Why Erling Haaland wears 'Braut' on his Norway shirt

Norway's star striker Erling Haaland has chosen to add the name 'Braut' to his shirt while representing his country, a decision rooted in Norwegian naming customs. While his Manchester City shirts simply use the name Haaland—his father Alf-Inge's surname—he includes his mother Gry Marita Braut's surname for international appearances.

Norwegian Naming Traditions

It is common in Norwegian culture for people to include both maternal and paternal names in their surname. This practice reflects the country's patronymic and matronymic naming heritage, where individuals often carry both family lines. Haaland's full name, Erling Braut Haaland, incorporates his mother's maiden name, Braut, as a middle surname.

Family Background

Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's father, is a former Premier League player who represented clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Manchester City. Gry Marita Braut, his mother, is a former elite heptathlete, showcasing the family's strong athletic pedigree.

Career Name Changes

In Erling Haaland's early career at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, the striker was referred to by the double surname 'Braut Haaland'. However, he dropped 'Braut' while playing for Dortmund and later for Manchester City, opting for the shorter 'Haaland' on his club shirt. For international duty with Norway, he reverts to the full double surname.

Pronunciation and Media

When asked to pronounce his name for World Cup media purposes, Haaland, now 25, clearly stated his name as Erling Braut Haaland, emphasizing the inclusion of his mother's surname. This choice highlights his respect for both sides of his family and Norwegian cultural norms.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. Readers are invited to send their questions to the team for future features.