Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker and Norway's all-time top scorer, is not just making waves in the world of football. He is also inspiring his fellow Norwegians through a unique historical donation.
Haaland has always been known for his prowess on the pitch. With 55 goals in 48 games, he holds the record as Norway's all-time top scorer. This season alone, he has scored 22 goals in 29 appearances in the Premier League. In addition to this impressive feat, he finished last year as the top scorer with 16 goals in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
However, it seems that Haaland’s interests extend beyond football. The striker recently made headlines by donating a rare book about Vikings to his hometown library.
Rare book donation
Born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge was playing for Leeds United, Haaland grew up in Bryne - a town located around 30km south of Stavanger within western Norway's municipality of Time and district of Jæren.
In December last year, Haaland and his father purchased a rare book about Viking sagas at an auction for an impressive sum of £100k (1.3 million Norwegian crowns). This purchase set a new record for book sales within Norway.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City player, said:
"I want the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jæren. I've been lucky enough to live out my dream through football, and I know not everyone gets that chance.
"Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path."
The donated piece is none other than Snorri Sturluson’s work from 1594 - an edition printed over four centuries ago that narrates medieval stories about Viking kings, queens, farmers and warriors.
Preserving history
The significance of this donation lies not only its rarity but also its cultural value. The book represents an important part of Norwegian history which can now be shared with future generations thanks to Haaland’s generosity.
This surviving copy will be displayed at the library in Bryne, making it accessible to the public. This move ensures that the rich history of Vikings is preserved and continues to inspire Norwegians. Erling Haaland's donation showcases his commitment not only to football but also to his roots and cultural heritage. His actions serve as a reminder that sports stars can play a significant role in promoting and preserving their country's history, thereby inspiring their fans beyond the pitch.
Whether you're a sports fan or an enthusiast of historical artifacts, this story serves as an example of how one person’s passion can contribute significantly towards preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
