Erling Haaland, the dynamic striker for Manchester City, has recently downplayed comparisons to football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, recognizing the incredible achievements that define their illustrious careers. At just 25 years old, the Norwegian has made a significant mark since his arrival at City, scoring 26 goals across all competitions by early November, bringing his impressive career total to 327 goals. However, Haaland is aware that he has a long journey ahead if he wishes to reach Messi’s towering 892 goals or Ronaldo’s near 1,000 goals, as the latter currently stands at 952.
In a candid response to questions regarding his standing alongside these football greats, Haaland stated, “No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no.” He emphasizes that his priority lies in contributing to Manchester City’s victories rather than fixating on surpassing existing records. After a groundbreaking debut season that saw him net 56 goals, he is poised to potentially surpass that mark this year given his current scoring pace.
As Haaland prepares to duel with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, he is nearing a remarkable milestone with 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances, putting him within reach of Alan Shearer’s record of 100 goals in 124 matches. Shearer himself has remarked that Haaland possesses an exceptional chance to break that record, reflecting the high level of expectations surrounding the young forward.
Despite acknowledging Shearer’s remarkable achievements, Haaland maintains that he is not preoccupied with individual records. “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,” he noted.
Beyond club aspirations, Haaland has also expressed a strong desire to elevate Norway’s national team to major tournaments, aiming for a spot in the World Cup and European Championships. He highlighted the importance of this goal, particularly as Norway seeks to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Demonstrating a robust commitment to personal growth, Haaland believes he is “definitely getting better,” further showcasing his dedication to refining his skills while maintaining a humble demeanor. His recent performances have only fueled optimism about his future contributions, not only for Manchester City but also for Norway’s aspirations on the international stage. As fans and analysts alike look forward to what lies ahead in Haaland’s promising career, the football community remains buoyed by his potential and the exciting moments to come.