The World Cup has delivered unforgettable football moments, but another story has been unfolding away from the goals and glory. England's victory over Norway may have ended Erling Haaland's tournament, yet it did nothing to dent the warm friendship between him and England star Jude Bellingham. Before Saturday night's clash, social media buzzed with clips celebrating the pair's long-standing bond, which began when they were teenagers at Borussia Dortmund. As the teams emerged from the tunnel, Bellingham even gave Haaland a playful kick on the back, a light-hearted moment that stood in sharp contrast to the steely intensity often seen before major matches. For many observers, those scenes highlighted something bigger. Rather than embracing the aggressive image associated with online "manosphere" influencers, football's newest generation has projected a different style of masculinity—one built on friendship, mutual respect and emotional openness. The contrast is striking. Figures such as Andrew Tate and British streamer HSTikkyTokky have become associated with displays of wealth, expensive cars, boasts about promiscuity and derogatory attitudes towards women. By comparison, Bellingham, Haaland and other leading young footballers present themselves as confident, successful and charismatic while also appearing grounded and respectful. Haaland has become famous not only for his goals at Manchester City but also for his quirky online personality. Whether posting humorous selfies with Shrek or attempting a Deep South accent, he has built a reputation for laughing at himself rather than projecting anger or superiority. Following Norway's World Cup exit, Haaland refused to dwell on disappointment. Instead, he reflected positively on his life and career, saying: "I'm quite happy with my life. I'm enjoying it, I'm in a good place." Family has also become a defining theme for many of football's biggest stars. Since 2025, Haaland has worn "Braut Haaland" on his Norway shirt to honour both his mother, former Norwegian heptathlon champion Gry Marita Braut, and his father, former footballer Alf-Inge Haaland. Bellingham has spoken just as warmly about the influence of his mother, Denise. When the midfielder joined Borussia Dortmund for £25 million at the age of 17, Denise moved to Germany with him while his father remained in Birmingham to support younger brother Jobe. The England midfielder has repeatedly credited his mother for shaping both his career and his character. "I can say without a doubt that my mother has been more important in my career than any coach I've had," he has said. After England defeated Norway, Bellingham revealed Denise had spent the week reminding him to control both his emotions and his tackles because he was carrying a yellow card into the match. He admitted her advice helped influence his behaviour during the game. Emotional honesty has become another hallmark of this generation. Rather than hiding vulnerability, Bellingham has argued that public figures should encourage conversations about mental health. He has said: "If we can show vulnerability, then it opens up a bigger conversation for people who are struggling in the darkness." England captain Harry Kane has also focused on wellbeing away from football, launching his foundation in 2022 to support mental health and emotional resilience. Polling cited in the article suggests these role models may be resonating. An Ipsos survey in 2025 found 76% of young men said they had at least one positive male role model, while a YouGov poll reported that 71% viewed Andrew Tate and similar influencers unfavourably. Another survey found 63% of men aged 18 to 29 considered having children important, alongside growing enthusiasm for active fatherhood rather than the traditional breadwinner model. Sporting figures including Gareth Southgate and Andrew Flintoff are also highlighted as promoting tolerance, respect and emotional wellbeing. As England prepares for Wednesday night's match, there is another contest unfolding beyond the football itself. Whatever happens on the pitch, the tournament has showcased players whose behaviour, friendships and openness continue to attract attention far beyond the game. This World Cup is proof that the manosphere is dying and for losers
