The death of Norway’s King Harald V at age 89 has sent the country into mourning, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Norway and beyond. Among those saying goodbye is soccer star Erling Haaland, who shared an emotional message honoring the monarch just weeks after meeting him at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The Norwegian soccer community has also joined the nation in mourning, with the country’s football federation postponing matches as a mark of respect.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesErling Haaland Pays Tribute to King Harald V
Among the many condolences being sent to the royal family, along with expressions of grief from royal houses across Europe, one of the most notable came from soccer star Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker publicly mourned the monarch’s death and recalled how honored he had been to meet him in person after Norway’s national team returned from the World Cup.
© IG: Erling Haaland“Rest in peace, King Harald. Thank you for everything you have meant to Norway. It was an honor to meet you,” Haaland wrote on social media, in a message that captured the feelings of an entire nation.
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard also paid tribute to the King. “Thank you for everything you meant to Norway. A wonderful king and a wonderful man whom we all felt a close connection to. Rest in peace, dear King Harald.”
Haaland’s Last Meeting With King Harald
Both Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard were received by King Harald V, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus at the Royal Palace in Oslo following Norway’s historic World Cup run. The only notable absence was Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who was still recovering from the lung transplant she underwent in June.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesHaaland, who became one of the breakout personalities of the World Cup thanks to his spontaneity and down-to-earth manner, brought that same easygoing personality into the halls of the palace, home to members of Norway’s royal family. Today, the flag above the palace is flying at half-staff in mourning.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Royal Family’s Special Bond With Norway’s World Cup Team
The royal family was not celebrating a victory, but rather the tremendous effort of a team that gave everything it had all the way to the final and inspired pride across the country. Crown Prince Haakon joined right in with the crowd, beating a drum and taking part in the traditional Viking rowing celebration during the national team’s festivities.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Royals’ Viral World Cup Moment With Haaland
After Norway defeated Brazil in the round of 16, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, the children of Haakon and Mette-Marit, shared a memorable viral moment with Haaland. The two royals went down to the locker room to congratulate the players and enthusiastically embraced the striker, who happened to be shirtless at the time, creating an amusing scene that quickly caught attention online.
© Getty Images“Miracle in New Jersey!” read a message posted by the Norwegian royal family when it shared the memorable video.
King Harald’s Final Reception for the Players
After the defeat to England, however, it was the heir to the throne himself who went to the locker room, not only to encourage the national team but also to invite the players to the reception held at the palace in mid-July.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesAt that reception, King Harald greeted Haaland and his teammates while seated on a stool because of his serious mobility problems. Even then, however, there was little indication that such a swift and heartbreaking end was so near.
