Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has once again proven why he’s a generational talent — but this time, his brilliance comes with an early ticket home. According to Express Sport, the Norwegian superstar has been released from international duty ahead of Norway’s friendly clash with New Zealand, as he returns to Manchester to gear up for a demanding domestic schedule.
Haaland was the undisputed star in Norway’s 5–0 demolition of Israel, scoring a blistering hat-trick despite missing two early penalties. The treble pushed his international tally to 51 goals in just 46 appearances, making him the fastest player in football history to reach the 50-goal milestone — faster than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and even Pelé.
The Norwegian Football Association confirmed that Haaland, alongside Alexander Sørloth, Julian Ryerson, and Fredrik Bjørkan, has been allowed to leave camp due to tight club schedules. Midfielder Felix Horn Myhre also withdrew after picking up a minor ankle injury.
The decision, while pragmatic, highlights the balancing act between international duty and club responsibility — particularly for elite players like Haaland, who carry immense workloads across competitions.
With Haaland and several senior figures heading home, the spotlight now shifts to Norway’s emerging stars. Oscar Bobbcould see more minutes against New Zealand, while 18-year-old Sverre Nypan, recently snapped up by Manchester City and currently on loan at Middlesbrough, is poised to make his senior debut.
Norway, unbeaten in six qualifiers and closing in on a 2026 FIFA World Cup berth, are in a confident mood under manager Ståle Solbakken. Their upcoming fixtures against Estonia and Italy in November could secure their long-awaited return to football’s grandest stage.
For Haaland, the early return is a strategic move — rest now, domination later. With Manchester City preparing for a crucial run of Premier League and Champions League fixtures, Pep Guardiola will be delighted to have his talisman refreshed and ready to resume goal-scoring duties at the Etihad.
Whether it’s for club or country, Haaland continues to redefine modern striking — and after another record-breaking night, one thing’s clear: the machine never stops, it just reloads.
