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Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific goal scorers in modern football and has set Premier League scoring records since joining Manchester City in 2022.

Early life and youth career

Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, England, while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United. He developed in Norway before entering senior football with Bryne and later Molde. He began his senior career in Norway with Bryne and Molde before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.

Club career

Haaland’s breakthrough came at Red Bull Salzburg, followed by a prolific spell at Borussia Dortmund and a transfer to Manchester City in 2022. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and later transferred to Manchester City in July 2022. In his first Premier League season, he broke the league record for goals in a single season with 36 goals. He won major trophies with Manchester City, including the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 2023. He signed a long-term contract extension with Manchester City in January 2025, keeping him at the club until 2034.

International career

Haaland represents Norway at senior level and has established himself as one of the country’s leading goalscorers. He has been a regular Norway international and is noted for his high goalscoring rate, with his international record drawing attention for its scoring efficiency.

Playing style and recognition

Haaland is known for his pace, strength, positioning and finishing. He is widely described as one of the best strikers of his generation and has won major individual and team honours.

Key facts

  • Haaland began his senior career in Norway with Bryne and Molde before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.
  • He set the Premier League record for goals in a single season with 36 goals in 2022–23.
  • He won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League with Manchester City in 2023.
  • He signed a contract extension with Manchester City until 2034.
  • He is a regular Norway international with a high goalscoring rate.
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Canadian context

Haaland is well known to Canadian soccer audiences through UEFA Champions League and Premier League coverage, and his record-breaking scoring at Manchester City has made him a frequent reference point in North American sports media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Erling Haaland?
Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional football striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team.
When was Erling Haaland born?
He was born on 21 July 2000 in Leeds, England.
Which clubs has Haaland played for?
He has played senior football for Bryne, Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.
What records has Haaland set?
He set the Premier League record for most goals in a single season with 36 in 2022–23.
What position does Haaland play?
He plays as a striker or centre-forward.
Has Haaland won major trophies?
Yes. With Manchester City, he was part of the club’s 2023 treble-winning season, including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erling_Haaland
    Supports: Early senior clubs and move to Red Bull Salzburg.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Erling-Haaland
    Supports: Biography, Manchester City tenure, Premier League scoring record, and 2025 contract extension.
  3. The Athletic / The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/fifa-world-cup-stars-of-soccer-2026/player/erling-haaland-norway-forward/
    Supports: Birthplace, Norway international scoring record, and profile information.
  4. Manchester Cityhttps://www.mancity.com/players/erling-haaland
    Supports: Club history, transfer to Manchester City, contract extension, and honours at Dortmund and City.
  5. The Sport Reviewhttps://www.thesportreview.com/biography/erling-haaland/
    Supports: Career timeline including Bryne, Molde, Salzburg, Dortmund and Manchester City.
  6. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/253989/erling-haaland
    Supports: Birthdate, nationality, position, club and physical profile.
  7. BBC Newsroundhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51560720
    Supports: Premier League goals record, hat-trick achievements, and transfer to Manchester City.
  8. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erling_Haaland
    Supports: Manchester City treble season note.