Norway's star striker Erling Haaland generated as much buzz with his exclusive man-bag as with his goals during the 2026 World Cup. According to a Forbes report this week, the forward's off-field style became a talking point during Norway's stay in North America, which ended with a quarter-final loss to England on July 11.
Norway currently sits second in the World Cup with 6 points from three games, having scored 8 goals and conceded 7. Their last result was a 1-2 defeat to England, and they have lost their last two matches.
Upon arrival at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro on June 2, 2026, the Manchester City striker carried a Hermes 'Road Goes On Forever' Haut au Courriers bag. Forbes reports this bag, invented by Parisian saddlemaker Edouard Hermes in the 1890s, has an estimated value between $35,000 and $60,000. It is considered a precursor to the famous Birkin bag. Haaland's weekly salary at City is around $575,593.
Haaland's personal life also drew focus. He arrived at Oslo Gardermoen on July 13 carrying a taxidermy raccoon. His partner, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, was mentioned. During Norway's World Cup campaign, his Instagram following grew by 32.1 million. His off-field antics, including an incident with a rowing boat that caught fire, boosted his renown among people not usually obsessed with football.
Norway's 2026 World Cup journey ended in the quarter-finals. They lost 1-2 to England, a result that is the team's last recorded. This contributed to a recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five matches.
Other players mentioned in the Forbes article include France's Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Real Madrid in 2024, and his compatriot Ousmane Dembele who landed in Boston on June 10. England captain Harry Kane, appointed by Thomas Tuchel early in 2026, arrived in West Palm Beach on June 1. Spain's Mikel Merino arrived in Chattanooga on June 5 en route to training.
The article, written by Forbes contributor Guy Martin, also brings in former stars. David Beckham, now co-owner of the Miami Heat and knighted by King Charles, was mentioned. Designer Tommy Hilfiger called him the "greatest underwear model in the world". Beckham was photographed arriving in Tokyo in 2018.
This shows how footballers today are more than just athletes. They are fashion icons and public figures every single day. Norway's World Cup squad can be viewed on our squad page.
After the World Cup exit, focus now shifts to the next fixture. Norway faces rival Denmark at home in September. With a form that shows both strength and vulnerability, the team has something to build on. A win against Denmark will be important to get back on track after the two recent losses. The entire nation's eyes will be on that match.
