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SportsNorway's Julian Ryerson wears flip-flops to King Harald V's reception, sparking etiquette breach criticism
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Norway's national football team returned home after a surprising World Cup quarter-final appearance, where they lost to England 1-2 in extra time. Upon arrival in Oslo, approximately 100,000 fans greeted them with a rowing party in front of the royal palace. The team was then received by King Harald V (89) at the palace. In a breach of royal etiquette, Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson attended the reception wearing flip-flops, as if just back from the beach. Norwegian style icon Marianne Jemtegård called it a 'historic premiere,' while online newspaper Nettavisen gave it a 'clear red card.' Ryerson later posted a photo of his flip-flops on Instagram. Several other players also appeared in casual attire like shorts, but Ryerson's flip-flop moment stood out. The team's plane from Florida had been delayed by a thunderstorm.
Source report
Norway's football team, one of the positive surprises of this World Cup, returned home to a hero's welcome after reaching the quarter-finals, where they lost to England (1:2 a.e.t.).
Massive Welcome in Oslo
Around 100,000 fans greeted the squad upon their return in Oslo, sparking a rowing party in front of the royal palace. Striker Erling Haaland brought a stuffed raccoon home as a souvenir, while Borussia Dortmund star Julian Ryerson made headlines for a different reason — ignoring royal etiquette.
Ryerson's Beach Attire at the Palace
Julian Ryerson casually wore flip-flops to the reception at the royal palace with Norway's King Harald (89), as if he had just come from the beach. The head of state took it lightly, greeting the right-back with a friendly handshake.
For the Norwegians around Erling Haaland (l.) and Julian Ryerson, the World Cup quarter-finals were the end. Photo: FIFA via Getty Images
Reactions to the Flip-Flop Moment
- Marianne Jemtegård, Norwegian style icon: "Flip-flops at the palace? That is, I believe, a historic premiere."
- Nettavisen (online newspaper), in football speak: "A clear red card."
Ryerson saw it differently. The still-Dortmund player — Inter Milan is reportedly interested — posted a photo on his Instagram account shortly after, showing his flip-flops alongside many fans.
Dress Code Flexibility
After the Norwegian team's plane from Florida landed late in their homeland due to a thunderstorm, several national team players were not strict with the dress code. Some appeared in shorts at the party and also at the royal palace. But the flip-flop appearance was Julian Ryerson's exclusive moment.
Source: BILD 14.07.2026
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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