The last time Norway stood at a World Cup, Erling Haaland had not yet drawn his first breath. Now, 23 years on, he has dragged them back — and into the quarter-finals, no less — with seven goals in four matches at this tournament alone.

The path that led him here began in Leeds, where he was born in 2000 while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was finishing his time at Leeds United before a move to Manchester City. Three years later, the family relocated to Bryne in Norway following Alf-Inge's career-ending injury, and that decision shaped everything that followed.

From Bryne to global superstardom

Scouts at Norwegian club Bryne noticed Haaland's gifts early in his teens, fast-tracking him through the youth ranks. A move to Molde — then managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — helped mould him into an attacking force. Solskjaer has since spoken openly about his regret at not being able to bring Haaland to Manchester United when he managed the club.

After shining at Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland truly announced himself on the world stage at Borussia Dortmund, where he forged a close friendship with England's Jude Bellingham. His 2022 transfer to Manchester City felt almost predetermined, given his father's own connection to the club and Haaland's well-documented love of English football.

Yet despite winning every honour club football can offer at City, and reaching a level of fame that draws comparison to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Haaland has never stopped returning to Norway. He owns properties across the country, frequents his small hometown in Rogaland, and makes himself available to the Norwegian press whenever he represents the national team.