Erling Haaland and his special love for Leeds United

Matchday 13 of the Premier League brings Erling Haaland back to a personal moment: facing Leeds United at the Etihad on Saturday. Despite being a Manchester City striker, Haaland has always maintained a connection to Elland Road—from his birthplace to his childhood dreams.

The place where a love story begins.

Haaland's connection with Leeds United began on the day he was born. On July 21, 2000, the very day Alfie Haaland completed his £2.5 million transfer from Leeds to Manchester City, his mother, Gry Marita Braut, gave birth in Leeds. Although Alfie left Elland Road, his family continued to live in the city.

Alfie's Leeds legacy was further highlighted after his infamous incident with Roy Keane during the 1997 Leeds vs. Manchester United derby, when Keane suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Keane later retaliated, but Alfie's place in Leeds history was already established.

In that context, Haaland grew up as a true Leeds fan. His childhood idol was Norwegian midfielder Erik Bakke. Young Erling had a replica jersey with Bakke's name on it and covered his bedroom walls with Leeds posters—the first signs of a deep-seated love of football.

The story of nationality and identity

Born in Leeds and entitled to English citizenship, Haaland's international career has been tied to Norway. In 2003, his family moved to Bryne, Norway. Before his 21st birthday, Haaland had already earned nearly 20 caps for the Norwegian national team—a number that quickly defined his identity.

Haaland once said: “You never know what would have happened if my father had played football in England longer. Maybe I would have been English, I don’t know. But I am Norwegian and I’m proud of that.” Even so, he never forgot his Yorkshire roots: his returns to Elland Road, sometimes as an opponent, sometimes simply as a spectator.

A dream with Leeds United

Haaland's love for Leeds has never been just a formality. In 2019, while still at RB Salzburg, he publicly declared his ambition: "I want to be the best I can be. My dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds." It was a youthful, frank, and heartfelt vow.

That dream, to this day, remains just a dream. But for the fans at Elland Road, hope has never faded: one day, the Leeds shirt will once again bear the name "Haaland" on its back. For now, as the opening whistle approaches, Haaland must put aside his Yorkshire feelings to fully commit to Manchester City—a professional choice, but one that doesn't erase his roots.

The significance of the reunion at Etihad

The encounter at the Etihad was more than just 90 minutes of matchday 13; it was a bridge between past and present: the Leeds-born boy, who grew up alongside Erik Bakke, is now Manchester City's center forward. Beneath the blue shirt lies a story of identity and loyalty—to family, to Norway, and to the memories of Elland Road.

Haaland will play for City. But for Leeds, even though they're on opposite sides, he's still part of the story they tell each other—about the day a boy hung a Leeds poster in his bedroom and dreamed of one day conquering the Premier League for that team.