Erling Haaland took centre stage at Gianluigi Donnarumma’s lavish wedding in Italy as the Manchester City striker led guests in Norway’s now-famous “viking row” celebration, sparking a wave of reaction on social media.
The Norway international, attending the ceremony as a team-mate of Donnarumma at Manchester City, was filmed climbing onto the stage during the reception, grabbing a drum and orchestrating dozens of guests through the celebration that has become associated with his national team.
In the clips shared widely online, Haaland is seen setting the rhythm with two firm strikes of the drum before guests sit in tightly packed rows on the floor, mimicking a rowing motion in unison while chanting “Row” in time with the beat.
The 26-year-old forward, who celebrated his birthday only days earlier, appeared in high spirits as he laughed, encouraged the crowd and even paused at one point to demonstrate to a guest how to perform the routine correctly.
National-team celebration brought to wedding party
The “viking row” originated with the Norway national side and drew global attention during the 2026 World Cup, where it became one of the tournament’s most eye-catching goal celebrations.
The routine is built around a designated leader, drum in hand, striking twice to set the tempo. The rest of the group then forms straight lines on the ground and imitates rowing in sync, chanting “Row” with each motion.
Norway’s players, led by captain Martin Ødegaard, famously performed the celebration after their World Cup victory over Brazil, helping to propel the “viking row” into mainstream football culture.
Haaland has now taken that same celebration out of the stadium and into a very different setting, adapting it for Donnarumma’s wedding reception and transforming the dancefloor into what resembled a celebratory longboat.
Star-studded ceremony in Italy
Donnarumma married his long-term partner Alessia Elefante in an opulent ceremony in Italy, attended by several high-profile figures from the football world.
Among the guests were Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, Inter and Italy star Nicolo Barella and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, all present to watch the Paris St-Germain and Italy goalkeeper tie the knot.
Haaland arrived at the event with his partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen, while Donnarumma celebrated his marriage to his childhood sweetheart, with whom he welcomed their first child in 2024.
Social media hails ‘unhateable’ Haaland
Footage from the reception quickly spread across social media platforms, with users focusing on Haaland’s exuberant role in the festivities.
One fan wrote: “هذا الرجل لا يكرهه احد” – “This man is not hated by anyone.”
Another commented: “لا استطيع التوقف عن الضحك.. يبدو انه كان حفل زفاف ممتعا” – “I can’t stop laughing… it looks like it was a fun wedding.”
A third added: “هالاند مذهل بحق” – “Haaland is truly amazing.”
The reactions, reported by The Sun, underlined how the striker’s blend of on-pitch ruthlessness and off-pitch playfulness continues to shape his public image.
While the wedding was staged to celebrate Donnarumma’s personal life, it was Haaland’s impromptu drumming and leadership of the “viking row” that provided the night’s most talked-about moment – and offered a fresh glimpse of the Manchester City forward’s larger-than-life personality away from football.
