Haaland: I’m Still Far Off Messi and Ronaldo’s Level

“Far Off”: Haaland Plays Down Messi-Ronaldo Comparisons

Despite another prolific season, Erling Haaland insists he’s nowhere near the historic heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 25-year-old Manchester City forward, who has already scored 26 goals this season for club and country, says he has “no interest” in chasing personal records—and refuses to compare himself with football’s two modern giants.

“No, not at all. I am far off,” Haaland said when asked about Messi and Ronaldo.

“Nobody can get close to those two—so, no.”

How Haaland Stacks Up

• Current Career Goals: 327

• Champions League Goals: 53 in 51 matches (fastest ever to 50)

• Premier League Goals: 98 in 107 games

• Most Prolific Season: 56 goals (2022–23)

Meanwhile:

• Lionel Messi: 892 goals (age 38)

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 952 goals (age 40), targeting 1,000 career goals

While Haaland is blitzing records at club and international level, he believes comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo are premature and unrealistic.

“Records Are the Last Thing On My Mind”

Despite being on course to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of fastest to 100 goals (124 games), Haaland insists records don’t drive him.

“Which record? Not to sound arrogant!” he joked.

“Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind. I try to help the team win football games—that is my job.”

The Norwegian is expected to break the 100-goal milestone this season and has been tipped to chase Shearer’s all-time PL record of 260 goals.

But Haaland says he’s not counting.

World Cup Ambitions with Norway

Beyond club football, Haaland’s personal ambition is clear:

“My goal is to take Norway to a World Cup and Euros.”

Norway have not featured at a World Cup since 1998, two years before Haaland was born.

He’s now spearheading the national side’s best chance at qualification in decades.

The Robot Mentality? Still Just “Erling”

Despite being nicknamed the “robot” due to his lethal efficiency, Haaland says he’s still grounded.

“I’m still the same kid from Bryne, just with more life experience.”

“I shouldn’t think I’m something just because I’m scoring goals. I’m just Erling.”

Even with Champions League titles, Premier League dominance, and goal numbers unseen at his age, Haaland says he’s only focused on improving.

“I’m developing well. I’m in a good place, I take care of myself, and I’m definitely getting better as a striker.”

Final Word

As Manchester City prepare to face Borussia Dortmund, his former club, Haaland is on track to match—or even surpass—his 2022-23 total of 56 goals.

But don’t expect him to start counting.

“I know it’s boring. I know you want me to say the opposite. But that’s not how it is.”

In a world obsessed with legacy and numbers, Erling Haaland’s refusal to chase glory off the pitch may be exactly why he’s headed for it on it.