Google adds Viking Row animation for Erling Haaland searches

Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has become the subject of a unique Google tribute, with the search engine launching a special animation for users who look up his name. The playful feature, which shows animated Vikings rowing across the screen, celebrates the striker's pivotal role in Norway's historic run to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Haaland himself teased the digital Easter egg on social media on Thursday, posting a message urging his followers to search his name on Google. Fans who did so discovered an animation at the bottom of the search results page depicting seven Vikings rowing in unison, accompanied by a rhythmic drumbeat and the Norwegian word "Ro!" The feature is a direct nod to the "Viking Row" celebration that Haaland and the Norwegian national team have performed throughout the tournament, where players and fans mimic rowing motions to a drumbeat.

The 25-year-old Manchester City forward has been instrumental in Norway's unprecedented World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals in four matches to tie as the tournament's second-highest scorer. His performances have propelled Norway to its first-ever quarterfinal, where the team is scheduled to face England...