Erling Haaland

ABOUT

Erling Haaland is a professional Norwegian footballer who has swiftly become one of the most exciting young talents in the world of football. Born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, Haaland plays as a forward for Manchester City and the Norway national team. Known for his exceptional speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability, he has garnered comparisons to some of football’s greatest strikers and has become a household name in the sport.

BEFORE FAME

Haaland’s journey to football stardom started young. He began his professional career with Bryne FK, his hometown club in Norway, where he showcased his immense talent during his youth years. His impressive performances quickly caught the attention of Molde FK, one of Norway's premier football clubs, where he continued to refine his skills under the guidance of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

His breakthrough came after joining Red Bull Salzburg in Austria in January 2019. During his time at Salzburg, Haaland gained international recognition, especially in the UEFA Champions League, where he achieved the remarkable feat of scoring in his first five consecutive matches of the competition.

TRIVIA

• Erling Haaland is known for his incredible goal-scoring record. At one point during his spell at RB Salzburg, he scored a goal every 61 minutes on average.
• Before fully committing to football, Haaland was also talented in other sports; as a child, he reportedly set a world record for the longest standing long jump for his age category at the time.
• Haaland holds the record for being the first player to score a first-half hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League match during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

FAMILY LIFE

Footballing talent runs in Haaland’s family. His father, Alf-Inge Håland, was a professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder for clubs like Leeds United and Manchester City, and the Norway national team. Erling's mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a former heptathlete, which adds to the athletic prowess in his lineage.

Erling’s family background and upbringing in football have deeply influenced his career. His father has often been seen accompanying him to various football events, providing both guidance and support in his professional life.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Erling Haaland shares the football spotlight with many great talents. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he formed an impressive partnership with fellow standout, Jadon Sancho. At Manchester City, he plays under the esteemed leadership of manager Pep Guardiola, alongside other top-tier players like Kevin De Bruyne, adding even more firepower to the already formidable squad.

Haaland's rising stature in world football has led to comparisons with legendary strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom he cites as inspirations. With his continuing growth and remarkable performances, Erling Haaland is poised to leave an enduring mark on football history.