Erling Haaland and Isabel: A Hometown Love Story at the World Cup

Updated July 11, 2026, 4:48 p.m. ET

Who Are These Two?

Erling Haaland is a soccer player from Norway. He is 25 years old. Lately, he has become the big shining star of the World Cup (that’s a huge tournament where countries from all over the world play soccer). Fans love how he acts both during the game and when he is not playing.

Isabel Haugseng Johansen is Erling’s girlfriend. She has liked him since they were both little kids in their hometown called Bryne. Bryne is a small town in southwestern Norway.

How They Grew Up Together

Both Erling and Isabel grew up in Bryne. They even played for the same local soccer club called Bryne FK.

• Erling started playing as a professional (that means getting paid to play) when he was just 15 years old at that club.
• Isabel played in the girls’ and women’s teams there.
• She was really good! She played her first big game for the senior women’s team when she was only 13.
• In total, she scored 23 goals in 36 games. That’s a lot for a young player!

Because Isabel also played soccer, Erling says she understands how hard it is to be a pro player better than most people.

How Did They Start Dating? (Step by Step)

Here is their love story in simple steps:

1. They knew each other as children because of the soccer club.
2. In 2025, Erling told a TV station in Norway (called NRK) that Isabel sent him a message first. She joked that she was the one who “checked him out” (like looked at him in a crush way).
3. They were just friends for a long time.
4. Around 2021, when Erling was playing for a team in Germany called Borussia Dortmund, they became boyfriend and girlfriend.
5. In 2022, Erling moved to a team in England called Manchester City. Isabel moved to England with him.

Callout – Important Point: Isabel made the first move! She sent the first message. And because she played soccer herself, she really gets what Erling’s life is like.

Their Family and Quiet Life

• In December 2024, they had their first baby, a little boy.
• Isabel does not like talking to reporters much. She also does not post a lot on social media. That is surprising because Erling is super famous.
• But she came to the United States for the World Cup and posted messages to cheer for Norway.

Even though Erling is a global superstar, their home life is pretty normal:

• Erling cooks dinner for them.
• They like to play a video game called Minecraft together (it’s like building with blocks on a computer).
• When they visit Bryne, they often order kebabs (a yummy meat wrap). Erling joked he might serve kebabs at their wedding someday!

(In a picture from August 20, 2024, they went to an awards show called the PFA Awards in Manchester.)

Erling’s Big World Cup Moment

Erling is doing amazing things in the 2026 World Cup:

• This is Norway’s first time in the World Cup since 1998 – a long time ago!
• Erling scored his first ever World Cup goal on June 16 against a team called Iraq.
• He is helping Norway go further than they have in many generations.
• On Saturday (the article was updated July 11, so this is the quarterfinal match), he leads Norway to play against England. If they win, they go to the semifinal (the next round).
• The semifinal would be on July 15. Guess what? That is Isabel’s 22nd birthday! So if Norway gets there, it’s a perfect birthday gift.

Summary

Erling Haaland is a 25-year-old soccer star from Norway who is shining in the 2026 World Cup. His girlfriend Isabel is from the same small town, played soccer too, and even messaged him first. They have a baby son, keep a low profile, and enjoy simple things like cooking and Minecraft. As Erling leads Norway in a big quarterfinal against England, a possible semifinal on Isabel’s birthday makes the story even sweeter.

FAQ

Q1: How old are Erling and Isabel?
Erling is 25 years old. Isabel will be 22 on July 15, 2026.

Q2: Where did they meet?
They both grew up in Bryne, a small town in Norway, and played for the same local soccer club as kids.

Q3: Do they have children?
Yes, they welcomed a son in December 2024.

Q4: Why does Isabel understand soccer so well?
Because she was a soccer player herself! She debuted for her local women’s team at age 13 and scored many goals.

Q5: What is happening in the World Cup for Erling?
He scored his first World Cup goal on June 16 against Iraq, and is now leading Norway in a quarterfinal against England, with a chance to reach the semifinal on his girlfriend’s birthday.