Erling Haaland is no stranger to attention. Standing 6ft 5in tall, with long blond hair and a formidable presence on the football field, the Norwegian striker has become one of the game's biggest stars and helped secure his country's first World Cup appearance in almost 30 years.
Yet in recent weeks, discussion around Haaland has extended beyond football. A viral TikTok video by stylist Jack Savoie drew attention to another aspect of the Manchester City forward's image: his collection of rare Hermès bags.
Savoie’s video, which amassed more than 10 million views, highlighted several of the luxury pieces Haaland has been spotted carrying while travelling with the Norwegian national team.
@jack.savoie ERLING HAALAND’S BIRKIN COLLECTION! #worldcup #erlinghaaland #soccer #hermesbirkin #hermes @Erling Haaland ♬ original sound - Jack Savoie
More than just Birkins
Although many people refer to Haaland's collection as a collection of Birkins, Savoie pointed out that several of the bags are actually Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) models.
The HAC predates the Birkin and is slightly taller and narrower. Originally designed in the late 19th century for carrying equestrian equipment, it remains one of Hermès’ most sought-after designs.
Among the standout pieces in Haaland's collection is a special-edition “Endless Road” HAC, featuring a patchwork landscape inspired by mountain highways. He has also been photographed carrying a moss-green canvas HAC and a striking black-and-orange chequered version.
On one occasion, he was even seen carrying his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen's Birkin 25 inside a larger HAC 50 travel bag.
Footballers embrace luxury fashion
Haaland is far from alone in his appreciation for luxury accessories.
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has been seen travelling with a cargo-style HAC, while Dutch international Virgil van Dijk is known for carrying a grey leather version. David Beckham has also been photographed with oversized luxury bags.
The trend was particularly visible at this year's World Cup, where players from several national teams arrived carrying high-end luggage and handbags from brands including Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
French forward Marcus Thuram attracted attention with a bright green suede bag created through a collaboration between Chanel and musician Pharrell Williams, while teammate Rayan Cherki carried an oversized Hermès Kelly Maxi.
Challenging stereotypes
Haaland's collection has also reignited discussion about the relationship between fashion and masculinity.
Images of the striker carrying luxury handbags generated a broad range of reactions online. While some social media users questioned whether handbags were appropriate accessories for male athletes, others praised Haaland for ignoring traditional gender stereotypes.
Fashion observers argue that attitudes are shifting as more men embrace items that were once considered exclusively feminine.
According to Savoie, increasing numbers of male athletes are expressing themselves through jewellery, designer clothing and luxury accessories, regardless of traditional expectations.
The debate is particularly ironic given the origins of the Hermès HAC itself. Although often viewed today as a luxury handbag, the design was originally created as a practical carryall for horse-riding equipment, long before the company began marketing handbags specifically to women.
Unbothered by the attention
For his part, Haaland appears unconcerned by the discussion.
While conversation about his wardrobe continues online, the Norwegian striker has been making headlines for his performances on the pitch. He scored two goals in each of his first two appearances at this year's World Cup, becoming only the sixth player in tournament history to achieve the feat.
For admirers, the combination of elite athletic ability and a willingness to embrace personal style only adds to his appeal.
As Savoie put it, Haaland's taste in luxury fashion simply adds another dimension to an already larger-than-life public image.
Source: CNN
