Norway boss rests Manchester City striker after stunning hat-trick and world-record milestone. Erling Haaland world record for fastest 50 international goals. Erling Haaland has once again proven why he is one of the world’s best footballers. The Manchester City striker scored a brilliant hat-trick to lead Norway to a 5–0 win over Israel. His second goal of the night marked his 50th international goal, setting a new world record in the process. Haaland became the fastest player in more than half a century to reach the 50-goal mark for his country. He achieved the milestone in record time, surpassing greats who came before him.
The 25-year-old’s performance delighted fans across Norway and continued his incredible start to the season. However, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has now sent Haaland home from the national camp. The decision came after the striker’s explosive display and a series of busy weeks with his club. Solbakken confirmed that Haaland was released to get some well-earned rest ahead of Manchester City’s next matches. The Norway coach explained that he had decided to release several of his key players. These included footballers who had played many matches in both domestic and European competitions. Solbakken said it was better for them to recover rather than play in a friendly game against New Zealand.
“Everyone who has played a lot in the Champions League was told to go home,” Solbakken said. “We want them to recharge and avoid unnecessary fatigue or injuries. Patrick Berg refused to go home, but the rest were allowed to rest.” The decision was not linked to any injury concerns for Haaland. Instead, it was a move to manage his workload carefully. Solbakken’s plan was to protect his top stars and keep them fresh for future qualifiers. For Haaland, who has already played several high-intensity games, the short break will be vital. New Zealand’s coach Darren Bazeley admitted that Haaland’s absence would make Tuesday’s match easier for his team. “It’s not disappointing not to face him,” Bazeley said. “He is a great goalscorer, and when he is not on the pitch, they are not as strong.”
Bazeley’s comments reflected the respect Haaland commands across world football. Every defence fears his power, pace, and clinical finishing. In just a few seasons, he has become a global superstar known for his unmatched goal-scoring ability. Haaland’s record-breaking form continues to amaze both fans and experts. Reaching 50 goals for Norway at only 25 years old is an extraordinary achievement. He reached the milestone faster than any other international player in over 50 years. That feat puts him in the same conversation as football legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, and Messi. The striker’s consistency has also been remarkable for Manchester City this season. Haaland has already scored 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions. Nine of those have come in the Premier League, where he leads the Golden Boot race comfortably.
Behind him are Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on six goals and Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony with four. Brentford’s Igor Thiago also follows closely with four. Yet Haaland’s numbers show just how far ahead he is of his competition. His only game without a goal this season came in a 2–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in August. Since then, he has scored in every match for club and country, often more than once. His hat-trick against Israel was his third of the season and his 12th in international football. Haaland’s scoring streak has kept Norway’s World Cup qualification campaign perfect so far. His goals have inspired belief that Norway can finally return to the world stage after years of absence.
With him leading the attack, Norway look more dangerous than ever. The decision to send him home shows how important he is to both club and country. Manchester City fans will be relieved that the rest is purely precautionary. The club’s next match is a Premier League game against Everton on Saturday. City will welcome Haaland back refreshed and ready to continue his goal-scoring run. For Solbakken, managing his star players wisely could make the difference in the long run. The Norway boss knows that overworking players like Haaland could lead to injuries and burnout. By giving them rest now, he is ensuring they are ready for bigger challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s new world record has been celebrated across the football community. Analysts have praised his focus, fitness, and hunger to keep improving. Many believe he is on course to break even more records in the coming years.In just a few years at the top level, Haaland has built a reputation that rivals some of the greatest strikers in history. His combination of strength, speed, and precision makes him almost unstoppable. Every match he plays seems to bring another milestone or broken record. With 50 international goals already, the question is how far he can go. If he maintains his current form, Haaland could easily double that tally before turning 30.
His world record is not just a number it’s a sign of his relentless rise in football. As Norway prepares for life without him for one friendly match, the focus shifts back to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side will be happy to see their talisman return rested and healthy. The Premier League season is long, and Haaland’s goals will again be key to City’s success.For now, Erling Haaland can enjoy a rare few days of calm. After a record-breaking week, he has earned every minute of his competition career.
