Erling Haaland, 26: The Norwegian and Manchester City striker’s best goals

Few people in modern football fear defending the opposition like Erling Haaland.

Since bursting onto the European stage as a prodigiously gifted youngster, the Norwegian has made light work of rewriting the goalscoring books across Germany, England and continental competition.

Combining explosive pace, ferocious power and an insatiable appetite for goals, the Manchester City striker has earned himself the most lethal finish of his generation.

Whether it’s the tyranny of centre-backs on the ball or the seamless movement around helpless goalkeepers, the brilliant striker produces moments of pure athletic brilliance.

Having already broken a number of domestic and European milestones with fearsome efficiency, his incredible goal-scoring rate continues to defy modern thinking.

From acrobatic volleys to thunderous long-range hits, these are iconic moments that best embody the incomparable phenomenon of goal-scoring.

As he celebrates his 26th birthday, Sports mole takes a look back at Haaland’s best strikes from a remarkable career so far.

5. Attempt driven by Erling Haaland vs. Romania (UEFA Nations League, 2020)

While Haaland has scored better goals, it would be a mistake not to include one of his 62 in Norway.

After receiving a pass from Alexander Sorloth, Haaland held off defenders Alin Tosca and Andrei Burca before expertly firing past Ciprian Tatarusanu inside the penalty area.

It was the Vikings’ sixth and Haaland’s third goals in that 4-0 United Nations win over Romania, completing his hat-trick in style.

4. Erling Haaland thunderbolt vs. Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League, 2019-20)

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Haaland’s second goal vs PSG ?? – Champions League, 18 Feb 2020! #ball #soccer #rocket

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In his Champions League debut for Borussia Dortmund in February 2020, Haaland scored a stunning long-range header against Paris Saint-Germain.

Just two minutes after Neymar equalized for PSG, 19-year-old Haaland received a quick pass from Gio Reyna during BVB’s breakaway.

Standing around 20 yards out, Haaland took one touch before unleashing a ferocious left-footed rocket past Keylor Navas.

The ball flew with unstoppable power, ringing into the top corner of Navas’ net before the shot-stopper could even dive, securing an unforgettable 2-1 Champions League victory.

3. Erling Haaland’s bicycle kick vs. Southampton (Premier League, 2022-23)

Another strike from @ErlingHaaland at Southampton! ??

Get voting ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vOsd28bGQ4

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 4, 2023

Haaland scored a spectacular acrobatic bicycle kick for Manchester City against Southampton in April 2023.

In the 68th minute, Jack Grealish floated a soft, volleying cross into the penalty area, and from about eight yards out, Haaland connected cleanly with a high left-footed kick that flew into the bottom corner.

The stunning finish marked his 30th Premier League goal of the campaign and prompted manager Pep Guardiola to compare the striker to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

2. Erling Haaland’s acrobatic goal vs. Schalke (Bundesliga, 2020-21)

@goalindonesia Ada voli acrobatik Haaland! What are the 5 best goals in Schalke 04? Borussia Dortmund ?#Bundesliga #Revierderby ♬ original audio – GoalIndonesia – GOAL Indonesia

Erling Haaland’s stunning goal against Schalke came in February 2021, as Borussia Dortmund secured a 4-0 victory in the Ruhr derby.

From the inside left channel, Jadon Sancho sent a direct, waist-high ball into the penalty area, and Haaland adjusted his feet, went through the air and hit a scissor-kick volley towards the bottom corner.

The goal doubled Dortmund’s lead to 2-0 just before the half-time whistle, swinging the momentum in BVB’s favour.

Haaland later added a second goal in the 79th minute to complete his brace.

1. Erling Haaland mid-air kung fu volley vs. Borussia Dortmund (Champions League, 2022-23)

Erling Haaland vs Dortmund? pic.twitter.com/NUo6QpARwv

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 22, 2023

Haaland scored an unforgettable acrobatic goal against his former club, Borussia Dortmund, in September 2022.

Towards the end of the club’s Champions League game, Joao Cancelo delivered a direct, off-the-boot effort towards the back post.

Showing incredible flexibility, Haaland launched his massive frame nearly six feet into the air. With his back against the net, he raised his left foot and hit the ball with the outside of his boot, deflecting it past the keeper.

A stunning kung-fu style volley completed the 2-1 comeback and won UEFA’s Goal of the Season.