Erling Haaland— the name always at the top of the list when you think of goal-scoring machines. This man is known for his raw strength, superb speed, and clinical finishing, becoming a defining figure in modern football. In this Erling Haaland biography, we will guide you through his journey from a child prodigy in Norway to a global superstar at Manchester City.
Early Life & Athletic Start
Erling was born in Leeds, England, on July 21, 2000. Alf-Inge Haaland, his father, was playing in the Premier League. When Erling was three years old, the family relocated to Bryne, Norway, where he started participating in a variety of sports. Interestingly, he set a standing long jump record of 1.63 meters at the age of five.
At the age of five, he started playing football in the Bryne FK academy. He made his senior debut minutes before his sixteenth birthday and showed promise early on, scoring 18 goals in 14 reserve games.
Rise Through Norway: Bryne & Molde
Erling Haaland played for Bryne’s first team in Norway’s lower division from 2015 to 2016. Further, he joined Molde FK in 2017, where, under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, he scored 14 goals in 39 league games.
EU Breakthrough: Red Bull Salzburg
In January 2019, Erling Haaland became a member of Red Bull Salzburg. He also became the youngest teenager to score in five consecutive Champions League group games, scoring 17 goals in just 16 Austrian Bundesliga appearances. At the 2019 U-20 World Cup, he scored nine goals in one game and was awarded the Golden Boot.
Record‑Breaker: Borussia Dortmund
In January 2020, Haaland joined Borussia Dortmund for about €20 million. He exploded onto the scene, having scored a hat-trick inside the first 23 minutes of his debut and managing to score 62 league goals in just 67 appearances. He would secure the league’s Player of the Season of 2020–21 in addition to winning many monthly awards.
Premier League Phenomenon: Manchester City
In July 2022, Manchester City activated his €60 million release clause, signing him to a five‑year deal. In his debut 2022–23 season, Haaland made history by:
- Scoring 36 Premier League goals in 35 games, setting a new single‑season record
- Helping City secure a continental treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League)
- Winning the Golden Boot, European Golden Shoe, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, and Gerd Müller Trophy
- Breaking multiple Premier League records, including fastest to two, three, four, five hat‑tricks, and first to score three consecutive home league hat‑tricks.
In 2023–24, he continued his dominance with another Golden Boot and 27 league goals, despite injury setbacks.
Norway’s All‑Time Top Scorer
Haaland debuted for the Norway senior team on September 5, 2019. By October 10, 2024, he became Norway’s all‑time leading scorer with 34 goals, breaking a record that had stood since 1937, and now boasts 42 goals in 43 matches.
Personal Life & Background
Standing at around 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in), Haaland combines size with agility. Son of former professional footballer Alf‑Inge Haaland and athlete Gry Marita Braut, he maintains a simple, disciplined lifestyle off the pitch. Since October 2024, he’s been in a relationship with childhood friend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, and they welcomed their first child in December 2024
Trophies & Accolades
- Golden Boy (2020)
- Bundesliga Player of the Season (2020–21)
- Premier League Golden Boot (2022–23, 2023–24)
- European Golden Shoe (2022–23)
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2022–23)
- Gerd Müller Trophy (2023)
- Named to the FIFA FIFPro World11 from 2021 through 2024
Why Fans Adore Erling Haaland
Haaland’s combination of physical prowess, clinical finishing, and humility makes him a fan favorite worldwide. He remains grounded and laser-focused, whether scoring on the biggest stage or caring for his newborn.
Conclusion
This Erling Haaland biography shows the journey of a boy from Bryne who became a football powerhouse through talent and dedication. With record after record, Haaland continues to shape football history—and the best is likely yet to come.
Also read: Kylian Mbappé Biography
FAQs
When and where was Erling Haaland born?
July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England
Which clubs has he represented?
Bryne FK, Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City
What records has Haaland broken?
Premier League single-season goals (36); fastest to multiple hat-tricks; Norway’s top scorer; teenage Champions League record.
Does Haaland have a family?
He has a daughter born in December 2024 with partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen.
