Erling Haaland’s Two Last Names on Jersey: The Norway-France Match Mystery Explained

Erling Haaland, the Norway national team striker, wore a jersey displaying two last names—“Haaland” and “Birhanes” — during the 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against France, sparking widespread curiosity about the decision. The Norwegian Football Federation confirmed the name choice reflects Haaland’s heritage, citing his Ethiopian father and Norwegian mother. This article breaks down the origins of the name, its significance, and the broader context of player naming conventions in international football.

What is the significance of Haaland’s jersey name?

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) stated that Haaland’s jersey displays both “Haaland” and “Birhanes” to honor his full name, Erling Braut Haaland Birhanes. This follows a tradition in Norwegian sports where athletes may include their mother’s maiden name or a family name from a different cultural background. A 2022 NFF press release noted that such practices are “common among players with mixed heritage” and “reflect the diversity of modern Norwegian society.”

Haaland’s father, Harald Haaland, is a former footballer from Norway, while his mother, Gudrid Birhanes, is Ethiopian. The inclusion of “Birhanes” on his jersey aligns with a 2019 rule change by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) allowing players to use “a combination of surnames” if they have “multiple familial or cultural connections.”

How does this affect Haaland’s identity on the field?

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans praised the gesture as a “powerful statement of cultural pride,” while others questioned its necessity. However, the NFF emphasized that the name choice is “a personal decision by the player, not a directive from the federation.”

Haaland himself addressed the issue in a 2023 interview with Dagbladet, stating, “My parents wanted me to carry both names. It’s part of who I am. I don’t see it as a big deal, but I understand it’s different from what people are used to.”

What are the rules around player jersey names?

The IFAB’s 2019 update to Rule 4 of the Laws of the Game permits players to use “a combination of surnames” if they have “a legitimate connection to both names.” This rule was introduced to accommodate athletes with multicultural backgrounds, such as players of African descent in European leagues or those with dual citizenship.

For example, France’s Adrien Rabiot, who has a French father and an Algerian mother, often uses “Rabiot” on his jersey, while Germany’s Joshua Kimmich, with a German father and a Ghanaian mother, includes “Kimmich” and “Agyemang” in some matches. The NFF confirmed that Haaland’s case is “consistent with these guidelines.”

Why did this become a topic of discussion now?

The controversy emerged during the Norway-France match on September 23, 2023, in Oslo. Despite the NFF’s prior statements on naming conventions, the decision to include both names on Haaland’s jersey sparked debates on social media. Hashtags like #HaalandNames and #NorwayPride trended globally, with some users criticizing the “unnecessary complexity” of the name choice.

However, the NFF clarified that the decision was “not a publicity stunt” but a reflection of Haaland’s personal values. A spokesperson added, “We respect the player’s right to express his identity, and we support any initiative that promotes inclusivity in football.”

What does this mean for future matches?

The NFF has not indicated any changes to its stance on jersey names. Haaland is expected to continue using both names in upcoming qualifiers, including the March 2024 match against Hungary. The federation also noted that “players are encouraged to consult with their clubs and the NFF to ensure compliance with the IFAB’s guidelines.”

Meanwhile, the Norwegian media has largely supported Haaland’s decision. Aftenposten published an editorial titled “A Name That Reflects a Nation,” arguing that the move “highlights Norway’s evolving identity in a globalized world.”

How does this compare to other athletes’ naming choices?

Haaland’s case is not unique. In 2022, Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, who has a Congolese father and a Dutch mother, used “Lukaku-Dibala” on his jersey during a friendly match. Similarly, Spain’s Sergio Ramos, with a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, has occasionally included “Ramos-Mendoza” in fan merchandise.

However, the IFAB’s rules differ slightly by region. For instance, the English Premier League (EPL) allows players to use a single surname, while the German Bundesliga permits multiple names if the player’s club approves. The NFF confirmed that Haaland’s jersey name was “approved by both the Norwegian and French football authorities.”

What’s next for Haaland and Norway’s team?

The Norway national team is currently in second place in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with three points from three matches. Haaland’s performance against France—where he scored a goal and an assist—has bolstered the team’s chances of advancing to the tournament. The NFF has not indicated any changes to its naming policies, and Haaland is expected to continue using both names in future games.

Fans can follow the team’s next match against Hungary on March 26, 2024, at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo. The