STOCKHOLM, Sweden: A Norwegian couple has named their newborn daughter after football superstar Erling Haaland, inspired by the striker’s dramatic World Cup winner that coincided with the baby’s birth.
The baby girl was born in the exact minute, the 86th, when Haaland scored the match-winning goal in Norway’s last-32 victory over Ivory Coast on Tuesday, according to local media reports. She was subsequently given the name “Erle”, the feminine form of “Erling.”
“When I felt she was coming, I heard a loud cheer from my husband, who is a big football fan,” the baby’s mother Lene told media. “I immediately knew that something else must have happened.”
Pasangan Norway namakan bayi perempuan sempena Haaland selepas gol Piala Dunia#BHsukan Bayi perempuan itu dilahirkan tepat pada minit ke-86 iaitu saat penyerang terbabit menjaringkan gol kemenangan Norway ketika menewaskan Ivory Coast dalam aksi pusingan 32 terbaik…
— Berita Harian (@bharianmy) July 3, 2026
The goal proved so inspiring that father Bjarte immediately reconsidered the couple’s name choices for their daughter. “We hadn’t quite decided yet and had several names on the shortlist,” Lene explained. “Erle wasn’t on the list but then my partner suddenly brought up the name, and that’s how it happened.”
The couple, from a village in Norway, decided to embrace the coincidence and honour the Manchester City star, who has become a national hero after leading the Scandinavian side to their best-ever World Cup performance.
Norway now faces Brazil on Sunday in the round of 16, marking the furthest the team has ever advanced in a World Cup tournament. The nation is gripped by football fever, with Haaland’s goals and leadership inspiring fans across the country.
The baby naming story has captured hearts in Norway and beyond, with many praising the couple’s creative tribute to the young striker. “Erle” is expected to become a popular name in the coming months as Norwegian parents draw inspiration from the team’s historic run.
Haaland, who has not yet commented on the naming, continues to prepare for Sunday’s crucial clash against Brazil, with the entire nation hoping for another moment of magic from their star player.
