While Erling Haaland's brace secured Norway's first World Cup qualification since 1998, it was his international teammate's audacious hairstyle that sent social media into a frenzy during their crucial 4-1 victory over Italy.
The Hair Heard Around the World
Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson, 27, became the unexpected centre of attention at the San Siro, not for his defensive performance, but for a leopard print-dyed buzzcut that drew immediate comparisons to NBA legend Dennis Rodman. The bold style, reminiscent of Rodman's 1998 look with the Chicago Bulls, divided football fans online, with some jokingly calling for Norway's disqualification from the upcoming tournament.
One X user's post, which garnered over 800 likes, declared: 'Ryerson should disqualify Norway for the World Cup.' Another fan quipped about the squad's collective taste in haircuts, noting: 'Mental that Thelo Aasgaard plays for Norway and he doesn't have the worst haircut in their team.' The creativity of the style even prompted one observer to compare it to a football, writing: 'What has Ryerson done with his hair?!?! Looks like the EURO 2008 ball.'
Haaland's Revenge on the Pitch
While Ryerson's hair dominated online discourse, the match itself was a historic triumph for Norway. Erling Haaland scored two crucial goals in their impressive comeback after Italy took an early lead. The Manchester City striker now has a staggering 32 goals for club and country this season.
The victory was not without controversy, however. Haaland revealed a bizarre altercation with Italian defender Gianluca Mancini, which he claims provided extra motivation. 'At 1-1 he started to touch my a**, and then I thought: "What are you doing?"' Haaland told Norwegian outlet TV 2. 'I started to get a little fired up and said: "Thank you very much for the motivation. Let's f****** have it."' He promptly scored his two goals, sealing Italy's fate.
A Flawless Qualification and Celebrations
Norway's qualification for the 2026 World Cup was secured in style. The team boasts a flawless record, winning all eight of their qualifiers, scoring 37 goals while conceding just five. This marks their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with Haaland set to follow in his father Alf Inge's footsteps by representing Norway on the global stage.
The squad celebrated their monumental achievement with a raucous meal at their team hotel before continuing festivities in Milan's city centre until the early hours, reportedly entering a nightclub via a back door to avoid any disgruntled Italian supporters.
