The streets of Oslo swelled with an estimated 100,000 fans on Sunday, who gathered to honor the Norwegian national soccer team despite its exit from the World Cup quarterfinals.
England secured the victory, ending Norway's tournament run, but the loss did not dampen the public's spirits; instead, it sparked a spontaneous celebration that stretched across the capital's avenues.
Erling Haaland, the team's star forward, was absent from the festivities, having already departed for personal commitments, yet his name remained at the center of the public's adulation.
Haaland's charisma has propelled him beyond the pitch, capturing the imagination of fans in China and North America; his recent appearance in an advertisement for the herbal‑tea brand Walovi has amplified his reach in the Asian market.
A Global Phenomenon
The athlete's openness on social media and willingness to engage with cultural trends have endeared him to a global audience, positioning him as the tournament's most beloved player regardless of his team's outcome.
Major news outlets including Reuters, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and USA Today have highlighted Haaland's rising influence, noting his strategic pursuit of endorsements and his ability to bridge sport and popular culture.