Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and his partner, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, celebrated the arrival of their son in 2024, consolidating a relationship that began in childhood. The couple, who keep much of their private life out of the spotlight, share a passion for football and support each other on their journeys.
Haaland and Johansen’s story began on the football pitch when they were children, both playing for the same club. However, the romance only blossomed years later, around 2021. Since then, the family has expanded with the arrival of the firstborn.
Despite her discretion, Isabel Haugseng Johansen is often seen at the Manchester City star’s matches. In a video released in October 2025 on YouTube, the two revealed how their careers in sport brought them closer, with Haaland highlighting the mutual understanding that experience in football provides.
How the relationship between Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen began
The relationship between Isabel Haugseng Johansen and Erling Haaland dates back to at least 2021. They grew up in the same location in Norway and were both members of the professional club Bryne FK, where they developed their football skills.
In an appearance on Norwegian broadcaster NRK in September 2025, Haaland said that Isabel was the one who made the first move in the relationship. He mentioned that she contacted him first, highlighting that she was the one who initiated the approach, and not the other way around.
In the same YouTube video, from October 2025, the Manchester City player revealed that he did not remember his first childhood encounters, while Johansen had clear memories. She, in turn, described the reunion as something predestined.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen’s passion for football
Isabel Haugseng Johansen had an active football career, playing for Bryne FK, but is no longer a member of the club. In the October 2025 YouTube video, she shared details about her experience in the sport.
The former player described her skills on the field, revealing that she was not the best with dribbling, but stood out for her speed and running. She expressed that she really misses playing football professionally.
The arrival of the couple’s son and the impact on Erling Haaland’s life
In December 2024, Isabel Johansen and Erling Haaland welcomed their first child, a boy. Manchester City’s top scorer announced his pregnancy in October 2024, with a fun photo on X (formerly Twitter) where he simulated a pregnancy belly with a football, accompanied by a baby emoji and the word “soon”.
Although the couple preserves family privacy, Haaland revealed to the Associated Press in October 2025 that fatherhood propelled him into the best phase of his career. Being a father provides a valuable mental escape from the intense pressures of professional football, allowing him to disconnect in a way he previously couldn’t.
Haaland also added that, with a son, he feels even better, as he can disconnect more from football. He noted that, when he was younger, his concerns about sport were constant, but upon returning home, he found deep relaxation, attributing this new perspective to his son.
Leisure moments: video games and dinners at home
During his NRK appearance in September 2025, Erling Haaland described how he and Isabel Haugseng Johansen enjoy their free time at home. They often have quiet nights with home-cooked meals and video game sessions.
Haaland confessed that he is the one who cooks and, in a good-humored tone, mentioned that Isabel likes to play games. The couple enjoy games like Minecraft, where they build houses, or travel to Bryne to order kebabs, enjoying simple, relaxed moments.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen: Erling Haaland’s biggest supporter
Isabel Haugseng Johansen shows great support for Erling Haaland’s professional career and is a constant presence at games. In May 2026, she shared photos from the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where Manchester City beat Chelsea.
In the caption, she wrote: “Happy girl 🩵 FA Cup winners! So proud 🏆.” The couple also enjoys outings together, as evidenced by a photo taken in August 2024 at the PFA Awards in Manchester, England.