The Gen Z goal monster

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is making football history with 63 league goals in two seasons. Tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner, the 6ft4 speed machine seems to attract both rampant adoration and mockery.

In this episode, Simon and Mehreen chronicle Haaland’s short life and rise to glory - from growing up extraordinary in a culture that prioritises equality, and the influence of his sporting family. They chronicle his choices to go for growth over short-term glory, and his move to and impact at Manchester City.

During the episode, Simon and Mehreen discuss the paradoxes of Haaland’s personality - as both typical and ‘anti-Norwegian’, the awkward persona that makes him constantly go viral on social media, and his holy pursuit for longevity à la Cristiano Ronaldo - in contrast to more ‘stereotypical’ footballers such as Jack Grealish.

Time stamps:

00:32: Introduction to Erling Haaland

05:37: Early years in England with a footballer father

09:46: Growing up special in an equal society

14:17: The awkward teen years and rise of the ‘anti-Norwegian’

19:38: The influence of super-agent Mino Raiola and move to Salzburg

25:10: Rise to stardom at Dortmund

30:05: Becoming a viral social media sensation

34:37: Haaland’s Ronaldo-inspired quest for longevity

40:30: Manchester City and the precarious position of being Number 9

45:93: What would Haaland do without football?

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