The soccer world has recently mourned the loss of Ivar Eggja, a key figure in Erling Haaland’s rise to international football stardom. While not related by blood, Eggja played a pivotal role in Haaland’s life, guiding him both on and off the field. His death has left a profound impact on the 24-year-old Manchester City forward, who publicly shared his grief over losing a man he affectionately called “Uncle.”
Erling Haaland’s Early Success and the Role of Ivar Eggja
When Haaland signed with Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and later moved to Manchester City in 2022, Eggja was always there to ensure a seamless transition. His role extended far beyond what most would expect from a family friend. Eggja made sure that Haaland’s living arrangements were taken care of before he even set foot in a new city.
For instance, when Haaland joined Manchester City, Eggja arranged for a fully furnished apartment, complete with a stocked fridge, making sure that the young striker had no distractions from his game.
Haaland once jokingly mentioned that if he had been left alone to figure out his housing and other logistics, he wouldn’t have scored a hat-trick in his debut match for Dortmund against Augsburg. The striker’s success on the pitch has often been attributed to his exceptional talent, but Eggja’s behind-the-scenes efforts contributed significantly to Haaland’s comfort and focus.
A Lifelong Friendship: Ivar Eggja and Alf-Inge Haaland
Eggja’s close bond with Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, who also had a career in professional soccer, played a crucial role in shaping the relationship with Erling. The two friends were inseparable, with Eggja even serving as the best man at Alf-Inge’s wedding to Gry Marita. From Erling’s earliest memories, Eggja was a constant presence, offering both mentorship and friendship.
Though Eggja was not related by blood, Erling always referred to him as “Uncle” due to the integral role he played in his life. Eggja wasn’t just a figure in Haaland’s personal life; he was also deeply involved in his professional affairs. From handling technical aspects of media interviews to guiding Haaland’s commercial decisions, Eggja was the quiet force behind many of Haaland’s career-defining moments.
Haaland Pays Emotional Tribute to Ivar Eggja
The news of Ivar Eggja’s death was shared by Haaland on Instagram, where he posted a heartfelt tribute to his “uncle.” In the post, Haaland expressed his deep sorrow and gratitude, calling Eggja a “legend” and a “maniac” in a lighthearted reflection of their close relationship. He acknowledged the immeasurable impact Eggja had on his life, both personally and professionally.
“Words cannot describe how much you have meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you’ll be missed!” Haaland wrote, alongside a carousel of photos that showed special moments they shared together.
Eggja’s Influence Beyond Football
While Eggja is primarily known for his work behind the scenes in Haaland’s career, he was also a successful businessman in his own right. He hailed from Bryne, Norway, the same town where Haaland was born.
In the 1980s, Eggja opened two shoe stores and later co-founded a bar and restaurant with Alf-Inge, which became a popular spot until its closure in 2014. Eggja also ventured into Marbella’s nightlife, a hub where Haaland and his teammates would often gather.
Moreover, Eggja had significant experience in the shipping industry, particularly in Toronto, Canada. His business acumen helped him provide for his family while simultaneously acting as a cornerstone for Haaland’s personal and professional development.
The Soccer World’s Response to Eggja’s Passing
Haaland’s announcement of Eggja’s passing resonated deeply with the soccer community. Fellow Manchester City forward Jack Grealish left a touching comment on Haaland’s post, expressing his sadness with a string of crying emojis and the words “RIP IVAR.”
Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, also addressed the loss during a press conference. Guardiola revealed that he had given Haaland the option to sit out of the Premier League match against Brentford, just days after Eggja’s death. However, Haaland chose to play, putting on a remarkable performance that saw him score two goals and lead City to a 2-1 victory.
“You have to be strong, maybe for 90 minutes forget your personal life,” Guardiola said after the match, praising Haaland’s resilience. “If life gives you a punch in the face, it’s good to play.”
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Ivar Eggja’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Erling Haaland’s life, but his legacy will live on through the remarkable impact he had on one of football’s brightest stars. From his early days in Norway to his global success, Haaland’s journey has been shaped not only by his extraordinary skill but also by the unwavering support of his “Uncle” Ivar Eggja.
As the soccer world mourns Eggja’s loss, it is clear that his role extended far beyond being a family friend or a business associate. He was a mentor, a facilitator, and a constant source of strength for Haaland, ensuring that the young star could focus on what he does best—playing football.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Ivar Eggja? Ivar Eggja was a close family friend of Erling Haaland, often referred to as his “uncle.” He played a significant role in Haaland’s personal and professional life, from managing logistics to guiding his career decisions.
2. How did Ivar Eggja influence Erling Haaland’s career? Eggja ensured that Haaland was well taken care of off the pitch, handling everything from finding homes to managing media commitments. This allowed Haaland to focus entirely on football, contributing to his success.
3. What was the cause of Ivar Eggja’s death? The specific cause of Ivar Eggja’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
4. How did the soccer community react to Ivar Eggja’s passing? Many figures in the soccer world, including Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola, expressed their condolences. Haaland’s teammates and manager were particularly supportive during this difficult time.
5. What was Ivar Eggja’s business background? Eggja had a successful business career, owning shoe stores in Norway, co-founding a bar and restaurant, and managing a shipping business in Toronto, Canada. He was also involved in Marbella’s nightlife.