Manchester City star Erling Haaland has developed a close friendship with Umar Kamani, the billionaire founder of fast-fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing. Their bond, which began in 2022, has led to shared luxury holidays, including recent trips to the French Riviera, Monaco, and Dubai. Kamani, who co-founded PLT in 2012 with his brother Adam, is estimated to be worth around $1 billion. Haaland, who nets close to £1 million per week, has been seen holidaying with Kamani and their partners, including Haaland's partner Isabel Haugsend Johansen and Kamani's wife Nada.
Their friendship reportedly began when Kamani, a Manchester City supporter, was introduced to Haaland shortly after the striker signed with the club in a £51 million deal from Borussia Dortmund. A source noted that they "simply hit it off" due to shared interests in football, luxury watches, and adventure. Haaland has previously visited PLT's Manchester headquarters to chat with Kamani, an act that initially surprised staff due to the stark contrast in their professional worlds.
Their shared passion for high-octane lifestyles extends to their professional lives. Haaland is known for his rigorous training regimen, fueled by long hours in the gym, specific dietary choices, and regular ice baths. Kamani, meanwhile, built his fashion empire through an industry that monitors trends and rapidly produces affordable clothing. This shared dedication to their respective fields appears to be a cornerstone of their friendship.
Kamani, 38, comes from a family deeply rooted in the fashion industry. His father, Mahmud, co-founded Boohoo. Umar Kamani has had a notable career, including stepping down as PLT CEO in 2023 before returning in September 2024. The Boohoo group has faced scrutiny, including allegations of poor working conditions and low pay at factories, which led to investigations and a share price decline. Kamani himself owns a minority stake in Boohoo.
Haaland's career has seen him play 67 games for club and country in the past season, leading to a need for relaxation. The footballer and the fashion entrepreneur have also been linked through mutual connections. A friend of Kamani's reportedly brokered the viral meeting between Haaland and basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The pair's social circles overlap, as evidenced by luxury trips and parties. In the summer of 2023, Haaland and his father joined Kamani on a superyacht trip that included figures like Tommy Hilfiger. Kamani also hosts exclusive parties, including one in Dubai for New Year's 2024 attended by athletes such as Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora.
Haaland also visited the Kamani Club, a private gym in Dubai, where they trained together. Despite Kamani's lavish wedding in the south of France in 2024, Haaland was not reported to be in attendance. The friendship between the footballer and the fashion mogul offers them an opportunity to unwind amidst their demanding careers.
This summer's holiday in the French Riviera saw the duo staying at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where suites can cost over £7,000 per night.
Kamani sat with Haaland's family during Norway's World Cup victory over Brazil, a match where Haaland scored twice. Their jaunt to the French Riviera followed shortly after Norway's elimination from the tournament by England.
