Erling Haaland is set to lead Norway against England in a World Cup quarter-final this Saturday night. The 25-year-old Manchester City striker, who scored a brace in Norway's historic 2-1 win over Brazil in the previous round, has seven goals in the tournament and is chasing the golden boot. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, are favourites but must not underestimate the Scandinavian side.
Haaland's 'Five Girlfriends' Comment at Red Bull Salzburg
In 2019, while at Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland made a now-famous comment about his 'five girlfriends' being key to his success. He was actually referring to the five match balls he had collected for each hat-trick he scored. He told Dagbladet: "I sleep with the five balls that I have for each hat-trick I scored. I lie in bed and I feel good with them. They are my girlfriends." Haaland netted 28 goals in 22 appearances for Salzburg that season. His actual girlfriend is Isabel Haugseng Johansen, his long-term partner with whom he shares a home in Cheshire and has a son.
Labelled a 'Burden' at Borussia Dortmund
Haaland moved to Borussia Dortmund in December 2019 and scored 86 goals in 89 appearances. In summer 2022, he joined Manchester City for £85.5m. Dortmund's then-sporting director Sebastian Kehl said Haaland had become a "burden in the dressing room". Kehl stated: "As much as we always liked Erling, and as successful as he was with us – in the end the topic also became a certain burden in the dressing room, at the club and in the environment. Almost everything simply focused on him in the outside world and covered up many BVB issues." He added that Haaland's departure was "ultimately the right one for both sides".
Haaland's Current Net Worth at Manchester City
In January 2025, Haaland signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City, earning a basic salary of £500,000 per week, making him the Premier League's highest-paid player. Forbes estimated his net worth at $80m (£60m) as of May 2026. He also earns from commercial partnerships with Beats by Dre, Breitling, Dolce and Gabbana, Supercell, Visa, and a boot sponsorship with Nike.
