How Erling Haaland Went from Unknown to Football’s Biggest Star
Erling Haaland has gone from being relatively unknown to becoming one of the biggest – if not the biggest – football stars in the world in just a few years. Here, we take you on a journey from Haaland’s early beginnings to where he stands today.
Born into a Football Family
Erling Braut Haaland was born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing in the Premier League for Leeds United. Football was in his blood, but so was athletics—his mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a successful heptathlete.
Growing up in Norway
The family moved back to Norway when Erling was three years old, settling in Bryne. Even at a young age, his athletic ability was remarkable. At just five years old, he reportedly set a world record in the long jump for his age group, showcasing the explosive power that would later define his football career.
Early Football Years at Bryne FK
Haaland began his football journey at his local club, Bryne FK, where he quickly made an impression. Coaches were amazed by his speed, physicality, and goal-scoring instinct.
Read also: The 25 Best Defensive Midfielders in World Football – Ranked
First Team debut at the age of 15
At just 15 years old, he made his debut for Bryne’s first team in Norway’s second division. Despite not scoring in his 16 appearances, his potential was evident, attracting interest from bigger clubs.
Breakthrough at Molde FK
In 2017, Haaland joined Molde FK, where he was coached by Ole Gunnar Solskjær. This move proved to be a turning point in his career.
4 Goals in 21 minutes
His breakout moment came in 2018 when he scored four goals in just 21 minutes against Brann, one of Norway’s strongest teams at the time. He finished the season as Molde’s top scorer, putting himself firmly on the radar of European clubs.
The Red Bull Salzburg Adventure
In January 2019, Haaland signed with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. This was the move that propelled him into the international spotlight. He dominated the Austrian league, but it was his performances in the UEFA Champions League that stunned the football world.
Read also: The 50 Most Valuable Players in Ligue 1 - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Hat-trick in Champions League debut
In his debut in the competition, he scored a hat-trick against Genk, becoming one of the youngest players ever to achieve this feat.
Matching Messi & Ronaldo
He went on to score in five consecutive Champions League matches, a record only previously matched by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Borussia Dortmund Comes Calling
After just one year in Austria, Haaland became one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. Borussia Dortmund secured his signature in January 2020, triggering his release clause.
Hat-trick in Bundesliga debut
His impact was immediate—he came off the bench in his Bundesliga debut and scored a hat-trick within 23 minutes. He quickly became one of the league’s most feared strikers, breaking multiple goal-scoring records along the way.
Read also: Top 50 Players with the Most Goal Contributions in the 2024–25 Season
Champions League Success with Dortmund
Haaland’s European dominance continued at Dortmund. In the 2020/21 season, he finished as the Champions League’s top scorer with 10 goals, despite Dortmund not reaching the final. His ability to score against the biggest clubs, including PSG and Manchester City, made him a true global star. His iconic meditation goal celebration became a signature image of his confidence and mentality.
First Matches for Norway’s National Team
Haaland made his debut for Norway’s senior national team in September 2019 and scored his first international goal in 2020. His incredible finishing ability quickly made him Norway’s biggest hope for future success.
Leading Norway in the Nations League & World Cup Qualifiers
Haaland showcased his dominance in the UEFA Nations League, finishing as the competition’s top scorer in 2020/21.
National hat-trick
He continued his goal-scoring streak in Norway’s World Cup qualifiers, netting a hat-trick against Gibraltar and crucial goals against stronger opponents. Although Norway failed to qualify for the tournament, Haaland had proven that he could deliver on the international stage.
Read also: The Greatest Individual Premier League Seasons – Ranked
The Blockbuster Move to Manchester City
After years of speculation, Haaland made the highly anticipated move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022. Pep Guardiola had long wanted a prolific striker, and Haaland was the perfect fit.
Massive expectations
His transfer to the Premier League was one of the most talked-about deals in football history, with massive expectations placed on his shoulders.
A Record-Breaking Debut Season at Manchester City
He scored an astonishing 52 goals in 53 appearances, including 36 goals in the Premier League, which set a new record for the most goals in a single Premier League season. His goals helped City secure a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Champions League Triumph
Manchester City’s long-awaited Champions League victory in 2023 was a defining moment in the club’s history. While Haaland didn’t score in the final, his presence and contributions throughout the tournament were instrumental. With 12 goals in the competition, he once again finished as the top scorer in Europe’s biggest club tournament.
Read also: Top 20 Brits Abroad in the 2024-25 Season – Ranked
Records and Milestones – A New Era
Haaland has already shattered numerous records.
Fastest to reach 10,20 and 30, Champions League goals.
He became the fastest player to reach 10, 20, and 30 Champions League goals and the youngest to score 35 goals in the competition. He also surpassed Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a single Premier League season. At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
Haaland’s Life Off the Pitch
Although Haaland is known for his goal-scoring exploits, his lifestyle off the pitch is just as fascinating. He is highly disciplined, focusing intensely on his training, nutrition, and sleep routine. His dedication to recovery and conditioning is almost scientific. With major sponsorship deals, including Nike, he has become a global marketing icon, but his primary focus remains on football.
Before his football career took off, Haaland was part of a group called Flow Kings.
Eats 6,000 Calories a Day
Haaland follows a strict diet that includes substantial portions of meat, such as liver and heart, which he considers “superfoods” for muscle development.
Lifetime Contract with Manchester City
In January 2025, Erling Haaland signed a contract with Manchester City that will keep him at the club until 2034. It is the longest contract in Premier League history and also makes Haaland, by far, the highest-paid player in the league. He earns £27.3 million per year.
If you want more content like this, make sure to follow us on MSN.
