Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in four matches for Norway at the 2026 World Cup, including a brace against Brazil in the Round of 16. Yet for many fans, the most striking detail is the name on the back of his shirt: 'Braut' instead of 'Haaland'.
Why 'Braut' appears on his Norway kit
The Manchester City striker uses his maternal surname, Braut, when representing Norway. In Norwegian culture, it is common to include both maternal and paternal names. Haaland's mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a Norwegian heptathlon champion. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City. While Haaland wears 'Haaland' at club level, he previously used 'Braut' during his time at Red Bull Salzburg from 2019 to 2020, dropping it when he moved to Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland's World Cup impact
Norway are in their first major tournament since Euro 2000, and Haaland's form has made them genuine contenders. He has scored in every game so far, including the winner against Brazil. England face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami, and much depends on how they contain the striker.
Born in England, proud to be Norwegian
Haaland was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, and lived in England for three years before his family returned to Norway. He would have been eligible for British citizenship and could have played for England, but he always felt Norwegian. 'I lived here for three-and-a-half to four years and I lived in Norway for such a long time, so then it was natural for me to choose Norway,' Haaland told Goal. 'You never know how it would be if maybe my father 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.'
A family of athletes
Haaland's father won 34 caps for Norway as a defender and midfielder. His mother was the Norwegian heptathlon champion. Both parents were successful athletes, which may explain Haaland's rise to stardom.
