Erling Haaland's half-brother reveals their bizarre, fractured bond

A DNA test uncovered their tie, but their lives couldn't be more different. One became a legend—while the other's choices led to ruin and isolation.

, and Administrator

2026 April 7 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster of a person holding a football, with the words "Scribner's for November:... — The image shows a poster of a person holding a football, with the words "Scribner's for November: The Game by Wire Football Story" written across the top. The person in the poster has a determined expression on their face, and their arms are outstretched as if they are ready to throw the ball.

Erling Haaland's half-brother reveals their bizarre, fractured bond

Erling Haaland's half-brother, Erwin Hamann, has lived a life far from the football spotlight. The two only discovered their family connection through a genetic ancestry test. While Haaland rose to global fame, Hamann's path took far stranger—and darker—turns. Hamann once played professionally before becoming a nutrition coach and social media influencer. He briefly shared the pitch with Haaland in their youth days at Bryne Fotballklubb, where a fierce rivalry developed between them. Three years ago, he legally changed his name, wanting to distance himself from his famous sibling.

His career shift led him to a quiet existence running a cordless vacuum cleaner rental business. Yet, his name still appeared in local papers—never for his own deeds, but always in relation to Haaland's success. Then came the incident that upended his life.

In an attempt to help a postman suffering from a herniated disc, Hamann used a boat crane and a blacksmith's hammer. The intervention went horribly wrong, leaving the postman partially paralysed. Legal troubles followed, with Hamann struggling to pay compensation and cover boat crane rental fees.

Now, he lives in near-seclusion. His rare public statements include explosive claims: he accuses Haaland of involvement in black market seal pelt trading and unpaid gambling debts linked to illegal cockfights. The two half-brothers now exist in vastly different worlds. Haaland remains a football superstar, while Hamann's life has been marked by bizarre ventures and legal woes. Their shared bloodline is the only remaining connection between their contrasting realities.