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Erling Haaland has introduced himself to those who were unfamiliar with his game: goals. During his first World Cup, in which he led Norway to the country's first quarterfinal match in World Cup history, he scored a staggering seven goals through four matches played.
During the tournament, the Manchester City forward has worn a jersey with the last name of "Braut Haaland" present atop his number. This is Haaland's full name, which includes the surname of both his mother and father.
This jersey name does differ from what he wears for his English club team, and it has made many viewers question the name change.
Here's why the Norwegian star has Braut Haaland on the back of his jersey at the World Cup.
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What does Braut Haaland mean?
Braut Haaland is the Norwegian star forward's full surname. His mother's maiden name is "Braut," and his father's surname is "Haaland," according to The Daily Star.
Haaland made the change in August 2025, a week before Norway was victorious against Finland in a September 2025 friendly.
👕 Erling Haaland has made a name change to his shirt for the Norwegian national team.
He will now include his middle name on his No.9 shirt so it reads 'Braut Haaland' instead. pic.twitter.com/tDdI2yr784
According to Wisdom Library, Braut translates to "bride" in Norwegian.
It most likely came about as a nickname or occupational name for someone associated with weddings or bridal services back in his mother's lineage. The name's roots most likely signify someone in Braut's lineage having a connection to the field of marriage and the central figure involved in it.
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Why does Erling Haaland have Braut on jersey?
The back of Haaland's jersey says "Braut Haaland" because it is his full surname. His mother's maiden name is "Braut," and his father's surname is "Haaland."
Haaland made the change in August 2025, a week before Norway played against Finland the following September. Haaland added “Braut,” his mother's surname, to his shirt as a tribute to her side of the family.
What is Erling Haaland's full name?
Haaland's full name is Erling Braut Haaland, according to ESPN. Braut Haaland is the star's full surname from his two parents, Gry Marita Braut and Alf-Inge Haaland, and he is far from the only athlete in his family.
His mother was a former Norwegian heptathlon champion, according to Goal. Braut met her husband while he was playing for Nottingham Forest, a current English Premier League team, and she traveled for her own athletic endeavors.
Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was a prominent defensive midfielder and defender who played in the English Premier League. For a decade, he represented Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Manchester City before sustaining a severe knee injury.
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