“Not Messi or Ronaldo — just a Norwegian goal-scorer,” he says after smashing a new Champions League record. Erling Haaland world record fastest 50 Champions League goals. Erling Haaland refuses to compare himself with Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. He says flatly: “Me like Messi or Ronaldo? NO, NO! FAR OFF! NO ONE CAN COME CLOSE!” Then he adds: “I am just a Norwegian guy scoring goals…”. And now, the Norwegian is writing his name into the record books yet again.
Haaland recently became the fastest player in the history of the UEFA Champions League to reach the milestone of 50 goals doing so in only 49 matches. In a sport dominated by comparisons, Haaland chooses humility. He plays with the confidence of someone who knows his strengths but sees no point in grand claims. He just aims to score and help his team win. Haaland’s words are clear and direct: He does not believe he is on the same level as Messi or Ronaldo. He insists he is far from their class, and that no one can measure up to them. His full quote: “No, not at all, far off. No one can get close to them, so no.” These comments came after he set the new Champions League record for the fastest to 50 goals.
The achievement has added fuel to the debate about whether Haaland is becoming the next great goal-machine. But he refuses to play that game. Here’s a recap of what he achieved. Haaland’s 50th Champions League goal came in a 2-0 win over Napoli at home. He reached the number in just 49 appearances. That beats the old mark of 62 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy. What makes the feat even more remarkable is that neither Messi nor Ronaldo managed to hit 50 in fewer games. In fact, according to one source, Messi needed 66 games and Mbappé took 79. Manager Pep Guardiola and teammates have spoken openly about how special Haaland’s numbers are. Guardiola said: “If he plays 10, 12 years… if he maintains this progression, absolutely he can.”
Yet despite all of that, Haaland insists his identity is simple: a Norwegian guy who scores goals. In saying he is “just a Norwegian guy scoring goals”, he keeps the message grounded. That carries a strong contrast with the super-star narrative often attached to Messi and Ronaldo. This sort of self-awareness shows his mental approach. He is aware of his achievements, but he does not want to frame himself in the same history-defining bracket as the two men often called the greatest. He accepts he still has a way to go if he were ever to approach their legacy.
In the world of elite football, records can shape reputations. Haaland has already broken several: fastest to 50 Premier League goals, fastest to 50 Champions League goals, youngest top scorer for his country, and so on. But the level of Messi and Ronaldo is not only about records. It’s about sustained excellence across years, at many levels, winning major tournaments, and influencing the game beyond scoring. Haaland recognises that. His comment acknowledges the gulf in consistency and impact that the others achieved.
For fans and football media, this moment is significant. A young striker, in his mid-twenties, breaks one of the most demanding benchmarks of European club football. It forces questions: Is the era of Messi and Ronaldo ending? Is Haaland the next torch-bearer? How far can he go? Haaland’s stance adds to the intrigue. He does not claim he is the next Messi or Ronaldo. He says he never will be. He emphasises his own journey, his own identity, and his own ambitions which for now centre on scoring, winning and staying true to himself. In sports journalism style:Haaland arrived at the centre of the debate after his latest milestone.
He ran out at the Etihad, found the net, and quietly turned a landmark into a statement of intent. Not about eclipsing legends, but about being himself. He did the talking on the pitch, while off it he kept his words modest.The record 50 Champions League goals in 49 games sits alongside his quote. He declares: I’m not Messi or Ronaldo, I’m just a Norwegian guy scoring goals. That contrast adds a layer to the story. On one side the statisticians and historians are busy comparing eras and titans. On the other, Haaland simply carries on scoring.
What does this mean for Haaland’s future narrative? It means he shapes his own path. He does not invite the comparisons rather he acknowledges them and steps aside. It means any climb he makes from this point is his alone, unburdened by the need to “be the next Messi” or “be the next Ronaldo”. He is, for now, the fastest ever to 50 Champions League goals. He is still years away from the records held by Messi and Ronaldo. But if he remains grounded and focused, who knows how far he might go. His quote, his manner, and now his record all show a player who lets the scoreboard speak.
Erling Haaland smashed the fastest to 50 Champions League goals record. But when asked about Messi or Ronaldo, he said bluntly that no one comes close to them. He calls himself “just a Norwegian guy scoring goals”. That humility, combined with extraordinary output, makes him one of the most compelling figures in world football today.
