Erling Haaland is used to breaking records with his feet, but his latest “goal” has nothing to do with a net. The Manchester City superstar, along with his father Alf-Inge, has just secured a piece of Norwegian history, purchasing a rare 16th-century manuscript for 1.3 million Norwegian crowns (£100,000 / €110,000)—making it the most expensive book ever sold in Norway.
The book in question? A 1594 edition of Snorri Sturluson’s Heimskringla (The Sagas of the Viking Kings). And in a move that has stunned his hometown, Haaland isn’t keeping the treasure for his private collection. He’s donating it to the local library in Bryne (Municipality of Time).
The Condition: “Keep it Open”
Despite being the most famous athlete on the planet, Haaland hasn’t forgotten the streets of Jæren where he grew up. When handing over the 432-year-old book, the 25-year-old striker had one non-negotiable condition for the library staff: The book must always be on display and left open.
“I have never been a big reader,” Haaland admitted with his characteristic bluntness. “But I want the book to always be open so that you can read about those who came from my area, from Bryne and Jæren. I’ve been lucky enough to live my dream, and I know books help other people to dream big too.”
Why This Book Matters
The 1594 edition is the only surviving copy of its kind. It tells the visceral, gritty stories of medieval Norse kings, queens, and warriors who walked the very same land Haaland calls home. By keeping it in Bryne, Haaland is ensuring that local kids don’t have to travel to Oslo or London to see their own history—they can just walk down to the local library.
The donation comes at a busy time for the “Terminator,” who recently became a major investor in Norway Chess and is currently preparing for Norway’s final World Cup qualifying push.
The “EH9” Reading Challenge
Haaland isn’t just donating a book; he’s trying to start a movement. Alongside the gift, he’s launching a local reading competition for schools in the region. The prize? Winning classes will get a VIP trip to Ullevaal Stadium to watch the national team play, with a meet-and-greet with the big man himself.
It’s a “full-circle” moment for a player who, despite the private jets and Ballon d’Or nods, clearly still has his heart in the quiet library of his youth.
