Haaland Contributes £100,000 Viking Book to His Hometown

Aiming to Inspire through History

Not just satisfied with motivating Norwegians through his football achievements, Erling Haaland seeks to inspire them by rekindling interest in their heritage—specifically, the legacy of the Vikings.

The Manchester City forward, who holds the record as Norway’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals in 48 appearances, has generously donated a rare 16th-century Viking saga book to Bryne, the town of his upbringing.

Background of the Donation

Although Haaland was born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge, played for Leeds United, he was raised in the town of Bryne, located in western Norway. The 25-year-old and his father acquired the historic book for 1.3 million Norwegian crowns (approximately £100,000) in December, marking the highest price ever paid for a book in Norway.

This specific 1594 edition, authored by the 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson, contains captivating narratives about Viking monarchs, farmers, warriors, and their intricate lives.

Community Impact

Haaland has donated the only surviving copy of the book to the library in Bryne, ensuring it is accessible for public viewing. Bryne is found roughly 30 kilometers south of Stavanger and is part of the Time municipality in the Jæren region.

“I want this book to remain open so individuals can read about the origins of my hometown, Bryne, and the Jæren area,” Haaland expressed to Norwegian media.

“I’ve been fortunate to achieve my dreams through football, and I recognize that not everyone is presented with that opportunity. Books can empower a multitude of individuals to dream ambitively, explore fresh possibilities, and carve out their own journeys.”

Haaland’s Current Athletic Accomplishments

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Haaland is also having an impressive season on the pitch, currently leading the Premier League with 22 goals across 29 matches. He was the top scorer in last year’s European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, finishing with 16 goals. Norway has gained qualification for their first World Cup finals since 1998.