With a market value of 170 million euros, Erling Haaland is the second most valuable player in the world.Image: AP / Jon Super
The football world hasn’t looked at Erling Haaland for quite a while. The exceptional talent did not start at the World Cup in Qatar because his country Norway had not qualified. But the desert tournament is now over and the ball is rolling again in the English Premier League.
Haaland has also played with his club Manchester City: In the round of 16 of the League Cup, the Citizens defeated their eternal competitor FC Liverpool 3-2 – including Haaland’s goal to make it 1-0.
But Haaland does not only attract attention during the games. His extravagant clothing style is always a topic on social media. For example, the Norwegian celebrated Christmas in dark blue silk pajamas decorated with many small hearts.
Fans joke about new hairstyle
Haaland is also always willing to experiment with his hair. The recent makeover has prompted plenty of jokes and curious comparisons.
In a photo that shows Haaland in Manchester City’s training session, you can see that he has braided his long blonde hair into two pigtails. They blow wildly in the wind when playing football. “Viking mode activated,” writes Haaland, who posted the photo himself.
In the comment column, many fans take up the Viking saying and martially prepare for the upcoming league game against Leeds United on Wednesday evening. Some others, however, are less reminded of a Viking than of a children’s book character, namely Pippi Longstocking.
“Pippi Longstocking called and wanted her sweater back,” writes a follower. Another commented: “In Germany we don’t say Erling Haaland. We say: Pippi Longstocking”.
Another world star also wears the “Pippi hairstyle”
But not only the popular girl from the children’s books by the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren comes to mind for Haaland’s followers in the photo. Many also draw a parallel with AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who has also sported a braided ponytail several times.
The comparison between Haaland and Ibrahimović is obvious anyway: Both are center forwards of Scandinavian origin and powerful and technically strong footballers who are extravagant not only on the pitch but also off it.
Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after football professionals in the world. The 19-year-old has been showing strong performances for Borussia Dortmund for just over two years and also impressed for England at the World Cup in Qatar. His market value is currently 110 million euros – making him the fourth most valuable professional in the world.
