’If Dennis were here, he would be so proud’:Haaland’s heartfelt tribute moves grieving family to tears

On the pitch, Erling Braut Haaland is an unstoppable force—a prolific goalscorer who has been dubbed a “cyborg” for his ruthless efficiency. But off it, the 25-year-old has shown a side of himself that has touched an entire nation.

Just days after scoring twice to eliminate Brazil and send Norway to the World Cup quarter-finals, Haaland reached out to the family of six-year-old Dennis Skjørestad, a young fan who tragically lost his life in a road accident in Rogaland on June 24.

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A Tragedy That Shook a Community

Dennis was struck by a car in a residential area of Kvernaland, in the municipality of Time, Rogaland. He was rushed to Stavanger University Hospital but was pronounced dead the same day. A man in his 40s has been charged with negligent manslaughter but has not admitted guilt.

The loss devastated the local community. Dennis, who loved football and idolised Haaland, was laid to rest on July 2.

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An Unexpected Package

About a week after the accident, Dennis’s family received an unexpected package. Inside was a signed Norwegian national team jersey—the number 9 shirt Haaland wears for his country—along with a handwritten letter from Haaland and his family.

The letter read:

“For us as parents and siblings, it is impossible to imagine your situation. Please know that we are thinking of you during this extremely difficult time. We learned that Dennis was passionate about football, which is why we wanted to send this small token to you.”

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‘Goosebumps Like We Have Never Felt Before’

Dennis’s father, Thomas Skjørestad, shared the family’s gratitude in an emotional Instagram post on July 5. The post has since received over 17,000 likes and more than 1,400 comments.

“It gave us goosebumps like we have never felt before,” Thomas wrote. “If Dennis were still here, he would have been so proud. You, Erling, were his idol. Thank you so much.”

Thomas also thanked family, friends, school staff, and childcare workers for their support during the difficult time.

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A Gesture That Resonates Beyond Norway

Haaland, who became a father himself to a son nearly two years ago, has been preparing with the Norwegian national team for their World Cup quarter-final against England, scheduled for Saturday in Miami.

But in the midst of the biggest tournament of his career, he took time to offer comfort to a grieving family—a gesture that has resonated far beyond Norway’s borders.

As one Norwegian media outlet put it: behind the cold-eyed goalscorer stands a man with a very big heart.

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