BEYOND FOOTBALL

8 hours ago
2 min read

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/824353_25010e893ed7401295c83c4e5d6cfba6/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Rowing:

A Norwegian football celebration where supporters sit together and move their arms as if they are rowing a Viking longship. Guided by a drum, the crowd moves in rhythm and shouts “Ro,” creating the feeling of one crew supporting Norway together.

#Worldcup #Norway #Rowing #Viking

From Viking Ships to Football Stands

For centuries, rowing was essential to Norway’s seafaring culture. Viking crews had to move together, using rhythm, strength and teamwork to carry their longships across the sea. Today, the same image appears in the football stands, where Norwegian supporters sit side by side and row as one. It is a modern celebration shaped by an old symbol of Norwegian identity.

Behind Norway’s viral rowing celebration is Ole Frøystad, better known as

Mr. Row Row.

The primary school teacher from Leinøy spent years developing the chant. His idea to bring new energy to Norway’s fan culture became an international phenomenon during the Football World Cup.

Worth the wait

After 28 years without Norway in the World Cup, the country celebrated in a way rarely seen before. Huge crowds gathered in Oslo and other cities, moving together to the beat of the drum. Following the victory over Brazil, even Crown Prince Haakon joined the rowing outside the Royal Palace.

Win or lose,

Norway had never looked quite like this.

A Changed Norway

Haaland left the World Cup as more than Norway’s leading player. His goals, humour and unexpected online personality turned him into an international internet phenomenon, attracting fans who had never followed football before. Looking back on Norway’s historic journey and the celebrations at home, Haaland said:

“It has changed Norway. It has changed me.”