When Erling Haaland steps onto the Etihad pitch this weekend, he'll face a club that holds a unique place in his heart. The Manchester City superstar prepares to confront Leeds United, but this is no ordinary Premier League fixture for the Norwegian goal machine.
The Leeds connection runs deep
Erling Haaland was born in Leeds on July 21, 2000, during a pivotal period in his family's life. His father, Alfie Haaland, had just completed a £2.5 million transfer from Leeds to Manchester City when mother Gry Marita Braut went into labour. Though Alfie departed Elland Road, the family remained in Leeds, where the senior Haaland had achieved cult status among supporters.
The bond between the Haaland family and Leeds supporters was cemented during a memorable 1997 clash with Manchester United. Alfie Haaland's involvement in an incident that saw Roy Keane suffer cruciate ligament damage secured his place in Leeds folklore. Young Erling became an instant fan of the club, spending his first three years idolising Norwegian midfielder Erik Bakke.
A childhood fan with lasting loyalty
Haaland's childhood bedroom featured posters of Leeds teams and he owned a replica shirt with Bakke's name printed on the back. Though the family relocated to Norway in 2003 when Alfie signed for Bryne, the connection to Leeds never faded.
The striker's affection for his birthplace club has manifested in numerous ways throughout his professional career. After the 2022/23 fixtures were announced, Haaland texted then-Leeds manager Jesse Marsch expressing excitement about City's Christmas period match against them. When he scored twice in City's 3-1 victory, Haaland pointedly refused to celebrate out of respect for Leeds.
Modern demonstrations of enduring affection
Further evidence emerged when Haaland specifically requested to swap shirts with Leeds favourite Stuart Dallas following a Norway versus Northern Ireland international. Dallas recalled the moment: "He walked behind me and asked about swapping shirts. I thought he meant inside, but he shouted at me and asked to do it now. We did it and then he leaned into me and said, 'Marching on together!'"
Perhaps most telling was Haaland's declaration in 2019 while at RB Salzburg: "I want to be the best possible. The dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds." Though this remains unrealised, Leeds supporters maintain hope that one day they might see another Haaland wearing their famous white shirt.
The striker's British citizenship meant he qualified to represent England internationally, but by age 21 he had already represented Norway nearly 20 times. Haaland reflected: "You never know how it would be had my father played longer in England. Maybe I would be English, I don't know. But I'm Norwegian and proud of it."
Despite his global superstardom and relentless goal-scoring for Manchester City, Haaland has never forgotten his Leeds roots. He returns to Elland Road frequently as both player and spectator, maintaining a connection that transcends typical football rivalries. As he prepares to face the club he once dreamed of leading to glory, that lifelong bond remains unbroken.
