Manchester City started the new season of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 win over Napoli. Erling Haaland, who scored a goal for City in the match, set a record for the fastest time to score 50 goals in the top European club competition. He played in 49 matches. Until now, the record was held by former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ruud van Nistelrooy (62 matches).
Haaland has also received praise from Manchester City teammate Phil Foden for setting the fastest fifty record, saying, “It seems like he’s going to break every record. What he’s doing at this age is unheard of.” Haaland, who is only 25, could set a target of surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored the most goals in the Champions League (141).
City coach Pep Guardiola also has similar hopes for the Norwegian star, saying, “The numbers say (what’s going on). If he can play for 10-12 years and keep up the improvement process, of course (he can). We’re very lucky to have him.” Haaland also broke Van Nistelrooy’s record of the fastest 30 goals in the Champions League in 2023. In the same year, he also set a record of the fastest 50 goals in the English Premier League.
Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He has scored 130 goals in 151 matches so far. Haaland has shown the same hunger for goals this season. He has 12 goals in 7 matches for the national team and club. The goal machine also scored 5 goals in Norway’s recent 11-1 win over Moldova. Haaland has made it to the elite list of top scorers in the Champions League and Europa League, surpassing Alfredo Stefano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is currently joint 10th in the UEFA top scorers list. He is level on goals with Philippe Inzaghi and one goal ahead of Thierry Henry.
However, the record for the fastest 50 goals in the Champions League as the youngest footballer is still held by Lionel Messi. The former Barcelona star achieved this feat in the tournament at the age of 24 years and 284 days. In addition, the record for the fastest 60 (80 matches) and 70 goals (90 matches) in the Champions League is also held by the Argentine superstar. Which could be Haaland’s next goal. Kylian Mbappe, who scored 50 goals in 79 matches, currently has 57 goals.
The record for the fastest (100 matches) 80 goals in the same competition belongs to Barcelona and Polish forward Robert Lewandowski. He is still third in the list of highest scorers in the Champions League (105). Ahead of him are Ronaldo (141) and Messi (129), respectively. Although both these superstars left the European club a couple of years ago.
FAQ
When did Erling Haaland score his 50th Champions League goal?
Haaland reached his 50th goal during Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League.
How many matches did Haaland take to reach 50 Champions League goals?
He achieved the milestone in just 49 matches, making him the fastest in history.
Whose record did Haaland break with this achievement?
Haaland broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record, who needed 62 matches to score 50 Champions League goals.
How old is Erling Haaland at the time of this record?
Haaland is 25 years old when he set this record.