Erling Haaland’s image now graces billboards nationwide, thanks to his inclusion as a character in his beloved video game, Clash of Clans.
Since his debut in the Premier League at the beginning of last season, Haaland has lived up to the high expectations, impressively netting 61 goals in a mere 63 matches for Manchester City.
How old is Erling Haaland?
23
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His remarkable performance has elevated him to the status of one of the world’s premier No. 9 players, and he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic Treble victory last season, including their first-ever Champions League title.
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Erling Haaland’s Dual Domination: From the Pitch to the Battlefield
Just last week, Erling Haaland made his debut in Clash of Clans, a globally popular mobile game boasting over 2 billion downloads since its inception. Now, billboards featuring Haaland’s face dot various locations in London, Liverpool, and Manchester.
At just 23 years old, Haaland has made gaming history as the first real-life person to inspire a character in the game. Dubbed the “Barbarian King,” he’s an integral part of the Supercell-created world, where players construct villages and engage in battles for supremacy.
Sharing a promotional ad, Haaland exclaimed, “From the pitch to the battlefield! I’m the new Barbarian King in Clash of Clans.” Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, he said, “It’s been tough keeping this under wraps, but I’m thrilled to finally share this epic partnership with Clash of Clans. Being a long-time fan of the game, I’m truly honored to feature as an in-game character.”
In a playful exchange, Honduran goalkeeper Jose Garcia joked about seeking revenge against Haaland in the game, referencing a past encounter where Haaland scored six goals against him during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “I’ve been waiting for my chance to get back at Erling Haaland for years, and now that I’ve seen he’s in Clash of Clans, I have my opportunity!” Garcia quipped.
Meanwhile, back on the field, Haaland continued his impressive form, netting four goals as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City trounced Wolves 5-1 on Sunday. With three games remaining in the domestic season, Haaland appears poised to clinch the Premier League Golden Boot for the second consecutive year, having already scored 25 goals.
Erling Haaland’s Award Snub: Insights into His Season Through Comparisons with Diogo Dalot’s Vote Tally
Transitioning from securing 82 percent of the vote to receiving no votes whatsoever within a year is a political shift even the Conservative Party would find remarkable. Erling Haaland, once the undisputed winner of the Footballer of the Year award in 2023, found himself without a single vote from the electorate in 2024. Yet, his stellar performance, exemplified by his four-goal haul against Wolves on Saturday, brought his season tally to 36 goals—a figure typically deserving of individual accolades.
Comparing Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess to past winners of such awards offers a perspective. Thierry Henry, for instance, earned nominations from football writers in seasons where he netted 32, 39, and 33 goals respectively. Mohamed Salah claimed his second award after striking 31 times in a campaign. Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie, and Wayne Rooney also secured accolades with goal tallies ranging from 31 to 37. While Haaland’s style differs slightly, with others often contributing more outside the penalty area and assisting goals, he stands out as a genuine No. 9 recipient of such honors, reminiscent of Alan Shearer’s win in 1993-94. The recent recipient, Phil Foden, who succeeded Haaland, reflects the trend of favoring players with flair.
Haaland’s achievements transcend statistics; he made history by becoming the first top-flight player in nearly a century to reach the milestone of 50 goals in a single season with his remarkable 52-goal haul last year. Thus, despite surpassing even Sergio Aguero’s best season tally for Manchester City, Haaland faces a unique standard—his own. His current tally of 36 goals may seem modest in comparison, but it’s a testament to the high bar he has set for himself.
Critics may argue that Haaland’s absence from the ballots of football journalists reflects more on the electorate than on his performance. Surprisingly, he found himself trailing behind Ross Barkley, John McGinn, and even Diogo Dalot—three rather unconventional choices. The striker who garnered the most support was Ollie Watkins, finishing fifth with 27 goals and 12 assists for the season. This marks a significant shift from the previous year when Haaland dominated the votes allocated to City players. Now, Phil Foden claimed the top spot, with Rodri securing third place.
This outcome holds merit. It’s conceivable that Pep Guardiola wouldn’t have selected Foden, despite his impressive tally of 24 goals. Rodri, on the other hand, might have been his preference. Both players have exhibited exceptional performances, a distinction Haaland has not consistently achieved. Interestingly, some of Foden’s standout displays occurred during periods when Haaland was sidelined due to injury. Notably, City’s defeats have occurred when Rodri was absent, rather than when Haaland was not in the lineup.
Rodri appears to be the antithesis of Haaland: consistently reliable compared to the Norwegian’s occasional fluctuations. This contrast is partly due to their respective positions on the field. A holding midfielder like Rodri is guaranteed a certain level of involvement in every match, whereas Haaland’s impact is often measured solely by his ability to find the back of the net with limited touches. However, Rodri has also earned a reputation for delivering in crucial moments, particularly in big games, despite not always reflected in his statistics. He boasts four assists against the Premier League’s top seven teams, crucial late goals against Chelsea, and a knack for rising to the occasion.
Critics argue that Haaland’s goal-scoring record lacks prowess against elite opponents. He has only managed to score once against Liverpool and none against the likes of Arsenal or Real Madrid, as well as Aston Villa and Tottenham (although he has faced each team only once so far). While many prolific strikers tend to excel against weaker teams, Haaland’s case seems more pronounced. However, in all competitions, he has netted four goals against teams currently in the top seven and seven against those in the upper half of the table. It’s noteworthy that eight of his 36 goals have come from penalties, a statistic that gains significance considering Manchester City’s previous struggles from the spot before his arrival.
