The Erling Haaland of Manchester City crowded another scoring record in his 2-0 UEFA Champions League 2025-26 victory on visiting Napoli on Thursday, and boss Pep Guardiola believes that his talented striker could be the best player in Europe one day.
The 25-year-old Norwegian became the fastest player in the history of the Champions League who achieved 50 goals in what his 49th performance in Europe was Elite Competition when he smartly went home the perfectly posted film by Phil Foden in the 56th minute.
He hit the record of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who achieved 50 goals in 62 games.
«The song speaks for itself,» said Guardiola. «In addition to goals with Van Nistelrooy, (Robert) Lewandowski, but especially with the two monsters Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi Messi more than 15, 20 years. Erling is there. In terms of goals it is incredible.»
Ronaldo is the top scorer of all time with 140 goals. Asked if Haaland – given his figures at such a young age – could hesitate the top of the top one day, Guardiola.
«If (he keeps track of) that rhythm? Yes,» said the Spaniard. «He can play, I don’t know how many years, 10, 12 years, I would say if he absolutely maintains this progression,» he added.
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Guardiola was just as exuberant about Foden, who scored in City’s 3-0 thrashing from Manchester United on Sunday in his first start of the season and was excellent again on Thursday.
Foden was named PFA player of the season for the 2023-24 campaign, but his form disappeared the last term and the goals dried up.
«You can’t imagine how we missed Phil,» said Guardiola.
“Last two games are the Phil we know. He played close to Erling in the year that we won our fourth (successive league title in 2024). Phil was the best player in the Premier League. It is the feeling of danger close to the box, and he could score one or two goals.
Guardiola said there was never pressure on Foden to turn his shape.
«Everyone in our lives must be loved, but he is special,» said the manager.
«There are people who are more sensitive, and he is a man who has to embrace himself with the club in all aspects in all aspects, with the club. When that happened, Phil responds as the player he is,» he added.
Published on September 19, 2025
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