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The Economic Times
The Economic Times

Erling Haaland: Meet Norwegian footballer called the Striking Viking - Rapper, yoga enthusiast and football's deadliest forward who knocked Brazil out of the FIFA World Cup

Erling Haaland Fifa Brazil World Cup Football AlfInge Haaland Manchester City Norway

Brazil came to the FIFA World Cup 2026 dreaming of another title. Instead, they ran into football's biggest nightmare — Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City superstar produced another devastating masterclass, scoring twice in the closing minutes as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals. Haaland struck in the 79th and 90th minutes in East Rutherford, New Jersey, taking his tournament tally to seven goals — level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Also Read: FIFA knockout schedule

But who exactly is the towering striker fans have nicknamed "The Striking Viking"?

Interesting facts about Erling Haaland

Born in England, chose Norway: Haaland was born in Leeds, England, on July 21, 2000, while his father Alf-Inge Haaland played for Leeds United. Despite being eligible to represent England, he chose to play for Norway, saying, "I'm Norwegian and I'm proud of it."

Nine goals in one FIFA match: At the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Haaland scored an incredible nine goals in Norway's 12-0 demolition of Honduras. Those were his only goals of the tournament, yet he still finished as the competition's top scorer.

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