Haaland becomes Norway's all-time top scorer, breaking Juve's 90-year record

Erling Haaland celebrates setting a new Norway record against Slovenia | Imago

Haaland becomes Norway's all-time top scorer, breaking Juve's 90-year record

Ayoola Kelechi 06:59 - 11.10.2024

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.

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Despite missing a chance early in the second half, Haaland remained a constant threat, linking up play and putting his teammates in dangerous positions.

Norway captain Erling Haaland | Imago
Norway captain Erling Haaland | Imago Norway captain Erling Haaland | Imago

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.”

Norway's record goalscorer Erling Haaland | Imago
Norway's record goalscorer Erling Haaland | Imago Norway's record goalscorer Erling Haaland | Imago

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.

Erling Haaland is set to become a dad | Instagram

“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.