NEW DELHI: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has stolen the spotlight from his teammate Gianluigi DonnarummaItalian wedding celebrations by leading guests in the now famous Viking row, a tradition that has become synonymous with Norway’s memorable World Cup campaign.A video released by Sky Italia on Saturday showed Haaland beating a drum while encouraging the visitors to do the rhythmic rowing motion and chant “Ro”, recreating the celebration that went viral throughout the tournament.The clip quickly spread on social media, delighting fans who embraced Viking row during Norway’s impressive run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The World Cup tradition returns to the star-studded wedding
Viking row first gained worldwide attention during the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Norwegian supporters introduced coordinated chants and rowing movements in the stands.
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The Norwegian squad, led by star striker Haaland, soon adopted the ritual after victories, making it one of the defining celebrations of the tournament’s fans.WATCH:Although Norway’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals, the song remains one of the images of the competition. Haaland’s decision to liven it up at Donnarumma’s wedding ensured the celebration continued to resonate with football supporters long after the World Cup.The Manchester City forward seemed to relish the moment, laying down the rhythm of a drum as the fellow visitors joined in enthusiastically.
Football stars gathered for Donnarumma’s big day
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma married his longtime partner, Alessia Elefante, in a lavish ceremony held in Fasano, southern Italy.The couple, who met in 2016 in their hometown of Castellammare di Stabia near Naples, share a son, Leo, born in 2024. They announced their engagement earlier this year in an Instagram post that read, “Long-term contract signed.”Many famous football personalities attended the celebrations, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Haaland, Sandro Tonali, Paolo Maldini and Nicolò Barella.Haaland attended the ceremony with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, after spending part of his post-World Cup break in Italy.The Norwegian striker remains one of the tournament’s biggest stars, helping Norway reach the last eight while attracting millions of new followers on social media during the competition.Donnarumma, meanwhile, is celebrating his first season at Manchester City after joining from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Italian goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, helping City lift the FA Cup and the League Cup.