Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific striker, celebrated his 25th birthday on July 21, 2025, with a playful social media post that took a swipe at critics of his signature long, blonde hairstyle while basking in the love from his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, and teammate Jack Grealish. The Norwegian superstar, fresh off a season that saw him score 31 goals and lead Norway as their all-time top scorer, used the milestone to showcase his humor and gratitude. His cheeky message, paired with warm tributes from those closest to him, underscored the charisma and camaraderie that have made Haaland a global icon both on and off the pitch.
Relaxing on a luxurious yacht during his off-season break following the FIFA Club World Cup, Haaland shared a photo with Manchester City fans, his shoulder-length locks flowing freely in the sea breeze. In his Instagram post, he quipped, “Half way to 50! 😂 Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes. Before you come for my hair, take a moment in front of the mirror and ask yourself—am I truly qualified to judge hair that looks better than mine?” The tongue-in-cheek remark addressed ongoing chatter about his distinctive hairstyle, which has become as iconic as his goal-scoring prowess, even sparking sponsorship deals with major shampoo brands. Haaland’s lighthearted defiance resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with laughing emojis and praise for his confidence.
The birthday celebrations were amplified by heartfelt messages from those closest to Haaland. His girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, a 20-year-old Norwegian who moved to Manchester to live with him, posted a touching tribute, declaring, “Happy Birthday to my Viking.” The couple, who met at the Bryne FK youth academy and began dating during Haaland’s time at Borussia Dortmund, recently announced they are expecting their first child, adding extra joy to the occasion. Their relationship, often shared through glimpses of glamorous outings like the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show in Rome, has captivated fans. Johansen’s stylish presence, from her nude sheer wrap dress at the fashion event to her supportive snaps at City matches, complements Haaland’s larger-than-life persona.
Jack Grealish, Haaland’s teammate and close friend, joined the festivities with a heartfelt post that highlighted their deep bond. “Happy birthday bruvaaaa, one of the best human,” Grealish wrote, sharing a photo of the duo celebrating one of Manchester City’s Premier League title wins, adorned with heart emojis in the club’s sky-blue colors. Their friendship, forged through shared moments on and off the pitch, has become a fan favorite. From Haaland interrupting Grealish’s 2023 post-match interview with a boisterous, “I f***ing love you, you know that?” to their playful banter over whose hair reigns supreme, the pair’s camaraderie is infectious. Grealish, who recently adopted a ponytail reminiscent of Haaland’s, once sparked comparisons to David Beckham and Gareth Bale, with Haaland cheekily claiming, “Me or Grealish, who has the better hair? Without doubt me.”
Haaland’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Leeds, England, to former footballer Alfie Haaland, he moved to Bryne, Norway, at age three, where his love for the game took root. His record-breaking 36 goals in his debut 2022-23 Premier League season with Manchester City, followed by a continental treble, earned him accolades like the 2023 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and the Gerd Müller Trophy. His 2025 season, capped by 34 goals for Norway, including a brace against Slovenia, solidified his legacy. Off the field, his marketability shines through endorsements with Nike, Breitling, and Dolce & Gabbana, with his net worth soaring past £50 million.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erling_Haaland)
The birthday buzz comes at a bittersweet time for Haaland’s inner circle. Grealish, omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad to explore a potential summer move, faces an uncertain future despite his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021. “Jack Grealish where are you,” Haaland captioned a Snapchat post during the tournament, a crying emoji betraying his longing for his friend. Yet, Haaland’s focus remains on leading City’s title charge in the upcoming Premier League season, with fans hopeful his birthday swagger—hair and all—signals another record-breaking campaign.
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