Norwegian football superstar Erling Haaland has made a special gesture by donating a rare book worth approximately £100,000 to the public library in his hometown of Bryne.
The Manchester City striker and his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, purchased the book in December for 1.3 million Norwegian kroner. The transaction is considered the most expensive book sale in Norwegian history.
The book is a 1594 edition of Heimskringla, a work by Icelandic author Snorri Sturluson, originally written in the 13th century. It contains historical accounts of kings, queens, warriors and the lives of Viking people.
Haaland has decided to donate the only surviving copy of this edition to the Bryne library so that it can be displayed and made accessible to the public.
“I want the book to always remain open, so that people can read about those who come from the same place as me, from Bryne and Jæren,” Haaland told Norwegian media.
He emphasised that football had made it possible for him to fulfil his dreams, but not everyone has the opportunity to experience such success.
“Books give many more people the opportunity to dream, discover new possibilities and find their own path,” the Norwegian striker said.
Although he admits that he has never been a regular reader himself, Haaland revealed that he has always been interested in books about Vikings and ships. He also disclosed that he reads books to his son every evening.
As part of the initiative, Haaland has invited children and young people to participate in a reading competition that will run throughout November and January.
Around 170 pupils from participating schools will take part, aiming to read as many books as possible. At the end of the competition, two classes and two individual winners will be rewarded with the opportunity to attend an international match at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo during Easter 2027.
