'I'm still the same Erling Haaland and that will never change' | OneFootball

‘It’s the same Erling Haaland – but with more experience.’

That’s the explanation from City’s record-breaking goal scorer behind his extraordinary exploits so far this season.

Even by his own lofty standards, the Norwegian has enjoyed an incredible first few months across the 2025/26 campaign both for City and Norway.

Ahead of Wednesday’s latest UEFA Champions League clash at home to Borussia Dortmund, the 25-year-old has plundered 26 goals already for club and country, the latest brace coming in last Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win at home Bournemouth.

However, addressing the media at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Etihad clash with his former club, Haaland insisted that underneath that extraordinary exterior, he remained the same humble, hard working individual who emerged from Bryne, Norway.

“I’ve been the completely same person for as long as I can remember. Nothing has changed,” Haaland declared.

“I’m still the same kid in some situations; I’m still the same kid from Bryne but with much more experience in life.

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“I’m more experienced of course, I’ve been playing at a professional level since I was 16.

“So [I have] much more experience in football and in life.

“I’ve been living alone for nine years which also helped me a lot as a person as well.

“I’ve been living in different countries, speaking different languages.

“It’s the same Erling, but with more experience.

“I’m a Norwegian guy and I should not think I am something just because I’m scoring goals. It's as simple as that.

“I’m just Erling and this will never change.”

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One big change that has happened for the City striker over the past year is the fact that he has became a father.

Together with partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen, the pair are proud parents to a baby boy.

And Haaland admitted becoming a Dad had helped provide a more rounded look on life for him away from the pressures of the pitch.

“It has changed my life, definitely.  Without a doubt,” Haaland added.

“Suddenly there’s someone waking you up every morning.

“Before it was different. It got me more focused because I can switch off even more.

“You need the balance between focusing and doing the complete opposite - not focusing at all.”