Celebrating the ‘Norwegian Goal Machine’
Erling Braut Haaland, the Norwegian striker redefining modern football, was born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England . His birthplace holds significance as his father, Alfie Haaland, a former Premier League player for Leeds and Manchester City, was active there during his career.
A Phenomenal Career So Far
Early Beginnings:
Haaland began his youth career at Bryne FK in Norway, where his raw talent—blending explosive speed, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing—quickly emerged. By age 17, he made his professional debut for Bryne in the Norwegian second tier .
Breakthrough at Red Bull Salzburg:
In 2019, Haaland joined Salzburg and became a global sensation. In the 2019-20 season, he scored 29 goals in 27 games, including a historic 9-goal haul against Honduras at the U-20 World Cup . His performances earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund and the Rise to Stardom:
At Dortmund, Haaland continued his goal-scoring rampage. In 89 appearances, he netted 86 goals, averaging nearly a goal per game. Highlights included a Champions League hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain and winning the 2020-21 Bundesliga Player of the Year .
Manchester City Era:
Since joining City in 2022, Haaland has shattered records. In his debut season (2022-23), he scored 36 Premier League goals—a new single-season record—and helped City achieve the Continental Treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League) . By 2024, he had already amassed 124 goals in 146 games for the club, solidifying his status as one of the greatest forwards of all time .
Awards and Honors
UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2023)
Golden Boot (2023, 2024)
