Small Town Celebrates Rising Soccer Star Erling Haaland
In the quaint Norwegian town of Bryne, the enthusiasm for soccer is palpable, with shops filled with merchandise celebrating the town’s most famous resident, Erling Haaland. Olinda Haaland, a local shop owner who shares the same surname but no family ties, reflects the community’s pride as she comments on his remarkable ascent in the world of soccer.
“It was pure joy,” she expresses, capturing the collective admiration for the striker. “We all love him so much, and he has done so much for Bryne.” The shop is strategically located in Blain’s main square, where locals and visitors alike are set to gather for Norway’s World Cup quarter-final match against England.
As she sells merchandise featuring Haaland’s name, customers flock to her shop, eager to don his jerseys. The retro World Cup shirts from 1998, featuring the last time Norway qualified, flew off the shelves in just two days, underscoring the fervor surrounding him. “Any red will be fine now,” she adds, noting the ongoing demand.
Born in Leeds while his father, Alfinge Haaland, played for Leeds United, Erling Haaland was raised in Bryne, a farming town near Stavanger, where his early training began. The Manchester City forward has already made a significant mark, netting 62 goals in 54 senior international matches, and frequently returns to his roots, supporting local sports initiatives, providing soccer gear to children, and even donating a rare 16th-century book of Viking stories to local libraries.
Andreas Völsund, the town’s mayor and a former teacher of Haaland, emphasizes how the athlete’s success has transformed Bryne’s identity. “Now Bryne is the capital of Norway, not Oslo,” he proclaims, donning Haaland’s shirt himself. “When he speaks about his hometown, you can see the love in his eyes, which fills us with happiness and pride.” Völsund fondly recalls Haaland’s childhood energy, joking nature, and dedication to soccer, which signified early on that he would pursue a career in the sport.
Highlighting Bryne’s hardworking agricultural culture and Haaland’s athletic pedigree—his mother is a former national heptathlon champion—Völsund attributes the star’s success to the values instilled in him from a young age. “We prioritize having fun and working hard,” he points out. “We come from a grounded community, and Haaland has inherited strong genes from both parents.”
The focus on making sports enjoyable for the youth in Norway has fostered various world-class talents across disciplines, including soccer, handball, and skiing. Chess is noted as one of Haaland’s few weaknesses, as revealed by Ker Madland of Norwegian Chess, where Haaland has invested.
In a show of community spirit, the mayor plans to serve hot dogs to 3,000 children and families during an alcohol-free viewing of the match at Bryne’s football stadium. “We’re doing everything we can to make this a big event,” Völsund assures. His statement resonates with local sentiment, as Haaland’s journey inspires the town’s youth, showcasing that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings.
Gabriel Hoyland, Haaland’s great-uncle, anticipates an exciting match from his farm outside Bryne, noting the unprecedented atmosphere surrounding the World Cup. Similarly, tourists visit the town, taking pictures near Haaland’s mural. “This is bigger than soccer. The whole country is coming together,” reflects Chantal Samsin, whose family has traveled from Oslo, embodying the sense of unity that the tournament has fostered.
Alf Yngve Bernsen, who coached Haaland from a young age at Bryne FK Stadium, recalls the forward’s early display of talent and zeal: “He was just like he is now—funny, full of life, and always scoring goals. The passion was evident.” As social media has sometimes divided opinions in Norway, the World Cup has united the nation, according to Bernsen, fostering a sense of community from Bryne to the entire country.
