Erling Haaland's Viking saga donation brings Norwegian history to Bryne library

Erling Haaland has continued to support his hometown of Bryne in Norway, and his latest cultural gift, announced in March 2026, sees him and his father, Alfie Haaland, donate a rare Viking saga book to the local library, putting an important piece of Norwegian history within reach of the public.

A record-breaking purchase for Bryne

The Manchester City striker and his father bought the book for 1.3 million Norwegian kroner, around £100,000, at an auction in December 2025. According to BBC Sport, the purchase set a record for a book sale in Norway.

The book is a 1594 printed edition of the Viking royal sagas by the medieval historian Snorri Sturluson, telling stories of Norse kings, queens, farmers and warriors. It is especially rare because it is the only surviving copy of that edition in private hands, which made its move into public ownership significant for anyone interested in Norwegian history.

Rather than keeping the volume in a private collection, Haaland and his father chose to give it to the library in Bryne. Haaland explained what he hoped the gift would achieve: "I want the book to be left open on display at all times, so that people can read it and learn the stories of those who came from our area."

Bringing heritage closer to younger readers

The value of the book lies not only in its age or auction price but in the stories it holds about the region's past. A public display gives residents, students and visitors a chance to encounter it, something that is harder when a rare work is kept behind private doors.

Part of a wider pattern of giving

The library donation follows earlier gifts to the community. In August 2023, Bryne FK announced that Haaland had arranged equipment for children under 12. According to reports, he arranged 175 boxes for around 1,000 young players, each containing a football, training clothes, shorts, a bag and a drinking bottle from Aquafigure, worth around 1,500 Norwegian kroner (about £111) per child. The packages were distributed through local clubs including Rosseland, Frøyland, Undheim, Lye and Hognestad.

In November 2023, Haaland also covered train tickets for around 200 Bryne FK supporters travelling to Kristiansand for an away playoff match against IK Start. The estimated cost was 175,000 Norwegian kroner, or roughly £13,000 to £15,000. Bryne had reached the promotion playoffs for the first time since 2006, and Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 reported the arrangement. Reports also said bus travel would be covered for supporters who could not use the train.

Connecting success with home

Haaland was born in Leeds, England, while his father was playing for Leeds United, but he grew up in Bryne in Norway's Jæren region. His career has taken him to the top of European football with Manchester City and Norway, yet his gifts have been directed towards the community linked to his childhood. Whether through equipment for young players, travel for fans or a rare book for the public, the donations show different ways he has supported the place that shaped his early years.