Erling Haaland flew to Sicily on a private jet immediately after Norway’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended, skipping a homecoming celebration in Oslo attended by up to 120,000 fans. The Manchester City striker and teammate Sander Berge left the national team’s delayed flight from the United States to travel directly to Catania. Haaland’s Sicily itinerary includes the Dolce&Gabbana fashion show in Taormina and several days of rest aboard a yacht.
The Norwegian national team’s flight from the United States was delayed by several hours, and the squad was expected to be greeted in Oslo by a crowd of up to 120,000 people. Haaland was not present for the celebration. Norwegian outlet VG reported that he was traveling on vacation, while Italian newspaper La Sicilia reported that he had been invited as guest of honor at Dolce&Gabbana’s annual fashion show in Taormina.
Sicily Trip Follows Quarterfinal Exit
Haaland’s arrival in Sicily came after Norway’s run at the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team reached the quarterfinals before losing to England in extra time. Haaland scored 7 goals during the tournament.
He landed at Catania airport before heading to Taormina, where his schedule includes the Dolce&Gabbana show alongside international celebrities, business figures, and other members of the global fashion and entertainment industry. The Norwegian embassy in Italy welcomed him in a post on X, describing Sicily’s combination of high fashion, landscapes, and cultural heritage as a continuing draw for international visitors.
The trip is not Haaland’s first visit to the region. In August of the previous year, he was received at Palermo’s Renzo Barbera stadium for a friendly match between Palermo and Manchester City, clubs that share the same ownership group.
Reaction in Norway
Haaland’s absence from the Oslo celebration drew attention in Norwegian media, though analysts said it was unlikely to affect his public standing. Sociologist Trond Blindheim said the missed appearance would not damage the player’s reputation among fans.
“The kids might be a little disappointed that he wasn’t there, but I think they’ll forgive him given his performance on the field,” said Trond Blindheim, Sociologist.
Haaland’s absence coincided with the broader travel and hospitality attention on Taormina during the Dolce&Gabbana event, which draws celebrities, entrepreneurs, and public figures to the Sicilian coast each year. His visit adds to a pattern of high-profile sports figures using Sicily as a stop following major tournaments, with Taormina and Catania serving as entry points for both leisure and fashion-related travel.
Following the yacht stay and the Taormina fashion event, Haaland is expected to continue his off-season break before returning to preseason preparations with Manchester City.
Photo credit: instagram.com/erling/
