Erling Haaland has established himself as a goal machine at any level of football over the past few years.
He signed for Borussia Dortmund in January of last year and has now become one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and both Manchester clubs are reportedly battling it out for the 20-year-old’s signature, who became the fastest player ever to reach 20 Champions League goals last month.
Haaland’s remarkable list of sporting achievements, not just in football, seems to be one that’s ever-growing.
At the age of just five, he set a world record for the longest standing jump amongst people in his age group.
Earlier this year, he ran at a speed of over 36 km/h during a Bundesliga match, breaking the league’s season record.
They are just a couple of notable achievements by Haaland. Here are several more instances where he proved himself to be an animal on the pitch – and some of his highlights from off it as well:
Nine goals in one game (2019)
Before the U-20 World Cup back in 2019, Haaland was already making waves with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Norway’s clash against Honduras in the competition, though, shone his name in even brighter lights.
Both teams were already out of the tournament, having lost their opening two matches.
But that didn’t make what happened next any less remarkable. Haaland hammered in an unbelievable NINE goals in the game, as Norway ran out 12-0 winners.
Despite not playing another game in the tournament, and this being the only game he scored in, the Norwegian picked up the Golden Boot. Incredible.
Debut Dortmund hat-trick (2020)
It didn’t take too long for Haaland to make an impact upon signing for Borussia Dortmund in January 2020.
His debut came against Augsburg, coming off the bench in the 56th minute. Within three minutes, he had his first Dortmund goal.
11 minutes later, he had three.
The second one was a tap-in across the line, but the first and third strikes were exceptionally well-taken. Dortmund knew they had a star on their hands.
“Best goal I have ever scored” (2020)
As mentioned above, Haaland became the quickest ever player to reach 20 Champions League goals earlier this year. He reached the landmark in 14 appearances.
His finest strikes in the competition – in his own words – came against Paris Saint-Germain last March.
Having just equalised on 75 minutes, PSG were behind again just two minutes later when Haaland fired the ball into the top corner to restore Dortmund’s advantage. The German side would win the first leg of the last-16 tie 2-1.
Unfortunately for Haaland and Dortmund, they would exit the competition following PSG’s 2-0 win in the second leg at Parcs Des Princes. The Norwegian’s goal, however, remained one of the most memorable moments of the tie.
Just listen to the sound it makes. Unreal.
Crazy six minutes v Sevilla (2021)
In a bizarre sequence of events in last month’s Champions League last 16 tie against Sevilla, Haaland put the ball in the net twice and had a penalty saved within six minutes.
The first goal – which was ruled out by VAR – was vintage Haaland. He brushed aside defender Jules Kounde, took another touch and hammered the ball into the net from the tightest of angles.
Dortmund were then awarded a penalty for a earlier foul on the Norwegian, who stepped up and took the spot kick himself. He would see it saved by Yousuf Bounou, but that wasn’t the end of the story.
The referee pulled it back for a goalkeeper infringement, so Haaland got a second chance.
This time, he fired the ball home before shouting in the face of Bounou.
Bicycle kick v Schalke (2021)
Haaland is fully capable of pulling off the spectacular as well.
Receiving a cross from Jadon Sancho in the derby against Schalke, the 20-year-old set himself and produced an outrageous bicycle kick that whistled into the corner of the net.
He would go on to score again in the second half as Dortmund ran out 4-0 winners.
Hilarious interviews
Haaland doesn’t come across as if he enjoys being interviewed.
He generally doesn’t give too much away, replying with short or one-word answers. In one interview, after Dortmund’s 4-0 win over Schalke last May, he was asked by the reporter why the team walked over to the empty Yellow Wall after the game.
Haaland’s response? “Why not?”.
His interviews certainly make for interesting viewing.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
