friendship before fierce Fifa showdown."
Friendship forged at Dortmund
Bellingham and Haaland spent two years together at Borussia Dortmund, forming a bond that has endured despite their moves to Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively. Haaland joined Dortmund in January 2020, while Bellingham arrived seven months later in July 2020, just after turning 17. Dortmund went to great lengths to keep Bellingham's arrival discreet, sending three cars to the airport—one for the Bellingham family and two as decoys to distract the media.
After Bellingham made his debut against Duisburg in September 2020, teammate Thorgan Hazard remarked, "He is only 17, but he plays like a man." Both players quickly established themselves as generational talents, with Haaland scoring 86 goals in 89 appearances for Dortmund and Bellingham becoming a key midfielder before moving to Real Madrid in 2023 for €103 million.
Different paths, same ambition
Haaland left Dortmund for Manchester City in 2022, while Bellingham moved to Real Madrid a year later. They have faced each other in the Champions League, but this World Cup quarter-final marks their first encounter on the international stage. Rumours in early 2024 suggested Bellingham tried to persuade Haaland to join him at Real Madrid, but Haaland signed a contract extension with City in 2025.
Their friendship has been evident off the pitch, with the duo lightening media duties at Dortmund, such as when they giggled while reading corny pick-up lines sent to the club's social media channels. Haaland, often taciturn in interviews, has been noticeably more relaxed during Norway's World Cup campaign, reflecting the joy of playing meaningful football with good company.
Impact on the World Cup
The match is seen as a potential defining moment of the tournament, with both players among the best in the world. Haaland's double against Brazil sent Norway into the quarter-finals, while Bellingham has been instrumental for England. Their duel is expected to be far more jovial than the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but no less competitive.
While they won the 2021 German Cup together at Dortmund, their partnership was often framed around Haaland and Jadon Sancho. Bellingham has since evolved into a more advanced role, and it remains to be seen how they would fit together in a team with more attacking licence for the England midfielder. For now, fans will witness a clash between two friends who have risen to the very top of the game.
