Erling Haaland becomes fastest player to reach 50 international goals; surpasses Harry Kane

The striker scored a hat-trick and led Norway to World Cup qualification.

Erling Haaland, a Manchester City talisman, scored three goals in Norway’s 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday, setting yet another goal-scoring record.

The 25-year-old became the fastest player to reach 50 international goals, surpassing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

According to Opta Joe, Haaland achieved this in just 46 games, overtaking each of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe to reach 50 goals for his country in senior competition.

With 12 goals across all competitions this campaign, the 25-year-old has been in scorching form since August and has helped Manchester City overcome their early-season slump, which included league losses to Brighton and Tottenham.

Haaland’s hot goalscoring form continues

Erling Haaland’s desire for goals has not been slaked by the international break. On Saturday, he scored a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 victory over Israel in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match after missing a penalty and (even) its retake.

Haaland’s continued and increasing significance to Manchester City’s hopes of putting up a title push against Liverpool and Arsenal is supported by the fact that he has been a major factor in the team’s success since their 2-1 loss to Brighton at the end of August.

As Manchester City adjust to life without Kevin De Bruyne and lessens the blow of losing the outstanding Belgian midfielder, Haaland is playing at his best. He has significantly elevated his all-around centre-forward play this season under new sporting director Hugo Viana.

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