NEW DELHI: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has stolen the spotlight from his teammate Gianluigi Donnarummaand the wedding celebrations in Italy by the chief 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 as they encouraged guests to perform the rhythmic rowing motion and sing “Ro”, recreating the celebration that went viral throughout the tournament.The clip quickly spread on social media, delighting fans who embraced the Viking line during Norway’s impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
The World Cup tradition returns in a 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 coordinated chanting and rowing movement in the stands.
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The Norwegian team, led by the star striker Haaland, quickly adopted the ritual after the victories, becoming one of the fan celebrations of the tournament.WATCH:Although Norway’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals, the chant remains one of the lasting images of the competition. Haaland’s decision to revive Donnarumma’s wedding has ensured that the celebration continues to resonate with football supporters long after the conclusion of the World Cup.The Manchester City striker appeared to be enjoying the moment, setting the pace with a drum as other guests enthusiastically joined in.
Football stars gather for Donnarumma’s big day
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma married his long-term partner Alessia Elefante in a lavish ceremony 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.”Various 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, having helped Norway reach the last eight while attracting millions of new followers on 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 League Cup.