Recommended
The match-up between England and Norway for a spot in the 2026 World Cup Semifinals has put the spotlight on one of international football's most beloved friendships: that of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. Although they now shine for different national teams and clubs, their relationship began long before they became two of the biggest stars in the current championship. How did they meet? How long have they been friends? Find out all the details.
The 2026 World Cup will soon come to an end, and in these final days, we will find out which two teams will fight for the FIFA World Cup in the final, which will take place next Sunday, July 19, at 1:00 PM, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Undoubtedly, this World Cup will leave behind several moments to be remembered by fans, such as the great performance of Cape Verde and Vozinha, or the atmosphere created by the Mexicans at every match played in the country.
But the friendships that were highlighted during this championship will also be remembered, such as the case of Haaland and Bellingham, who will have to go from friends to rivals, as their national teams face off this Saturday in the quarter-finals.
¿Cómo se conocieron Erling Haaland y Jude Bellingham?
The story began at Borussia Dortmund: Erling Haaland arrived at the German club in January 2020 from RB Salzburg, while Jude Bellingham was signed months later, in the summer of that same year, after standing out with Birmingham City.
Although Bellingham was barely 17 years old when he arrived in Germany, Haaland was one of the footballers who helped him the most during his adaptation to the team. From their first training sessions, a great connection was born both on and off the pitch.
Haaland's speed at attacking spaces and Bellingham's vision of the game led them to form one of the most promising young duos in European football.
¿Por qué se hicieron tan amigos?
In addition to sharing a locker room, they both shared various aspects of their personalities. Both were considered young promises of European football and had a huge ambition to improve. Images of them celebrating goals and joking around in training sessions quickly won over the Borussia Dortmund fans.
Their understanding on the field was one of the reasons why so many fans started following their friendship.
Although they currently develop their careers at different clubs and represent different national teams, both have maintained a relationship of respect and admiration.
In various interviews, they have spoken positively about each other and, whenever they happen to be together, they often star in images that quickly go viral.
Like the kiss Bellingham gave Haaland in September 2021 after the Englishman's outstanding performance in a Champions League match; Jude interrupted Erling's interview and kissed him on the cheek, to which the Norwegian responded with a smile. "It's amazing (...) he is 18 years old and three years younger than me. It's crazy. What can I say? It's amazing," mentioned Haaland.
In another interview, the Norwegian said that Bellingham was "a really good person" and a "phenomenal talent." He added: "I think we have the same sense of humor, so we get along very well and have a very good connection on the pitch."
For his part, Bellingham has shown the respect and admiration he feels for his friend, stating that he is prepared and excited to face him next Saturday. "I already want to play against Norway. Norway is a very big team, it has players with a lot of talent and class like Haaland, so it will be a very difficult match for us," he declared.
[Publicidad]