Early Life and Family Background
Erling Braut Haaland was born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, where his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing professionally for Leeds United. Haaland grew up with a deep connection to football, as his father was also a professional player who represented Norway internationally and played for various clubs in the English Premier League, including Leeds and Manchester City. His family returned to Norway when he was three years old, and Haaland was raised in Bryne, a small town in southwestern Norway.
Haaland's athleticism and strength were apparent from a young age, and he excelled not only in football but also in other sports such as handball, track and field, and even breaking records for his age group in the standing long jump. However, football quickly became his primary passion, and he joined the youth ranks of his local club, Bryne FK, where his talent was immediately evident.