“Haaland donates £100,000 in Viking books to his hometown.”

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian football prodigy, is not content with just shining on the pitch; he also wants to illuminate the path of history! The forward of Manchester City, who is already the top scorer for the Norwegian national team with an impressive 55 goals in 48 matches, has decided to make a donation that goes far beyond the boundaries of football. He offered a rare manuscript of Viking sagas to his hometown, Bryne, in Norway, an action that promises to inspire generations and educate about the country’s rich historical legacy.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge, was playing for Leeds United, grew up in Bryne, a picturesque town located about 30 km south of Stavanger. In December of last year, Haaland and his father acquired this valuable manuscript for 1.3 million Norwegian kroner, equivalent to around £100,000, setting a record for book sales in Norway. This volume, dated 1594, is a printed edition of the work of the famous 13th-century historian, Snorri Sturluson, and contains medieval accounts of kings, queens, peasants, and Viking warriors.

The manuscript will now be available at the Bryne library, where it will be displayed and accessible to the public. In statements to the Norwegian press, Haaland expressed his wish for the book to always remain open, allowing everyone to learn about the stories of his ancestors. “I want the book to always be accessible so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jæren,” he said, emphasizing the importance of education and historical inspiration.

“I have been fortunate to live my dream through football, and I know that not everyone has that opportunity. Books offer so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities, and find their own path,” added the player, who has been an unstoppable force in the Premier League, leading the scoring chart this season with 22 goals in 29 matches.

Furthermore, Haaland had a remarkable performance last year, finishing as the top scorer with 16 goals in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, helping Norway qualify for its first finals since 1998. With actions like this donation and his performance on the field, Haaland is not only redefining what it means to be a sports star but also becoming a symbol of pride and inspiration for his hometown and for all those who dream big.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.