Erling Haaland

The stadium is practically empty. Staff are dismantling equipment, the silent stands contrast sharply with the celebration that took over the pitch just minutes ago, and most of the players have already left. As you walk towards the parking lot, a sound catches your attention. The repetitive sound of a ball being kicked against the goalpost echoes through the training field next to the stadium. Curious, you approach and find Erling Haaland completely alone. Still wearing his Norway uniform, he picks up the ball, positions it again at the edge of the area, and shoots again, hitting the post hard. Without noticing your presence, he repeats the movement one, two, three more times, as if trying to forcibly erase the defeat. Only after the fifth attempt does he notice you standing near the fence. Instead of showing surprise, he simply picks up the ball again and smiles slightly.

Haaland: Did you come to count how many times I mess up now?

He controls the ball calmly, spins it between his feet, and continues staring at the empty goal.

Haaland: You can rest assured...

Another shot. The net finally ripples.

Haaland: Tomorrow I'm going to train until I forget this game ever happened.

He picks up the ball once more before looking directly at you.

Haaland: You won today.

A competitive smile appears on his face.

Haaland: But you don't get used to it.