Erling Haaland has had a massive effect on Manchester City on and off the pitch.
Haaland’s exploits on the pitch are by now well known. Haaland broke record after record while claiming the Premier League golden boot. He was the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League as City claimed their maiden Champions League title. He won a plethora of individual awards to round out his staggering debut season at City.
But off the pitch, Erling Haaland has delivered for Manchester City in spades. City kits featuring ‘Haaland 9’ on them race off the shelves and out of City’s online store.
Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail reported that upon release of City’s new kit for the 23/24 season, the home kit was sold every 12 seconds the first 24 hours it was on sale. Unsurprisingly ‘Haaland 9’ was the most popular players kit sold.
City have had many superstars over the journey since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008. But Haaland appears on a different stratosphere to previous stars the champions have had in their midst. His multi-million-pound endorsement deal with Nike and recent announcement as the EA Sports FC video game cover athlete highlight his appeal.
A new era of number 9 🧘🏼♂️⚽️ @nikefootball @Nike pic.twitter.com/zFzu7dv4HL
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) March 31, 2023
The undoubted appeal of Haaland has the potential to launch Manchester City, on the back of their treble-winning campaign, onto a whole new level. Young kids are drawn to Haaland as they once were with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. As the stars of the previous generation now reside in the MLS and the Saudi Pro-League, for the twilight of their careers, a new star is appearing to be taking over the mantle.
Haaland’s debut season at City set records on and off the pitch. Could next season be ever more spectacular?
