Erling Haaland: Humility Defines My Success

Haaland downplays record-breaking feats

Erling Haaland opens up about his record-breaking goals, humility, and Manchester City's upcoming match.

“I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team...”

Erling Haaland is staying grounded despite his incredible goal-scoring record for Manchester City. The Norwegian forward has warned opponents that he's still not done improving, despite his impressive stats. Haaland has netted 26 goals in 16 games for club and country this season, and he'll look to add to that tally when Manchester City faces Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Alan Shearer believes Erling Haaland will break his Premier League record if he stays fit. Haaland responded to the question about breaking his record for goals in a season, saying, “Not to sound arrogant, but which one?” The Norwegian forward has been impressive this season, scoring 26 goals in 16 games for club and country.

Erling 💬 (On the possibility of breaking the Premier League goalscorer record) I can’t think about records I can break. That’s the last thing I think of. I try to think about helping the team win football games. I know it’s boring but that’s how it is. pic.twitter.com/AxLwzt71Ah

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 4, 2025

Shearer thinks Haaland has the potential to break his record of 260 goals. Haaland has already shown his goal-scoring ability, netting 36 Premier League goals in the 2022/23 season, a record for a single campaign. When asked about Shearer's record, Haaland said, “I try to help the team win football games. That's my job and that's my main focus.”

Haaland's focus seems to be on helping Manchester City win games rather than individual records. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised Haaland, calling him a “real world-class player who is incredibly humble.” Haaland's impressive form has led many to believe he will break Shearer's record.

Erling 💬 (On his robot celebration) I think everyone knows why I did this. If you check my comment section on photos and videos, you will see. I never plan a celebration, I do it after I score because I don’t think you should plan anything like that. pic.twitter.com/jYLSODiOJ3

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 4, 2025

Erling Haaland holds the record for most goals scored in a single season for Manchester City, with 52 goals in the 2022/23 campaign. This achievement coincided with the club's historic treble win, securing the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. Specifically, Haaland's 36 Premier League goals that season set a new record for most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign.

Erling Haaland acknowledged he's having a good season but prioritizes team success over individual records. The towering striker is focused on helping Manchester City win rather than chasing personal milestones.

“I can't think about records I can break,” he said. “That's the last thing I think of. I try to help the team win football games. That's my job and that's my main focus.

“I know it's boring. I know you want me to say the complete opposite, but that's not how it is.”

In a scary message for his opponents, Haaland said he was improving as a player, adding that he had been working on his headers.

“I think you can always get better and better,” he said. “So there's something I try to practise still and you can see I'm getting better and better and there's still a long way to go.”

Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland, saying, “He is a real world-class player who is incredibly humble.” The City boss highlighted Haaland's exceptional talent and humility, noting that such qualities are rare among top players. Guardiola also emphasized Haaland's importance to the team, both on and off the pitch.

Erling 💬 (On Rayan Cherki) He’s a good guy with some amazing qualities as we can all see. It’s about, in the end, playing football to get the best out of everyone on the pitch. It’s the same with him... He has this special ability, which is difficult to explain, a little bit… pic.twitter.com/AuTeOpQ9is

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 4, 2025

Erling Haaland emphasized that becoming a father hasn't changed him, saying, “I'm still the same kid from Bryne but with much more experience in life... I'm the same Erling, and this will never change.” He credits his partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen and their baby son for helping him find balance and relaxation outside of football.

“I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team,” he said. “And that is difficult to find.

“He has this ability, talent, kindness, whatever you want to say. Of course he has to score goals, that's the best way to help us, that is perfectly clear, but he signed a contract for 10 years and he is involved in many things.”

“I'm still the same kid in some situations, and I'm still that kid from Bryne (in Norway), but with much more experience in life,” he said.

He doesn't stop 🤯📈

🩵 @ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/TpLgHRKN0G

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 4, 2025