MANCHESTER: Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland has opened up about his physical exhaustion and why he has remained largely inactive on social media, explaining to a supporter on Snapchat that his “brain is fried” after an grueling 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Norway.
The prolific goal machine revealed he is in “dire need” of proper recovery and physical rest after completing an intense 12-month stretch that saw him feature in 67 matches combined for club and country. Haaland’s profound fatigue stems from a historic summer on the international stage, where he led Norway to their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. Displaying stellar form, Haaland powered his nation to the quarter-finals of the North American tournament, netting seven goals in five appearances—including a memorable brace against Brazil in a thrilling Round of 16 victory.
On the domestic front, Haaland enjoyed another astonishing campaign under Pep Guardiola, securing his third Premier League Golden Boot in four years with 28 top-flight goals, and contributing 38 goals across 52 total outings as Manchester City clinched both the EFL Cup and FA Cup while finishing as Premier League runners-up. Across all competitions for club and country over the season, the star striker racked up an incredible 62 goals in 68 matches.
Recognizing his immense workload, Manchester City granted the forward an extended break, opting to leave him out of the squad for their pre-season Asia tour to allow him crucial time to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
