well deserved

Erling Haaland turns heads on luxury Italian getaway with thrilling jet ski adventure


For Haaland, the Italian escape marked the perfect reset after an emotional World Cup run.


Erling Haaland turns heads on luxury Italian getaway with thrilling jet ski adventure© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
JULY 17, 2026 6:20 PM EDT

After captivating fans throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Erling Haaland is making the most of his offseason with a sun-soaked escape to Sicily.

The Manchester City star was spotted relaxing in the picturesque coastal town of Taormina, where he enjoyed a luxurious yacht outing with family and friends following Norway's quarterfinal exit from the tournament. 

Erling Haaland powered through the Mediterranean waters during his jet ski adventure off the coast of Taormina.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland powered through the Mediterranean waters during his jet ski adventure off the coast of Taormina.

Haaland, 25, looked completely at ease aboard the yacht, going shirtless in black swim trunks while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. He was joined by several companions, including Norway teammate Sander Berge, as the group cruised along Sicily's famous coastline. 

The Manchester City star was spotted relaxing aboard a luxury yacht off the Sicilian coast.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland was joined by loved ones during the relaxing yacht outing.

Erling Haaland was spotted making the most of his summer break aboard a luxury yacht off the coast of Taormina. © Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland was spotted making the most of his summer break aboard a luxury yacht off the coast of Taormina.

The striker later swapped relaxation for adventure, putting on a life jacket and helmet before speeding across the crystal-clear waters on a jet ski. Photos captured Haaland smiling throughout the ride, appearing to leave behind the disappointment of Norway's World Cup elimination.

On social media, Haaland also shared a glimpse of the trip, posting a casual selfie from what appeared to be the yacht and joking about his travels.

Haaland enjoyed one of the highlights of his Italian vacation with a scenic jet ski ride along the Sicilian coast.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Haaland enjoyed one of the highlights of his Italian vacation with a scenic jet ski ride along the Sicilian coast.

A family vacation away from the spotlight:

The Italian getaway wasn't just a boys' trip. According to reports, Haaland was also accompanied by his longtime girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, and their young son, whom the notoriously private couple welcomed in late 2024. 

Erling Haaland enjoys a sun-soaked getaway in Taormina, Sicily, following Norway’s World Cup exit.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland enjoys a sun-soaked getaway in Taormina, Sicily, following Norway’s World Cup exit.

The footballer was even seen spending time playing with his toddler aboard the yacht before heading out on the water. 

Haaland and Johansen have known each other since childhood in Bryne, Norway, and have kept much of their relationship away from the public eye despite his growing global fame.

Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen stepped out in coordinated glamorous looks in Sicily.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen stepped out in coordinated glamorous looks in Sicily.

From the Mediterranean to the front row of Dolce & Gabbana:

The Sicilian vacation also served another purpose. After leaving the United States following Norway's World Cup campaign and briefly returning to Oslo for an official reception with the Norwegian royal family, Haaland traveled directly to Taormina as a VIP guest of Dolce & Gabbana's prestigious Alta Sartoria fashion show. 

Erling Haaland and his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, celebrated Isabel's 22nd birthday during a glamorous night out in Taormina, Italy, after attending a fashion show.© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group
Erling Haaland and his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, celebrated Isabel's 22nd birthday during a glamorous night out in Taormina, Italy, after attending a fashion show.

For the glamorous evening, the soccer superstar traded swimwear for an elegant white tailored suit while Johansen stunned in a crystal-embellished gown. The stylish couple coordinated their looks for the exclusive event, held at the historic Teatro Antico in Taormina, where they posed together for photos overlooking the Sicilian coast. 

An unexpected encounter with Jennifer Lopez:

One of the night's most talked-about moments came when Haaland crossed paths with Jennifer Lopez.

Erling Haaland and Jennifer Lopez shared a moment during their stay in Italy.© Jennifer Lopez/JLo
Erling Haaland and Jennifer Lopez shared a moment during their stay in Italy.

Producer Stevie Mackey shared a photo of the unlikely meeting, showing the Norwegian striker chatting with the singer during the Dolce & Gabbana festivities. 

Jennifer Lopez and Erling Haaland crossed paths during their time in Italy.© steviemackey
Jennifer Lopez and Erling Haaland crossed paths during their time in Italy.

Earlier in the day, Haaland kept things casual in black shorts, a white T-shirt, and sandals before changing into his runway-ready evening attire, while Lopez embraced her signature glamorous style in a chic white mini dress. 

For Haaland, the Italian escape marked the perfect reset after an emotional World Cup run. While Norway's dream of lifting the trophy came to an end, the striker has quickly shifted into vacation mode, balancing family time, adventure, and high fashion before returning to Manchester City's preseason preparations.