Halloween 2025 gave football a rare frame: one of the world's best centre-forwards stepped out in costume for the first time — and not just any costume, but full Joker makeup. Erling Haaland, a young father and Manchester City's leading goalscorer, turned the everyday errand of “we need to buy diapers” into a viral performance with fans, a petrol station, and sudden football reflexes. The result was both funny and symbolic: even behind a different mask, his game is legible at a glance.
Makeup, Camera — Action
The Norwegian has started building out his media presence: in mid-October he launched a YouTube channel, and the Halloween clip was only his second upload. First step — makeup: a thick white base, blended eyes, and bright red “smiles” across the cheeks. “Creepy, how realistic,” Haaland marvels on camera, unaccustomed to masquerade aesthetics. For a top-level footballer it is unusual indeed: many in England have been throwing themed parties for years, while Haaland is only just getting a taste for it.
Startle Isabel and Remember the Essentials
At home he’s met by Isabel Johansen — a startle first, then laughter and a compliment for the makeup artist: “A copy of Heath Ledger.” The couple welcomed a child in December 2024, and the evening is a rare chance to spend time together. But the reality of fatherhood is the same at any status: before the party, the diaper stock needs topping up. Decision made — the Joker gets behind the wheel and heads into the Manchester night.
When the Joker Plays Football by Reflex
On the street, a professional’s reflexes kick in: a ball lands in his hands — and his feet switch on at once, as if Arsenal’s or Liverpool’s penalty area were right in front of him. A second later comes the self-irony: “Wait, the Joker shouldn’t give himself away with dribbling.” The scene adds charm to the role — whatever makeup he’s wearing, Haaland still contains a forward who thinks through the game.
Petrol Station, Fans, and a 'Legacy' on the Shelf
First stop — a petrol station. No diapers, but there is a supporter who recognises the star instantly. The makeup hides the face, but not the height and build of City’s No. 9: “That’s our guy!” the fan exclaims. Next — a store. On the way his eye catches a stand of football trading cards: on the cover — himself. Haaland smiles and finds the right phrasing for the moment: there it is, a small “legacy” printed in runs. Diapers go into the basket; for a second his hand reaches for a prop saw (the role wants accessories), but common sense prevails.
Catwoman at Home and the Party Kickoff
Back home, Erling drops off the purchase and finds Isabel already in a Catwoman costume. A quick goodbye to subscribers — and the couple head out to the party. The video closes on a high note: a Joker who doesn’t forget everyday duties looks far more likeable than any comic-book villain.
Football Masquerade 2025: Who Else Shone
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic also chose the Joker, but drew on a different reference — Joaquin Phoenix’s take. A contrast of generations: the 25-year-old Haaland and 44-year-old Zlatan inhabiting the same archetype, but with different tones.
- Lionel Messi celebrated with his family: he was a vampire, surrounded by classic spooky figures. A home format, but the picture was a ready-made postcard.
- Ruben Dias of City turned into Captain Jack Sparrow — just don’t confuse him with Marquinhos: both wear pirate charisma with ease.
- Casemiro swapped Manchester United’s holding-midfielder role for a superhero’s for one evening — the Spider-Man mask fit him as well as his shorts on a derby day.
- Madrid had its own parade: after a festive week, Real had a double reason to party. Endrick and his wife channelled the Chucky doll, while Vinícius and Éder Militão hosted a joint event: you’ll spot the defender immediately, and Vini — a clown with purple hair — deliberately leans into the grotesque.
- The most inventive touch came from Joshua Kimmich: Munich saw, arguably, Germany’s most endearing 30-year-old pumpkin strolling about.
Final Whistle of the Night: Football, Masks, and a Little Humanity
The diaper story isn’t just a funny episode. It neatly highlights the balance top players seek today: professionalism on the pitch, closeness to supporters, and a private life not sealed behind bulletproof glass. Haaland in the Joker’s role remains the same cold-blooded finisher, but he also signals this: behind the hat-trick statistics is a person who stops by a shop for his family on the way to a party. And it seems that very “understatement” makes football’s Halloween 2025 linger longer in the memory than any special effect.
