Erling Haaland Reveals Father Forced Him to Play Golf Instead of Football from Ages 10 to 13
Erling Haaland spent three years playing golf under the direction of his father, who initially opposed his pursuit of a professional football career, according to statements made by the Manchester City striker in recent media appearances. Haaland confirmed he was required to play the sport between the ages of 10 and 13 before eventually returning to football to pursue his goal of becoming the world’s best player.
The Norwegian forward detailed this period of his childhood during an episode of the podcast ‘The Rest Is Football’. Haaland stated, “He forced me to play from 10 to 13 years old golf. He didn’t want me to be a footballer.” This revelation provides a contrast to his current status as one of the most prolific scorers in global football, currently competing in the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Why did Erling Haaland’s father oppose his football career?
While Haaland did not specify the exact reasons for his father’s initial resistance, he noted that his father did not see the sport as the viable future for his son at the time. The shift back to football occurred after his father recognized that the sport provided a more compelling path for Erling’s talents than golf did. In the documentary ‘Haaland, la gran decisión’, the striker reflected on his childhood ambitions, stating, “When I was a child, like everyone, I dreamed of becoming the best footballer in the world and making a living. Now I am doing it.”
This athletic pedigree is a family trait. Haaland’s mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a champion heptathlete in Norway. To honor this influence, Haaland has adopted a non-conventional naming approach on his jersey and social media profiles, placing “Braut” above “Haaland” to prioritize his mother’s surname.
How is Haaland performing in the 2026 World Cup?
Haaland has entered his first World Cup as a primary offensive force for Norway. Following a performance in the round of 16 where he scored two goals to eliminate Brazil, Haaland has reached a total of seven goals in the championship. This tally puts him on equal footing with other tournament leaders, including Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
His impact has been immediate, with reports indicating he has played with a level of comfort and dominance from the opening match despite never having appeared in a World Cup prior to this tournament.
What are Erling Haaland’s current contract terms and earnings?
Haaland remains committed to Manchester City under a contract signed in 2025 that extends his tenure with the English club until 2034. This agreement secures his presence in the Premier League for nearly a decade.
Financial records indicate his annual salary at Manchester City is 30.84 million euros, which breaks down to approximately 2.57 million euros per month. However, his total income exceeds this base salary because he personally manages his own image rights.
Haaland has maintained a pragmatic view of his earnings. “I think money is important for everyone although it should not be the main motivation,” he stated. “It is clear that, if I am offered 5,000 Norwegian crowns for a job and then 10,000, you choose the latter. It is logical.”
Who is the support system behind Haaland’s success?
Haaland attributes much of his stability to a tight-knit family circle and his partner, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. Johansen grew up with Haaland in Bryne, the Norwegian municipality where he spent his formative years. Along with his parents, Johansen forms the core support system that Haaland credits for his mental and emotional balance off the pitch.
Despite recent media noise—including reports that his father engaged in discussions with Real Madrid shortly before the round of 16 match—Haaland has remained focused on the tournament proceedings.
Norway’s progression in the 2026 World Cup continues as they move into the next stage of the knockout rounds. Fans can follow official match updates via the FIFA tournament portal.
What do you think about Haaland’s early detour into golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
