Manchester City defender Ruben Dias believes that Erling Haaland possesses the same elite mindset and killer instinct in front of goal as Cristiano Ronaldo — two of football’s most unstoppable finishers from different generations.
Having played alongside both — Haaland at club level with Manchester City and Ronaldo with the Portuguese national team — Dias is in a unique position to assess their similarities. And for him, the connection goes far beyond their shared love for goals; it’s about their mentality, dedication, and relentless hunger for success.
Haaland’s Phenomenal Form Continues
The Norwegian striker has started the 2025/2026 season in extraordinary fashion. With 23 goals in just 13 appearances across all competitions, Haaland has once again proven why he’s considered one of the deadliest forwards in the modern game.
His most recent display came in Manchester City’s 2–0 win over Everton, where he bagged a brace and came close to completing what would have been his ninth Premier League hat-trick.
At just 25 years old, Haaland has already scored 324 career goals, reaching that milestone three years faster than Ronaldo did at the same stage of his career. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to extend his own legendary tally, now standing at 949 career goals with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Dias: “His Mentality Mirrors Ronaldo’s”
Speaking to reporters after City’s recent win, Ruben Dias highlighted what makes Haaland so special — and why he reminds him of Ronaldo.
“What stands out the most is his mindset,” said Dias. “In that sense, he’s very similar to Cristiano. Everyone wants to score, but very few have the consistency, discipline, and hunger to do it week after week. Erling and Cristiano both live for goals — they’re never satisfied.”
Dias also praised Haaland’s relentless attitude in training and matches.
“We’re lucky to have him in this form. He’s not just scoring goals; he’s pushing himself to break records no one thought could be touched. That’s the mentality of a true champion,” the Portuguese defender added.
While Dias avoided making a direct comparison between the two stars, he admitted that mental strength and natural talent are the foundations of their greatness.
“You’d have to ask both of them what truly drives them, but one thing is clear — their mentality sets them apart. It’s not just about talent; it’s about how they think, prepare, and respond to challenges.”
Haaland’s Legacy at Manchester City
Since joining Manchester City, Haaland has completely redefined what it means to be a modern striker. In his debut season, he scored 52 goals in all competitions, helping City secure a historic treble — the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
His 36 goals in the 2022/2023 Premier League season set a new record, surpassing the long-standing marks of Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. Few players have ever made such an immediate and dominant impact in English football.
When asked whether Haaland has improved even further this season, Dias chose his words carefully.
“It’s hard to say if he’s better, because even before, he was incredible. He already broke Premier League records. He’s always been on a special level. Last season was challenging for us as a team, but maybe that’s normal after winning so much.”
Chasing Ronaldo’s Greatness
With his combination of physical power, precision finishing, and ruthless mentality, Haaland is well on his way to etching his name alongside the game’s all-time greats.
Ronaldo’s record of 949 career goals remains the ultimate benchmark, but at Haaland’s current scoring rate, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he enters that conversation.
As Dias summarized perfectly:
“Players like Erling don’t just want to be good — they want to be the best. That’s what makes him, and Cristiano, so unique.”
With every goal, every record, and every performance, Erling Haaland continues to carry the same aura of inevitability that defined Cristiano Ronaldo’s peak years — a blend of brilliance, discipline, and unbreakable willpower that could one day make him the heir to football’s goal-scoring throne.
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