Erling Haaland broke another record as Manchester City beat Napoli 2-0 in the Champions League on Thursday. Coach Pep Guardiola said he believes Haaland could one day become the best player in Europe. The 25-year-old striker became the fastest player in Champions League history to reach 50 goals, doing it in just 49 matches. He scored with a smart header from Phil Foden’s assist in the 56th minute.
Haaland beat the old record of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 games to reach 50 goals. Guardiola praised Haaland, saying his numbers put him alongside greats like Van Nistelrooy, Robert Lewandowski, and especially Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time Champions League record with 140 goals. When asked if Haaland could one day beat that, Guardiola said yes—if he keeps playing at this level for the next 10 to 12 years.
Guardiola praised Phil Foden, who scored in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday, his first start of the season, and played well again on Thursday.
“We really missed Phil,” Guardiola said. “In the last two games, he has shown the player we know. When we won our fourth straight league title in 2024, he was the best player in the Premier League. Near the box, he always creates danger and can score goals.”
Guardiola added that there was never any pressure on Foden to fix his form. “Everyone needs love, but Phil is special. He’s sensitive and needs to feel support from his teammates, me, and the club. When he feels that, he shows his natural talent.”
FAQ
What did Pep Guardiola say about Erling Haaland?
Guardiola expressed confidence that Haaland has the talent and potential to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring record.
Why does Guardiola believe Haaland can break the record?
He highlighted Haaland’s natural ability, consistency, and physical and mental attributes that make him capable of scoring at a high level.
Has Guardiola compared Haaland to other players?
Yes, he indirectly compared Haaland to top scorers like Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing his unique goal-scoring talent.
Is Haaland currently scoring consistently?
Yes, Haaland has been prolific for Manchester City, maintaining a high goals-per-game ratio in domestic and European competitions.
