Haaland Joins the ‘Raw-Dogging’ Trend: A Distraction-Free Flight or Just a Luxury?
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has jumped on the latest internet craze known as “raw-dogging,” where travelers forgo all forms of entertainment and comfort during long-haul flights. Haaland, back from City’s pre-season tour in the United States, decided to embrace the trend in a decidedly minimalist fashion.
The Norwegian forward, 24, took a grueling seven-hour flight in what he described as a “raw-dogged” manner, opting to forgo food, drink, and any distractions beyond the flight’s map and data. “Just raw-dogged a seven-hour flight,” Haaland boasted on Instagram. “No phone, no sleep, no water, no food. Only map. Easy.”
While some fans praised his dedication to the challenge, others were less impressed, suggesting that Haaland’s flight experience didn’t quite fit the raw-dogging bill. Critics pointed out that the star striker’s comfortable business class seat undermined his claim of a truly austere journey. “Not sure you can call it raw-dogging with a seat like that,” remarked one Reddit user. “True raw-dogging is enduring a cramped economy seat and pushing through sheer willpower.”
Another commentator added that the experience would be more authentic with added discomforts, like a crying baby in close quarters. “Doesn’t count, business class,” one critic quipped. Doubts about the authenticity of Haaland’s challenge were also voiced, with skeptics questioning the veracity of his claims, suggesting, “Yeah, I’m sure he did, at least for those eight seconds of the video.”
It seems some critics might be motivated by a desire to see City’s star striker pushed to his limits before the new season kicks off. Manchester City will face Manchester United at Wembley in the Community Shield on Saturday and then begin their Premier League title defense at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea the following Sunday (August 18). By then, Haaland will aim to be in top form, regardless of the flight antics.
