Pep Guardiola once again could not hide his admiration when speaking about Erling Haaland after the Norwegian striker reached yet another incredible milestone. With a tone full of pride, the Manchester City manager compared Haaland’s achievements with some of the greatest names in football history, stating: “What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves. We are so lucky and happy to have him! We can only congratulate him because he is on par with Van Nistelrooy, Lewandowski in terms of goals, but especially with the two monsters Cristiano and Messi… Erling is THERE! In terms of goals, he is unbelievable!”
Guardiola’s words carry weight because they do not come from mere exaggeration. Haaland’s goal tally in the UEFA Champions League has reached historic levels, with him becoming the fastest player in history to score 50 goals in the competition. At just 24 years old, he is already standing shoulder-to-shoulder with legends who needed many more years to accomplish similar feats. His ability to dominate on the biggest stage, against Europe’s toughest defenses, has left fans and pundits alike in awe.
The comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are particularly striking. For two decades, those names have defined football’s golden era, setting standards that many believed would never be matched. And yet, here is Haaland, rewriting the script. His sheer power, killer instinct inside the box, and ability to turn half-chances into goals have given Manchester City an edge that terrifies opponents. Guardiola knows this better than anyone, which explains the genuine excitement in his voice.
What makes Haaland’s journey so extraordinary is not just the numbers but the manner in which he achieves them. Unlike Messi’s elegance or Cristiano’s athletic flamboyance, Haaland is a machine of efficiency. One touch, one strike, one goal. He doesn’t overcomplicate things—he simply delivers. His presence has completely transformed City, taking them from being a dominant possession-based side to one that now has the most lethal finisher in Europe.
Fans at the Etihad have embraced him with open arms, and his name already echoes in chants that feel as if he has been part of the club for decades. The young striker himself has often downplayed personal accolades, stating his desire to focus on team achievements. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that he is well on his way to chasing individual greatness, including the Ballon d’Or—a trophy his manager has openly hinted could soon belong to him.
Guardiola’s remarks are not just praise—they are also a warning to the footballing world. Haaland is not simply a rising star anymore; he is already standing at the pinnacle, rubbing shoulders with the game’s greatest. With time on his side and an unstoppable hunger for goals, Erling Haaland could very well define the next decade of football, much like Messi and Ronaldo did before him.
If Guardiola’s words are anything to go by, the era of Haaland has well and truly arrived. And the scariest part? He is just getting started.
