Erling Haaland has downplayed his rivalry with Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Norway's World Cup last-16 clash against Brazil on Sunday. The Manchester City striker and Arsenal defender have developed a fierce rivalry in the Premier League, but Haaland was full of praise for the centre-back.
Haaland Praises Gabriel and Brazil
Speaking to Caze TV, Haaland said: 'Yeah, he's an amazing player, he just won the Premier League so all respect to him.' He also highlighted the quality of the Brazil squad: 'Don't forget Marquinhos won the Champions League two in a row, don't forget Alisson has won every single trophy, so it's not just him. The whole team is really good and the defence is really good.'
Haaland added: 'If you are Brazil, and you have 200 million people to choose from – not exactly that – but if you have a lot of people to choose from you should have Champions League winners, you should have Premier League winners, and you should have the best players in the world, because it's Brazil.'
Background of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Haaland and Gabriel began in September 2024 when Haaland celebrated a late Manchester City equaliser against Arsenal by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel's head. It escalated in February 2025 when Gabriel screamed in Haaland's face after an Arsenal goal, and in April 2026, Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card after appearing to headbutt Haaland during City's 2-1 win.
Ancelotti and Brazil's Plan
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti remained relaxed about facing Haaland, who has scored five goals in Norway's four World Cup matches so far. 'I don't have to explain to my defenders how Haaland plays. They know him better than I do because they have played against him many times,' Ancelotti said.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes revealed Brazil's strategy: 'We have to try to prevent the ball from reaching him. We will be attacking, but there always has to be someone glued to him so we don't give him space, because we know that with just one ball he can decide a match.'
Gabriel's Father Weighs In
Gabriel's father commented on the battles between his son and Haaland on ESPN's Equipe F: 'He's used to playing against Haaland. The two of them clash and I keep saying "Good heavens!" He's used to playing against Haaland, against several other Premier League strikers, where there are many strikers of Haaland's calibre. Wow, the two of them go at it, I watch and think "Goodness gracious, thank goodness Gabriel is strong". Because Haaland is very strong and to mark him you have to be a strong guy like Gabriel.'
