Jamie Carragher has declared that Erling Haaland will go down as the greatest goalscorer in football history, a bold claim made after the Manchester City striker fired a brace to secure a 2-0 Champions League victory at Porto.

The double in Portugal lifted Haaland's City tally to 167 goals in 203 appearances, making him the club's third-highest scorer of all time. He now sits 93 goals behind all-time record-holder Sergio Aguero.

Across his career at top-flight level — for club and country — the 26-year-old has now netted 364 goals in 424 matches, a pace that has left pundits searching for comparisons.

Carragher's verdict

Speaking to CBS Sports after the Porto win, Carragher offered an unequivocal assessment: "I just can't see Haaland not scoring 1,000 goals or being the best goalscorer of all time."

"I've never seen anything like it in terms of goals and numbers, and it is every game — but because he does it so often, it does not feel that big. He has just scored two goals away from home in the Champions League — any other striker does that; it is an amazing night. It just feels like a normal night."

The former Liverpool and England defender added: "I just can't see how he does not end up being the greatest goalscorer or getting the most goals we have ever seen anybody get."

Champions League records in sight

Haaland has scored 42 goals in 39 appearances in the group stage and league phase of the Champions League since making his debut in the competition in 2019-20 — more than any other player across that span.

His tally now stands at 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances, and he needs just one more goal to surpass Aguero's record of 36 strikes and become Manchester City's all-time leading scorer in the competition.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli had no hesitation labelling Haaland a "monster" at his post-match press conference.

Haaland's own assessment

The Norway international, who has scored five goals in five appearances under new manager Enzo Maresca, felt he left chances behind at the Estádio do Dragão.

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Haaland said: "Amazing game against the champions of Portugal. We knew it was going to be a difficult fight, man against man. They're a top team — impressive, all of them. They play amazing football."

"Honestly, we controlled the whole first half. Of course, it's a bit uncomfortable when they come high. But we created a lot of chances. I could have easily had a few more goals."

He also stressed the importance of winning in Europe: "These are the games we have to win. We had a great start to the season, and in the Champions League, you have to win games. If not, you get all the pressure."

Manchester City now shift focus to the Premier League, where they travel to rivals Manchester United on Sunday.