NEW DELHI: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland stole the spotlight at teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma‘s wedding celebrations in Italy by leading guests in the now-famous Viking row, a tradition that became synonymous with Norway’s memorable World Cup campaign.A video released by Sky Italia on Saturday showed Haaland beating a drum while encouraging guests to perform the rhythmic rowing motion and chant “Ro”, recreating the celebration that went viral throughout the tournament.The clip has quickly spread across social media, delighting fans who embraced the Viking row during Norway’s impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
World Cup tradition returns at star-studded wedding
The Viking row first gained global attention during the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Norwegian supporters introduced the coordinated chant and rowing movement in the stands.
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The Norway squad, led by star striker Haaland, soon adopted the ritual after victories, turning it into one of the defining fan celebrations of the tournament.WATCH:Although Norway’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals, the chant remained one of the enduring images of the competition. Haaland’s decision to revive it at Donnarumma’s wedding ensured the celebration continues to resonate with football supporters long after the World Cup concluded.The Manchester City forward appeared to relish the moment, setting the rhythm with a drum as fellow guests enthusiastically joined in.
Football stars gather for Donnarumma’s big day
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma married his long-time 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 with an Instagram post that read, “Long-term contract signed.”Several prominent football personalities attended the celebrations, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Haaland, Sandro Tonali, Paolo Maldini and Nicolò Barella.Haaland attended the ceremony alongside 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, having helped Norway reach the last eight while attracting millions of new followers across social media during the competition.Donnarumma, meanwhile, celebrated his first season with Manchester City after joining from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Italian goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, helping City lift both the FA Cup and the League Cup.
