Erling Haaland, the prolific striker for Manchester City, has recently dismissed comparisons to football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the immense stature of their enduring goal-scoring records. The 25-year-old Norwegian has made a remarkable impact since joining City, netting 26 goals across all competitions by the start of November, bringing his career total to 327. Despite his impressive tally, Haaland acknowledges that he still has a long way to go to match the feats of Messi, who holds 892 goals, and Ronaldo, who continues to chase 1,000 with 952 goals to his name.
When asked about his alignment with these football icons, Haaland stated firmly, “No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no.” His focus, he insists, remains on helping his team win games rather than fixating on records. The forward had a historic debut season at City, scoring 56 goals, and he is on track to outdo that mark this year if his current scoring rate continues.
As Haaland prepares to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, he stands at 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances, closing in on Alan Shearer’s record of 100 goals in the English top-flight, achieved in 124 matches. Shearer himself believes Haaland has a “brilliant chance” of breaking that record, showcasing the high expectations surrounding the young striker.
Haaland clarified that while he is aware of Shearer’s record contributions, thinking about such benchmarks is not his primary concern. His main focus is contributing to the team’s success, an ethos he has maintained throughout his career. He added, “I don’t really know any records but I know his (Shearer’s Premier League one). Again, it is not something I can think about. Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind; I try to help the team win football games.”
In addition to his club commitments, Haaland has expressed a desire to help Norway qualify for major tournaments, a significant goal for him as he aims to take his national team to World Cups and European Championships. He emphasized this ambition more poignantly, recognizing the importance of his role and the chance to guide Norway to their first World Cup since 1998.
With a strong sense of personal growth and development as a striker, Haaland declares he is “definitely getting better,” showcasing his commitment to improving his game while maintaining his humble approach. His recent performances further validate the optimism surrounding his future contributions, not only to Manchester City but to Norway’s football ambitions. As fans and pundits alike maintain hope in Haaland’s potential, the football community eagerly anticipates the moments that lie ahead in his young, dynamic career.