Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has broken his silence on social media, responding to an 89-year-old Instagram creator known as Rolf der Coole Opa after an 11-day plea. The Norwegian international, currently enjoying an extended vacation following his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offered a characteristically brief reply to the creator’s post on Tuesday, August 11.
Haaland’s recent international campaign saw him make his debut at the tournament as Norway returned to the global stage after a 28-year absence. Under manager Stale Solbakken, the 26-year-old netted seven goals in five appearances, helping his side reach the quarter-finals for the first time. His scoring streak included finding the net in four consecutive matches, highlighted by a decisive brace in a 2-1 Round of 16 victory over Brazil, which marked the South American side’s earliest exit from the tournament in 36 years.
Off the pitch, the striker has gained significant attention for his trademark single-word social media interactions. Haaland is scheduled to return to club duties on Wednesday, August 12, to begin pre-season training at the Etihad Stadium. He was notably absent from Manchester City’s recent pre-season tour of Asia.
The forward is coming off a productive 2025-26 campaign, his fourth with the club, during which he recorded 38 goals in 52 matches across all competitions. While Pep Guardiola’s side finished second in the Premier League—seven points behind champions Arsenal, who secured their first title in 22 years—the season concluded with significant silverware. City claimed both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, defeating Arsenal and Chelsea respectively, marking a successful end to Guardiola’s tenure at the club with a total of 20 titles. In European competition, Haaland contributed eight goals in 10 Champions League matches before City’s 6-1 aggregate elimination by Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
Making his debut at the quadrennial event as the Vikings returned to the competition after 28 years, Haaland scored seven times in five games as Stale Solbakken’s side made the quarter-finals for the first time.
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