How Bellingham and Haaland Stayed Pals Across Big Clubs And At The World Cup

Don't let a thrilling World Cup match get in the way of a friendship – especially when it's between two of the best players on the planet. 

Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Jude Bellingham have been among the stars at this summer's tournament, leading their respective teams to successful runs into the knockout rounds. And while Bellingham got the best of Haaland in England's 2-1 quarterfinal win over Norway on Saturday, it didn't stop the two from sharing a couple of friendly moments in Miami.

That's because both players' respective rises to the top have mirrored each other. Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Haaland (Manchester City) were once former teammates at Borussia Dortmund and have also played against each other in the Champions League. 

They are the definition of rivals on the pitch but friends off of it. Here's a quick look at their friendship:

When Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, he formed an instant partnership with Haaland (who had joined from FC Salzburg the year prior) to create one of European soccer's top playmaking duos. 

Dortmund challenged Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title during their time together but finished in second place in both seasons that the two players were there. In particularly heartbreaking fashion, the 2021-22 season ended with both teams tied on points but Bayern having a superior goal difference to deny Dortmund its first title since the 2011-12 campaign.

 In all, the duo played 63 matches together and did win one piece of silverware, with Dortmund taking the 2021 German Cup (known as the DFB Pokal). Haaland won the league's player of the season award for the 2021-22 campaign before leaving for Manchester City. Bellingham remained at Dortmund one more