Fans were taken aback when Manchester City star Erling Haaland was seen singing the United Kingdom national anthem before the Community Shield clash with Manchester United. Despite his Norwegian background, Haaland was spotted joining in with the anthem before the game kicked off, causing surprise among viewers.
Having had a summer break due to not participating in the Euro 2024 tournament, Haaland was named in the starting XI for the Community Shield match against their rivals. As is customary for major domestic finals in England, the national anthem ‘God Save the King’ is sung just before the game begins. Observers were quick to notice Haaland’s participation and took to social media to express their confusion and admiration.
Some fans were impressed by Haaland’s gesture, speculating that his time living in England during his childhood may have influenced his decision to sing along. Others jokingly referred to him as a “robot” for his unexpected action. Haaland’s connection to England stems from his birth in Leeds and his eligibility to play for the English national team, a choice he discussed in a previous interview with GOAL in 2022.
In the interview, the 24-year-old explained that while he had spent a few years in England, his strong ties to Norway ultimately led him to represent the Norwegian national team. Reflecting on his decision, Haaland expressed pride in his Norwegian heritage and acknowledged that his nationality might have been different had his circumstances been altered. Despite the surprise caused by his anthem performance, fans respected Haaland’s choice and his connection to both countries.