Erling Haaland donates rare Viking Sagas to hometown library

Erling Haaland donates rare Viking Sagas to hometown library Erling Haaland has reinforced his connection to his Norwegian roots with a historic philanthropic gesture. According to the BBC, the Manchester City striker recently purchased a rare 16th-century manuscript detailing Viking sagas for 1. 3 million Norwegian crowns (£100,000).

This acquisition marks a record for a book sale within Norway. Haaland has donated the artefact to the public library in Bryne, the town where he grew up. He intends for the work to inspire local residents by connecting them to their ancestral history.

Haaland honours heritage with record-breaking Viking manuscript gift The donated piece is a 1594 printed edition of the “Heimskringla” by 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson. It contains medieval narratives focusing on Viking kings, warriors, and farmers from the Jæren district. According to Norwegian media, this is the only surviving copy of this edition.

Haaland purchased the manuscript alongside his father, Alf-Inge, in December. The 25-year-old expressed his desire for the book to remain open and accessible to the public at the Bryne library. Haaland’s off-field generosity mirrors his relentless form on the pitch during the 2025-26 campaign.