Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has reached yet another remarkable career milestone, surpassing footballing icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe in the race to 50 international goals.
The 25-year-old Norwegian forward achieved the record after scoring a hat-trick in Norway’s commanding 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
According to Opta Joe, Haaland has now netted 50 international goals in just 46 appearances for Norway — a feat accomplished faster than any of the modern game’s biggest names, including Ronaldo, Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, and Mbappe.
Despite missing both his initial penalty and the retake in the same match, Haaland went on to display his trademark composure and predatory instincts, scoring three times to cap off a sensational international performance.
At club level, Haaland’s form has been equally prolific. He has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Manchester City this season, leading the charge as Pep Guardiola’s men navigate a transitional period following the departures of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez.
City endured a difficult start to the season, suffering league defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, but Haaland’s consistent brilliance has helped the team rebound strongly. The Premier League champions currently sit fifth in the table heading into their clash against Everton on October 18 — a fixture that will also see Jack Grealish return to the Etihad Stadium on loan with the Toffees.
Haaland’s influence on and off the pitch continues to grow. Earlier this year, he signed a historic 10-year contract extension with Manchester City, tying his future to the club until the summer of 2034. His commitment underscores the mutual faith between player and club, especially as City reshape their squad under the new sporting direction of Hugo Viana.
Since joining from Borussia Dortmund for £53 million in 2022, Haaland has been at the heart of City’s modern dominance, scoring 35 goals in all competitions last season and guiding the Blues to a historic treble in his debut campaign, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
His development into a more complete forward has been evident this term, with Guardiola praising Haaland’s improved link-up play, movement, and leadership qualities. His growing stature within the dressing room earned him a spot in City’s leadership group for the 2025–26 season.
Despite the ongoing challenge of replacing De Bruyne’s creative brilliance, Manchester City have leaned heavily on Haaland’s consistency to maintain competitiveness. His clinical edge and relentless drive have been pivotal to the club’s unbeaten run since late August, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most decisive footballers.
FAQ
How many international goals does Erling Haaland have?
As of October 2025, Haaland has scored 50 goals for Norway in just 46 appearances, making him the fastest player in modern football history to reach that tally.
Who did Haaland overtake to achieve the record?
He surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe in terms of the fewest games taken to reach 50 international goals.
How has Haaland performed for Manchester City this season?
Haaland has scored 12 goals across all competitions for Manchester City, leading the team’s recovery from an early-season slump marked by defeats to Tottenham and Brighton.
When does Manchester City play next?
City will resume Premier League action against Everton on October 18 at the Etihad Stadium, where Jack Grealish is set for an emotional return with the Toffees.
How long is Haaland contracted to Manchester City?
Haaland signed a new 10-year contract in January 2025, extending his stay at Manchester City until the end of the 2033–34 season.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland’s record-breaking journey continues to redefine modern football’s standards. His astonishing achievement of reaching 50 international goals faster than legends like Ronaldo and Messi underlines his status as a generational talent. As Manchester City and Norway both benefit from his relentless scoring form, Haaland’s story remains one of ambition, consistency, and pure footballing excellence — with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
