Ruben Dias has explained why Erling Haaland is “very similar” to Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Manchester City and Portugal defender having played with both. At club level, Dias has seen Haaland hit another purple patch that has helped him to reach 324 career goals three years quicker than five-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7 managed – with the prolific Norwegian seemingly taking his game to even greater heights.
Haaland goals in 2025-26: How many has he scored?
A red-hot start to the 2025-26 campaign has been enjoyed by Haaland, with the target being found on 23 occasions through 13 appearances for club and country. He came agonisingly close to claiming a ninth Premier League hat-trick last time out when bagging a brace for City in their 2-0 victory over Everton – with several big opportunities being spurned.
Just three months after turning 25, Haaland has reached 324 goals. He has hit that point considerably quicker than Ronaldo, who remains in the process of chasing down 1,000 – with the Portuguese GOAT, who now plies his trade for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, sitting on 949 and counting.
AdvertisementGettyQualities shared by Haaland and Ronaldo
Dias will be hoping to help Ronaldo challenge for World Cup glory next summer, having starred alongside Haaland in City’s quest for more domestic and continental honours. He is understandably delighted to be a team-mate of two iconic goalscorers that boast similar traits.
Dias told reporters when asked about how Haaland and Ronaldo compare: “It's a good reflection of his state of mind. In that he is very similar to Ronaldo. Everyone wants to score goals, but both of them have this ability to just keep on scoring and scoring. We're just happy that Erling is in this moment and we want him to continue. We want to keep pushing him because we want him to break records that have not been beaten before.
“You need to ask Erling and Cristiano (about what makes them so special), but obviously mentality is key in everything that everyone does. That will be a big part of it. But also natural talent and a lot of other things.”
Best version of Haaland? Dias answers tough question
Haaland hit 52 goals for City in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, helping them to a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble. His 36 efforts in the English top-flight that season was a new record.
Quizzed on whether Haaland is even better now, Dias added: “I don't really know because Erling has beaten the Premier League goals record before, so better than ever? He's always been brilliant and on a very special level. Last season was obviously tricky for us, but it was probably the moment after winning so much.
“I actually don't know what his numbers are, but we will keep pushing him. We will push everyone on the pitch because only that way will we achieve great things. If anyone thinks we have won enough here then they're in the wrong place. If players keep pushing themselves for better individual form then a better collective form comes out. That's the only way.”
GettyPremier League record? Future targets for Haaland
Haaland is working on a contract at City through to 2034. Alan Shearer has told of his all-time Premier League goal record of 260 potentially being eclipsed by a man that currently has 96 to his name: “Yes, Haaland is the perfect centre-forward. His record is phenomenal, appetite to score is fantastic. I love it. He’s quick, strong, agile, he reacts quicker than most around the six-yard box which is impressive and his ability to put the ball in the back of the net is magnificent. If you’re building a footballer or centre-forward, you wouldn’t look too far away from Haaland being the perfect one.
“Haaland could definitely break my Premier League goal record. There’s no doubt that if he does another seven or eight years, maybe even less then he’ll have a brilliant chance of breaking it. But there’s so many ifs and different things that could happen to that. There are so many ifs and buts, but absolutely, if Haaland was to stay in the Premier League another six or seven years then he’s definitely someone who could, and probably will break my record.”
It remains to be seen how long Haaland will remain in Manchester. He continues to attract interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, as they remain in the market for the best players on the planet, and is already considered to be one of, if not the best goalscorer that the Premier League has ever seen – topping the likes of Shearer and Harry Kane.
