Haaland’s hometown hails ‘little boy who grew into a huge Viking’
The small Norwegian town of Bryne is celebrating the success of local football star Erling Haaland as Norway prepares for a major match against England. The community takes pride in his rise to global fame and his continued involvement in local town life.
Why it matters
This highlights the cultural impact of sports stars on their local communities and the role of hometown pride in international sports.
A mural of Haaland on a wall in the centre of Bryne, a small farming town near Stavanger where the Manchester City striker grew up. The people of Bryne are proud of local hero’s rise to the top of world football as Norway prepare to face England
Prefer the Guardian on Google S urrounded by red hats, No 9 shirts and Erling Haaland action toys at her fabric shop in the small Norwegian town of Bryne, Olinda Haaland – no relation but proud to share the now world-famous name – said everybody in the striker’s home town was a football fan these days.
“It’s been pure joy,” she said of her namesake’s rise to the top of world football. “We all love him so much and he’s doing so much for Bryne.”
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