Erling Haaland is a name that resonates with football fans around the world. Born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, Haaland has quickly become one of the most prolific strikers in modern football
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. Standing at an imposing 1.94 meters (6 ft 4 in), his physical presence on the field is matched only by his extraordinary goal-scoring ability
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Haaland’s journey began in Norway, where he played for Bryne FK and Molde FK before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria in 2019
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. His time in Salzburg was nothing short of spectacular, as he netted 17 goals in just 16 appearances
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. This remarkable performance caught the eye of Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, where he continued to shine, scoring 62 goals in 67 matches and winning the DFB-Pokal in 2021
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In the summer of 2022, Haaland made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a fee of €60 million (£51.2 million)
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. His impact was immediate and profound. In his debut Premier League season, he broke the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single season with 36 goals
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. His incredible form earned him the Premier League Golden Boot, the European Golden Shoe, and the Gerd Müller Trophy
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Haaland’s playing style is characterized by his speed, strength, positioning, and finishing inside the box
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. He is known for his ability to find the back of the net from almost any angle and his knack for scoring hat-tricks
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. His performances have not only broken records but also earned him numerous individual awards, including the 2020 Golden Boy award and multiple FIFA FIFPro World11 inclusions
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Off the field, Haaland’s life is just as fascinating. He is the son of Alf-Inge Haaland, a former professional footballer, and has a cousin, Jonatan Braut Brunes, who is also a professional footballer
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. Haaland’s dedication to his craft is evident in his rigorous training regimen and his commitment to continuous improvement.
In January 2025, Haaland signed a landmark new contract with Manchester City, committing most of his career to the club
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. This deal not only secures his future with the team but also highlights his importance to the squad
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. With his weekly salary now at £500,000, he is one of the highest-paid players in the world
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