Erling Haaland is a Norwegian soccer sensation. According to OK Manchester City, he boasts an impressive net worth of $40 million. Known for his incredible speed, athleticism, and goal-scoring abilities, Haaland has quickly risen to prominence in football, becoming one of the sport’s most recognizable names. His sharp finishing and unique playing style have made him a standout player.
Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, England, on July 21, 2000, although his parents are Norwegian. His father, Alfie Haaland, played for Leeds United in the Premier League, while his mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a competitive heptathlete. At the age of three, Haaland’s family moved back to Norway, settling in Bryne.
Haaland’s interest in sports was evident from a young age. Besides soccer, he dabbled in handball, golf, and track and field. However, soccer remained his main focus, and by the age of five, he began training with the Bryne Football Academy, his local club.
Haaland’s football journey took off during the 2015-2016 season when he joined Bryne’s reserve team, making a significant impact by scoring 18 goals in 14 matches. By 2016, he secured a spot with Bryne’s first team. His potential was soon recognized by top clubs, and he had a trial with German team 1899 Hoffenheim before joining Molde in 2017. Haaland’s debut season with Molde saw him net four goals in 20 appearances.
The 2018 season was even more remarkable as Haaland became Molde’s top scorer and helped them defeat league leaders Brann. He was awarded the Eliteserien Breakthrough of the Year award, cementing his status as a rising star.
In January 2019, Haaland joined Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he impressed in the Austrian Cup and UEFA Champions League, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. His performances caught the eye of bigger clubs, and in December 2019, Borussia Dortmund signed him to a contract.
Haaland’s debut with Dortmund in January 2020 was nothing short of extraordinary. He scored a hat-trick in just 23 minutes, becoming the second player in Dortmund’s history to do so. His remarkable start continued as he scored five goals in his first two Bundesliga matches, an achievement no player had matched before. That season, Haaland finished with 44 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
During the 2020-2021 season, Haaland continued to shine, reaching his 100th career goal in just 146 appearances. He also won several accolades, including the Bundesliga Player of the Season and the Champions League top scorer award.
The 2021-2022 season began with promise as Haaland scored a hat-trick in the DFB-Pokal. However, a series of injuries kept him sidelined for parts of the season. In May 2022, it was announced that Haaland would be leaving Borussia Dortmund to join Premier League giants Manchester City after they triggered his release clause.
On the international stage, Haaland has made a significant impact with the Norway national team. He helped the U-19 team qualify for the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and scored nine goals in a single match at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He later advanced to Norway’s senior squad, where he became a key player, scoring his first international goal in 2020 and a hat-trick against Romania later that year.
Even at a young age, Haaland is already considered one of the best footballers globally. His ability to score goals, coupled with his speed, agility, and creativity, has earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players. His impact on the pitch is undeniable, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Haaland comes from a family of athletes. His cousin, Jonatan Braut Nrunes, made history as the youngest player to appear for Bryne at just 15, while another cousin, Albert Tjaland, also plays soccer.
In his spare time, Haaland enjoys meditation. His hobbies even extend to music—he gained some YouTube fame in 2016 when he released a song called “Kygo Jo” as part of a group called Flow Kingz, which has since garnered millions of views.
