Erling Haaland’s first season in English football has been an incredible success for the Norwegian international with 36 Premier League goals scored in a whirlwind 12 months.
The 22-year-old has scooped the Premier League Golden Boot and the Premier League Player of the Year as personal accolades, alongside a Premier League and FA Cup double, at the forefront of Pep Guardiola’s team.
However, Haaland’s instant connection with the City faithful is not just based on his sensational goal tally – the former Borussia Dortmund forward has been a City fan since childhood.
As part of his initial signing for the club in June 2022, Haaland spoke about his excitement at representing the team his has supported for many years, with a little help from his father.
MORE: Erling Haaland salary at Man City: How much does Premier League top scorer earn
Who is Erling Haaland’s father?
Erling’s father, Alf Inge, played a crucial role in his son’s move to City, both in the negotiations with Dortmund, and in his early foundations as a City supporter.
Haaland Jr was born in England, during his father’s time as a player for Leeds United, and he credits his dad’s subsequent move to City as playing a crucial role in his decision to support the club as a child.
“My father had ‘a little bit’ to do with my decision to move here,” said the striker. “I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club.”
Following his retirement form professional football in 2013, Alf Inge has acted as Erling’s agent and advisor, including as a representative in transfer moves from RB Salzburg to Dortmund and later to City.
Who did Erling Haaland’s father play for?
Alf Inge played for local Norwegian side Bryne (who Erling also represented as a teenager) from 1989 to 1993, before making the move to First Division side Nottingham Forest.
After achieving Premier League promotion in his first season, Haaland Sr played three top-flight campaigns at the City Ground, as Forest were relegated in 1997.
His combative style and midfield energy persuaded Leeds United to keep him in the Premier League, with three seasons at Elland Road, as he also became a regular with the Norway national team.
However, after playing a reduced role in his final season with David O’Leary’s team, he swapped Leeds for Manchester in 2000, to join Joe Royle’s City.
Haaland’s time at City featured one of the most controversial moments in Premier League history, as former Manchester United captain Roy Keane infamously sought out revenge on him, following a flashpoint between the pair during his spell at Leeds.
Roy Keane’s response to ending Alf-Inge Haaland’s career with horror challenge: “There are things I regret in my life and he’s not one of them.” pic.twitter.com/q4bWtpaso7
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) October 4, 2022
Keane’s horror tackle was punished by the FA, but it was to be an injury to Haaland’s other knee that eventually forced him to retire in 2003, upon medical advice.
Haaland Sr did briefly come out of retirement in Bryne and Roseland, back in Norway, before definitively hanging up his boots in 2013.
Who is Erling Haaland’s mother?
Erling’s incredible sporting genetics are also heavily linked to his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a Norwegian champion heptathlete.
His parents met in England, during Alf Inge’s time at Forest, with his mother previously competing in domestic athletics competitions in her specialised event.
MORE: Ilkay Gundogan gives verdict on Man City chasing the treble after FA Cup win
Does Erling Haaland have siblings?
Erling has two older siblings, his brother Astor, and his sister Gabrielle, both of whom still live in Norway.
His parents separated and divorced when Erling was a child, with Alf Inge remarrying, and having two daughters.
Where did Erling Haaland grow up?
Haaland is very proud of his English roots, after being born in Leeds, and living in the city until the family returned to Norway when he was aged three.
Spending the majority of his life in Norway played a key role in his decision to opt to represent the country at international level, but he regularly talks about a fondness towards Leeds, and his father City connection tied him to the club.
