Champions League legend in the making: Haaland hits new heights
The 25-year-old began his scoring streak last season with a double against Real Madrid in the first leg of the knockout stage. Though he didn’t feature in the return fixture, Haaland has carried his momentum into this year’s campaign, striking against Napoli, netting twice in Monaco, and adding goals versus Villarreal and Dortmund.
This achievement isn’t new territory for the prolific forward. Haaland previously scored in five consecutive Champions League matches while at both Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg, making him the first player ever to reach that milestone with three different clubs.
Record-breaking numbers
His latest strike takes his tally to 54 goals in just 52 Champions League appearances, placing him tenth in the tournament’s all-time scoring list. He now sits only three behind Germany’s Thomas Müller, with Cristiano Ronaldo (141) and Lionel Messi (129) still leading the pack.
Haaland’s scoring power continues to define Manchester City’s season. Despite his reputation as a goalscorer, teammates insist his influence extends far beyond finishing chances.
Read also: Al Hilal Salary List: Ranking of All Players by Annual Salary
“So much more than goals”
Speaking to TNT Sports after the win, City winger Jeremy Doku praised Haaland’s all-round contribution. “Erling’s numbers are unbelievable,” he said. “He scored one goal tonight but he’s so much more than just goals and assists. He’s so important for us. Two wins this week, make it three [against] Liverpool on Sunday. That would make it a perfect week before the international break.”
Eyes on Liverpool
The Norwegian striker will look to carry that form into the weekend clash with Liverpool. He has already scored 13 Premier League goals this season—just nine short of last year’s total—despite playing only 10 matches compared to 31 in the previous campaign.
Since joining City in 2022, Haaland has netted 98 times in 107 appearances in England’s top flight. He has already surpassed icons like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Dimitar Berbatov, and now stands just two goals away from the exclusive “100 club” and five behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League tally.
Future greatness
In my view, Haaland is not just another elite striker—he’s the evolution of what a modern forward can be. His consistency at such a young age is extraordinary, and his efficiency in front of goal shows a maturity beyond his years.
Read also: Hamilton calls for greater F1 transparency after Mexico penalty dispute
While many strikers rely on instinct, Haaland combines intelligence with athletic precision, reading spaces and timing runs that few defenders can track.
I believe he has every tool needed to surpass even the greatest scorers of the modern era. If he maintains his fitness and continues under Pep Guardiola’s system, he could realistically challenge Ronaldo’s Champions League record within the next five years.
What stands out most, though, is that Haaland’s dominance doesn’t seem forced—he makes scoring look effortless, which is a rare quality in football at this level.
In my opinion, we are witnessing the prime of a generational talent who could reshape football’s record books before he even turns 30.
Read also: Arsenal beat Bayern to top spot: the world’s 10 best football teams, ranked
Sources: The Sun, TNT Sports, UEFA, Sky Sports Analysis
Read also: Is Bayern the team to beat this year?
