Erling Haaland has become synonymous with the number 9 jersey, a number traditionally worn by prolific goalscorers in football. But what is the story behind Haaland’s choice, and what other numbers has he worn throughout his career?
Haaland celebrating a goal for Borussia Dortmund in his number 9 jersey
The Significance of Number 9
In football, the number 9 jersey carries a certain weight of expectation. It’s the number worn by legendary goalscorers like Ronaldo Nazario, Alan Shearer, and Robert Lewandowski, to name a few. These players, known for their clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency, have solidified the number 9’s association with goalscoring prowess.
Haaland’s Journey Through Jersey Numbers
While Haaland is now firmly associated with the number 9, his journey to this iconic shirt has taken him through different numbers at various stages of his career:
- Bryne FK (2015-2017): Haaland began his professional career with his hometown club, Bryne FK, in Norway. He wore the number 19 during his time there, showing early promise as a young talent.
- Molde FK (2017-2019): At Molde, Haaland donned the number 20 shirt. This period marked significant development for him, showcasing his goalscoring potential under the guidance of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
- Red Bull Salzburg (2019-2020): The world started to take notice of Haaland’s exceptional abilities during his time at Red Bull Salzburg. Here, he finally claimed the number 9 jersey, and it seemed to ignite something special within him. His goalscoring exploits in the Austrian Bundesliga and Champions League made him one of the most sought-after young talents in world football.
- Borussia Dortmund (2020-2022): Haaland continued his meteoric rise at Borussia Dortmund, keeping the number 9 jersey. He terrorized Bundesliga defenses, becoming known for his incredible speed, power, and lethal finishing.
- Manchester City (2022-Present): Following in the footsteps of Manchester City legends like Sergio Aguero, Haaland maintains his claim to the number 9 shirt. His arrival at the Etihad Stadium has only amplified his reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the world.
More Than Just a Number
While the number on his back has changed throughout his career, Haaland’s commitment to scoring goals has remained constant. His exceptional talent, work ethic, and hunger for success have cemented his place as a global football icon, and the number 9 has simply become an extension of his identity as a ruthless finisher. To learn more about Haaland’s career and the numbers he’s worn, check out these resources:
Whether he’s wearing the number 9 or any other number in the future, one thing remains certain: Erling Haaland will continue to strike fear into the hearts of defenders and thrill fans worldwide with his exceptional goalscoring ability.