The Manchester City star set a new Norway record after eclipsing the previous highest number from 1934
Erling Haaland continues to smash records after the Manchester City star made history, netting a brace in Norway’s 3-0 Nations League victory over Slovenia, officially becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer with 34 goals.
Haaland surpassed the long-standing record set by Norwegian football legend Joergen Juve, whose 33-goal mark had stood unchallenged for nearly 90 years.
Haaland shines as captain, breaks Juve's record
With Norway’s captain, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard sidelined due to injury, Haaland embraced the captaincy role and delivered a stunning performance.
His first goal came in the 7th minute when he pounced on a loose ball after Jan Oblak parried a fierce shot from Antonio Nusa. This goal drew him level with Juve’s 33-goal record, which had stood since 1934.
Despite missing a chance early in the second half, Haaland remained a constant threat, linking up play and putting his teammates in dangerous positions.
In the 62nd minute, a perfect pass from Alexander Sorloth allowed Haaland to blast in a left-footed finish, making him Norway's outright top scorer with 34 goals in just 36 international appearances; nine fewer games than it took Juve to reach his tally.
Haaland reacts to Norway record, eyes international tournament berth
Speaking after his historic achievement, Haaland expressed his joy, saying, “It is big and historic. I’m happy, and it’s a fantastic record to achieve. I have many years left, and I’m enjoying myself.”
With the win, Norway now tops League B Group 3 in the Nations League with seven points, three clear of Austria and Slovenia.
Despite their wealth of talent, Norway hasn’t qualified for a major tournament since Euro 2000, but with Haaland leading the way, optimism is high that the drought could soon come to an end.
“We executed our game plan perfectly,” Haaland said after the match, where he announced that he was expecting a child, adding, “It feels great to have this much energy on the field again, and I’m proud to break a record that has stood for so long.”
Next, Norway faces a tough challenge with an away trip to Austria, where Haaland will aim to extend his record and lead his team closer to international glory.