Erling Haaland is a Norwegian soccer player who plays as a striker for Manchester City in England and for Norway’s national team. He started his pro career at Bryne and Molde, then moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, where he won the Austrian league and cup.
In his first season, City won the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup – the treble. Haaland set the record for most Premier League goals in a season (36) and most goals by any Premier League player in all competitions in one season (52).
He won the Premier League Golden Boot, the European Golden Shoe, and the Gerd Müller Trophy. He was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and IFFHS World’s Best Player, and came second in the Ballon d’Or.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Erling Haaland
World Record Holder at Five Years Old
Haaland’s athletic talent showed up very early. At just five years old, he set a world record for the longest standing long jump by a child his age, leaping 1.63 metres. International Age Records still recognises this feat today. A champion from the start.
Teenage Rapper Named ‘Flow Kingz’
Long before Manchester City, Haaland was spitting rhymes. He was part of a rap trio called “Flow Kingz” with two other Norwegian youth footballers. Their music video for “Kygo jo” has over 9 million YouTube views. Haaland handled the “big verse” and once dreamed of becoming a professional rapper. A striker who could have been on stage.
Celebration Is a Lotus Meditation Pose
After scoring, Haaland sits on the pitch with legs crossed, hands on knees, eyes closed. That’s the ‘Lotus’ meditation pose. He openly practises Buddhist meditation, which he says helps him relax, avoid stress, and focus before and after games.
Dreams of Becoming a Farmer After Retirement
Growing up in the small farming town of Bryne, Haaland developed a love for animals and land. He has publicly said he wants to own a small farm with a couple of goats after football. He already stops at local farms to pick up fresh ingredients like raw milk.
Tapes His Mouth Shut for Better Sleep
Haaland is obsessed with optimising his performance. He tapes his mouth shut at night to force nose breathing, which he believes gives deeper, more restful sleep. He also wears orange-tinted blue-light-blocking glasses for three hours before bed. A strange habit, but if it works for a goal machine, who are we to judge?
His Father Wanted Him to Be a Golfer
Despite Alf-Inge Haaland’s own football career, he had a different dream for his son. He wanted Erling to become a professional golfer. From ages 10 to 13, young Haaland was forced to play golf every week, hoping he would develop a swing for that sport instead. Football almost lost him to the fairways.
Scored Nine Goals in One U-20 World Cup Match
At just 18, Haaland announced himself in explosive fashion. Playing for Norway at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he scored NINE goals in a single match against Honduras. Norway won 12-0, and his incredible haul remains a tournament record. Nine goals. One game. A teenager. Unreal.
Was Eligible to Play for England
Haaland is the face of Norwegian football, but he could have led England’s attack instead. He was born in Leeds on July 21, 2000, while his father played for Leeds United. That made him eligible for England. He chose Norway – his parents’ country – but what if?
Follows a Salt-Free Cristiano Ronaldo Diet
To maintain his powerful physique, Haaland follows a highly disciplined diet mirroring Cristiano Ronaldo’s. His father confirmed he eats the same food as the Portuguese superstar – fish, chicken, and pasta – but absolutely no salt. A strict plan for a machine built to score.
Wakes Up to the Champions League Anthem
For most players, the Champions League anthem is pre-match inspiration. For Haaland, it’s his alarm clock. He uses the iconic anthem as his morning wake-up call, saying, “It’s the last song I’m tired of” and it helps him “always get a perfect start to the day.”
FAQs
Q. Which club does Erling Haaland play for?
A. Erling Haaland plays for Manchester City and the Norway national football team.
Q. Which clubs did Haaland play for before Manchester City?
A. Haaland played for Bryne FK, Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund.
Q. What record did Haaland set in his first Premier League season?
A. Haaland scored 36 league goals, the most ever in a single Premier League season.
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