What a guy.
Suddenly, my social media feeds were full of this striker—a cross between a polar bear, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a golden retriever. At first, I assumed it was just another football phenomenon. Another prolific goalscorer. Another superstar.
But there is something different about Erling Haaland.
Yes, he scores goals for fun. There have always been great strikers. But what makes him stand out isn’t only what he does with the ball—it’s the person he appears to be away from it.
He is funny and a little goofy. Kind and approachable. He hugs opponents after matches, chats with children, and seems genuinely happy to be where he is. Calm, grounded, and emotionally secure. A rock among rocks. He openly shows love for his mother, his girlfriend, and his younger siblings without embarrassment or performance.
He radiates something that feels surprisingly rare today: healthy masculinity.
Not arrogance. Not aggression. Not the need to dominate everyone around him. Just confidence, warmth, care, and joy for life.
That feels refreshing.
Every day the headlines bring new stories of violence against women and children. Public discourse is filled with conflict, division, and voices promoting anger, resentment, and extremism. It’s easy to lose hope when so much attention is given to the loudest and most destructive examples of masculinity.
Then a blond Norwegian footballer quietly walks onto the pitch and reminds us that another kind of man exists.
A handsome man.
A kind man.
A sensible man.
And then there is his football.
He almost strolls through matches. Sometimes he looks half asleep. You wonder whether he’s even involved in the game.
But he sees everything.
The ball seems magnetically drawn to him. His movement is economical, almost effortless. Then, in an instant, everything changes. A flash of acceleration. A perfectly timed run. A finish with either foot, his head, or even his heel.
Before you’ve had time to react, the ball is in the net.
The calm is deceptive.
The killer instinct is real.
Perhaps that is why so many people—not only football fans—find themselves rooting for him. Great athletes inspire us with talent. Great people inspire us with character.
In times when cynicism often feels easier than optimism, people like Erling Haaland remind us that strength and kindness are not opposites. Confidence does not require cruelty. Success does not require arrogance.
The world could always use more role models like that.
So here’s a simple thought:
Guys, in a world full of bitterness and toxic role models…
Be a Haaland. 🙌🇳🇴
