The lowdown on one of football's most intriguing characters

With the eyes of the world watching, Erling Haaland showed he was the real deal after last week's disappointing Community Shield performance, scoring twice on his Premier League debut for Manchester City in the 2-0 win at West Ham.

It is hard to think of a player who has made a bigger impact both on and off the pitch in recent seasons. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, he has smashed records, embarrassed goalkeepers, and positioned himself alongside Kylian Mbappe as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Refreshingly, as well as being a 'tremendous Nordic meat shield' when he crosses the white line, Haaland is also blessed with an infectious, quirky personality away from the field.

So, now that we're all going to be talking about him, GOAL thought it was the perfect time to give you all of the facts to share with your mates.

Getty ImagesBorn in Leeds – and could have played for England

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few seasons, you'll know that Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, was a pretty handy footballer himself, perhaps most famous for having his career pretty much ended by a vengeful Roy Keane.

During his own career in the 1990s and early 2000s, the midfielder turned out for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City. It was during his time in West Yorkshire that his son Erling was born.

Unfortunately for Gareth Southgate, the striker never showed an inkling to represent his birth nation, instead joining Norway's international setup.

AdvertisementBut he was raised a City fan

Despite being born in West Yorkshire, it was City – one of his father's other clubs – that Haaland supported as a kid.

He confirmed as much when he signed for the club this summer, saying: "I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club.

“In the end, [deciding to sign was down to] two things. I feel at home here and I feel I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."

Getty ImagesHe won the genetic lottery

Haaland was fortunate enough to be blessed with not one, but two sporting parents.

As well as growing up around football through his father, his mother Gry Marita Braut was a champion heptathlete back in the day. And that, reader, is why he is an absolute specimen.

World record holder

A huge shoutout to André Noruega for discovering this gem. We'd quite like an end of season Premier League standing jump as part of a sports day. Sprints, discus, maybe even a bit of wrestling.