Norway's Viking World Cup photoshoot aims to raise charity funds

Photographer David Yarrow has captured the Norway national football team in a dramatic Viking-themed photoshoot, aiming to raise funds for Norwegian charities. The striking images feature stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, with Yarrow noting Haaland's natural Viking appearance made him an easy subject.

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If you had to choose one sportsperson in the world that doesn't need much hair and make up to look like a Viking, it's Erling Haaland.

The project, commissioned by the Norway football association, builds on a previous solo shoot of Haaland in Viking attire. Yarrow, known for his historical inspirations, previously photographed the Ryder Cup team in prohibition-era suits. He hopes this latest work will generate significant funds for charity, mirroring the success of a photo that raised over a million dollars for Irish causes.

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The one thing that was important about that picture is if, in the Norwegian squad, you've got someone that's worth £200m and then you've got Watford's goalkeeper [Egil Selvik] that's worth £250,000, the third-in-line goalie – that they both occupy the same amount of the frame.

Realizing the vision for the squad photo presented logistical challenges, particularly coordinating with captain Martin Odegaard due to his demanding schedule. Odegaard joined Yarrow for a solo shoot after a major club match, with cloudy conditions helping to seamlessly integrate his image. Yarrow stressed that the final photograph emphasizes team cohesion, giving equal visual weight to all players, from star forwards to reserve goalkeepers, to avoid singling out individuals.

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That is was not seen to be Haaland and Odegaard and 24 others – it was important to foster a sense of team.