WATCH: Erling Haaland brings viral ‘Viking row’ to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s wedding as World Cup fever continues | Off-Pitch News

From left to right: Gianluigi Donnarumma and his wife Alessia Elefante; Erling Haaland and his partner Isabel Haugesen Johansson. (Reuters photo)

New Delhi: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland steals the spotlight from his teammates Gianluigi DonnarummaWedding celebrations in Italy included guests on the now-famous Viking Row, a tradition that has become synonymous with Norway’s memorable World Cup events.A video released by Sky Italia on Saturday showed Haaland playing a drum while encouraging guests to perform rhythmic rowing movements and shout “Ro”, recreating the viral celebrations throughout the game.The video quickly went viral on social media, delighting fans who embraced the Vikings brawl during Norway’s impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

World Cup tradition returns at star-studded wedding

Viking rowing first came to global attention during the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, when Norwegian fans introduced coordinated chants and rowing movements in the stands.

Norway, led by star forward Haaland, adopted the ritual quickly after their victory, turning it into one of the most iconic fan celebrations of the World Cup.watch:Although Norway’s run ended in the quarter-finals, the chant remains one of the game’s enduring images. Haaland’s decision to recreate the celebration at Donnarumma’s wedding ensures it will resonate with football supporters long after the World Cup is over.The Manchester City striker seemed to be enjoying the moment, beating out the rhythm with his drums and other guests enthusiastically joining in.

Football stars gather to celebrate Donnarumma’s big day

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma married his long-term partner Alessia Elefante in a lavish ceremony in Fasano, southern Italy.The couple met in 2016 at Castello di Stabia near Naples and have a son, Leo, born in 2024. They announced their engagement earlier this year with a “long-term contract signed” post on Instagram.Several well-known football figures attended the celebrations, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Haaland, Sandro Tonali, Paolo Maldini and Nicolo Barrera.Haaland spent part of his post-World Cup holiday in Italy and attended the awards ceremony with girlfriend Isabelle Haugesen Johansson.The Norwegian striker remains one of the tournament’s brightest stars, helping his country reach the quarter-finals while attracting millions of new followers on social media during the tournament.Meanwhile, Donnarumma is celebrating his first season at Manchester City after joining from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Italian goalkeeper impressed in his first season, helping City win the FA Cup and League Cup.