The football world has been shaken by devastating news: Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s unstoppable goal machine, has just confirmed that his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, has passed away following a tragic accident. The heartbreaking revelation came through a deeply emotional statement shared by Haaland himself, shortly after receiving the phone call no son ever wants to answer — one from his mother, delivering the words that shattered him completely.

According to sources close to the family, Haaland was in Manchester when he received the call. His mother, distraught and barely able to speak, told him that Alf-Inge had “said goodbye to the world” after being involved in what is being described as a sudden and devastating accident. The 24-year-old striker reportedly broke down in tears, canceling all training sessions and requesting privacy as he processes the unimaginable loss.

Haaland later released a short message on his social media accounts: “I don’t have many words right now. My father was my hero, my first coach, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. He gave me everything — and today I lost him. Rest in peace, Dad. I’ll make you proud forever.”

Fans from all corners of the world immediately flooded social media with messages of love and condolences. The Norwegian national team, Manchester City, and even Haaland’s former clubs, Molde and Borussia Dortmund, all released official statements expressing their sadness and support for him and his family. Pep Guardiola, visibly emotional when asked about the tragedy, said simply, “Football doesn’t matter today. We’re a family here, and we stand with Erling.”

Alf-Inge Haaland was not only Erling’s father but also a footballer who had once graced the Premier League himself, playing for Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Manchester City. Many fans remember him as a tough, hard-working midfielder — the same fighting spirit that Erling inherited. The father and son shared an unbreakable bond, often seen together during national team breaks and family holidays. Alf-Inge was known to attend nearly all of Erling’s matches whenever possible, always cheering proudly from the stands.

For Haaland, this loss is not just personal — it’s foundational. The man who helped shape his discipline, strength, and humility is gone. Football fans around the world now wait to see when Haaland will return to the pitch, though everyone agrees that he deserves all the time he needs to heal.

As tributes pour in from teammates, rivals, and legends of the sport, one thing is clear: Alf-Inge Haaland was more than just a footballer’s father — he was a source of inspiration to many. And for Erling, the mission is now painfully simple yet profoundly powerful: to carry on his father’s legacy with every goal, every victory, and every moment on the field.

Rest in peace, Alf-Inge Haaland — the man behind one of football’s greatest stars.