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Ever since he started treating Premier League defenders like training cones, the world has been obsessed with what Erling Haaland does when he isn't smashing goals. People want to know about his weird diet—the cow heart and liver thing—his sleep glasses, and his surprisingly low-key personal life. But the question that keeps popping up in group chats and Google searches lately is simple: does Erling Haaland have a kid?
Yes. He does.
It happened in late 2024, and honestly, the way the news broke was peak Haaland. It wasn't some polished PR statement or a spread in a glossy magazine. It was a mix of a cryptic Instagram post and a classic "accidental" slip from his manager, Pep Guardiola.
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The Moment We Found Out: That Iconic Thumb-Sucking Goal
If you follow international football, you probably remember October 10, 2024. Norway was playing Slovenia in a Nations League match. Haaland didn’t just play; he absolutely took over. He scored twice, officially becoming Norway’s all-time leading goalscorer by overtaking Jørgen Juve’s record that had stood for nearly a century.
Records are cool, but the celebration was what got everyone talking.
After scoring, Haaland grabbed the match ball, stuffed it under his jersey to mimic a baby bump, and stuck his thumb in his mouth. He followed it up on Instagram with a photo of the moment and a very simple caption: "👶🏼🔜".
Basically, he told the world he was going to be a dad at the exact same moment he became his country’s greatest-ever striker. Talk about a productive Thursday night.
When was the baby born?
The timeline moved fast after that. On December 29, 2024, following a Manchester City win over Leicester City, Pep Guardiola let it slip during a post-match interview. Pep mentioned that Erling had become a father for the first time just a few days prior.
He’s a dad to a son.
While the couple has been fiercely private about the name—we still don't officially know what the little guy is called—the impact on Haaland’s game has been impossible to ignore. He’s gone on record saying that having a kid has actually made him a better player because it helps him "disconnect" from the pressure of the sport. When he goes home, he isn't the "Terminator" or the most expensive striker in the world; he’s just a dad.
Who is the Mother? Meet Isabel Haugseng Johansen
You won’t find Isabel Haugseng Johansen chasing clout on TikTok or trying to be a "WAG" in the traditional sense. In fact, she’s a footballer herself.
The two met back in their hometown of Bryne, Norway. They both played for the local club, Bryne FK, and have known each other since they were kids. It’s a bit of a fairytale story, really. They were friends for over a decade before things turned romantic during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
- Hometown Roots: They both grew up in the same small Norwegian town (population roughly 12,000).
- Athletic Background: Isabel is a talented player in her own right, which probably helps her understand Erling's insane schedule and dedication.
- Privacy First: Unlike many high-profile couples, Isabel keeps her social media private and mostly stays out of the limelight unless she’s on the pitch celebrating a trophy with him.
How Fatherhood Changed the "Goal Machine"
There was a lot of talk in 2025 about whether the "dad life" would slow Haaland down. If anything, it’s been the opposite. By the time we hit January 2026, he’s already shattered his own records.
He recently mentioned in an interview with AP News that his son is the reason he's in the form of his life. He’s scored 18 goals in just 11 games for club and country recently. "With a kid, it makes me even better because I actually disconnect more than ever," he said. He admitted that when he was younger, he would worry about matches or overthink his performance. Now? He goes home, plays with his son, and forgets football exists for a few hours.
That mental reset is a terrifying prospect for defenders. A relaxed, well-rested Haaland is a dangerous Haaland.
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Life in 2026
As of now, in early 2026, the family is settled in Cheshire. They’ve been spotted occasionally—usually in very low-profile settings—and took a quiet family holiday to Ibiza last summer with Isabel’s mother. It’s clear they are trying to give their son as normal a life as possible, despite his dad being a global icon.
What This Means for Haaland’s Legacy
Usually, when a player hits their mid-20s and starts a family, people look for signs of them "settling down." With Haaland, it feels like he’s just starting a new chapter of dominance. He’s leading Norway into the 2026 World Cup with a level of maturity we haven’t seen before.
He isn't just playing for trophies anymore; he’s playing for a legacy his son can watch one day.
If you were wondering if the rumors were true—they are. Erling Haaland is a father, he’s still with his long-term partner Isabel, and he’s somehow managed to get even faster and stronger since the baby arrived.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with Haaland’s off-pitch life, don't expect him to post many baby photos. He’s very protective. Your best bet is to follow the official Manchester City channels or his own Instagram for those rare, cryptic updates. Also, keep an eye on Norway’s 2026 World Cup fixtures—he’s promised that this year will be "one to remember" for both his family and his country.