From the day Cristiano Ronaldo set foot at Real Madrid in 2009, a long list of records tumbled in his path.
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or during his time at Manchester United in 2008 and heading to the Spanish capital, he was already competing with Lionel Messi for being regarded as the best player in the world.
But it was at Real Madrid where the Portuguese superstar well and truly played the best football of his career.
Considering how devastating Ronaldo was in a Manchester United shirt, it speaks volumes of his quality and hard graft that he outdid himself in Spain.
Ian Wright compared Erling Haaland to Ronaldo due to being the model professional.
Perry Groves also likened Haaland to Ronaldo in terms of his goalscoring numbers.
It seems like the Manchester City striker draws comparisons to the Al-Nassr forward from many.
Perhaps the main reason why that is the case is due to Haaland being an outstanding goalscorer.
Ferdinand says Man City superstar could surpass Ronaldo record at Real Madrid
Furthermore, much like Ronaldo, the Norwegian international is also a physical specimen of the highest order.
The £51 million man also seems to exude a natural sense of confidence that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner always has.
Ronaldo predicted Haaland to fight for the Ballon d’Or recently — claiming that he has “a lot of potential.”
The five-time Champions League winner clearly holds the 24-year-old in high regard.
As things stand, Haaland has scored 99 goals for Manchester City in 103 appearances in all competitions.
The veteran holds the record for being the fastest player to score 100 goals for a single club — doing so in 105 appearances for Real Madrid — as per Sportskeeda Football on X.
Rio Ferdinand has backed Haaland to surpass Ronaldo’s record.
On the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “Yeah, he can. I think he’s got one game to do it, hasn’t he?”
“He can equal it in the Champions League this week and then beat it at the weekend [or against Watford mid-week in the Carabao Cup]. I’m saying yes. I think he beats it.”
Erling Haaland should not focus on Cristiano Ronaldo record
Naturally, Haaland will be motivated by the fact that if he scores two goals in his next two games, he could surpass Ronaldo’s incredible record.
However, the two-time Premier League winner should not be focused on overtaking the feat.
Heading into any game by being preoccupied with the thought of making history could impact Haaland’s game.
The Manchester City talisman has looked incredibly composed in front of goal this season and perhaps his finishing could be compromised if his mind stays on the record.
Instead, Haaland should continue playing with a sense of freedom on the pitch.
The star striker would admit that more than matching or surpassing Ronaldo’s or any legendary player’s record, the primary goal for him remains to ensure City win the game in question.
