Erling Haaland has made a significant gesture to honor his Norwegian heritage.
According to the BBC, the Manchester City striker recently bought a rare 16th-century manuscript on Viking sagas for 1.3 million Norwegian crowns (£100,000), setting a record for book sales in Norway.
Haaland donated the manuscript to the public library in Bryne, his hometown, to inspire local residents and connect them with their history.
Haaland gifts historic Viking manuscript to Bryne library
The manuscript is a 1594 edition of “Heimskringla” by 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson. It features medieval stories about Viking kings, warriors, and farmers from the Jæren area and is reportedly the only surviving copy of this edition.
Haaland purchased the manuscript with his father, Alf-Inge, in December. The 25-year-old expressed a wish for the book to be accessible to the public at the library. His kind gesture off the field is reflected in his impressive performance on the pitch during the 2025-26 season.
The forward currently tops the Premier League scoring list with 22 goals in 29 games and was instrumental in Norway’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
He also finished as the top scorer in the European qualifiers with 16 goals, leading Norway to their first World Cup finals since 1998 this summer.
Haaland believes that literature provides opportunities for personal growth and aspiration. “Books give so many more people the chance to dream big and find their own path,” he noted during the presentation.
He is a well-regarded figure in Bryne, located 30km south of Stavanger in western Norway. By securing this manuscript, Haaland has ensured an important piece of local history remains in the community.
His dedication to his roots continues to inspire many in Scandinavia.
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