Erling Haaland’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s most ruthless finishers has rarely been in doubt, but a Manchester City presenter has lifted the lid on a different side of the Norwegian forward.
One that shows a laid-back, playful character far removed from the intimidating figure defenders face every weekend.
Since joining Manchester City in 2022, Haaland has remained at the centre of global football attention.
Expectations were sky-high from the moment he stepped into the Etihad Stadium, but he quickly blew past even the most optimistic forecasts.
His record-breaking first Premier League season set a new benchmark for goals in a single campaign, and rather than plateauing, the 25-year-old has kept adding layers to his game and to his growing legend.
This season alone, he has already delivered 14 goals in the Premier League and added another five in the Champions League, cementing his place as one of the most feared forwards in modern football.
Yet according to those who see him daily, there is far more to Haaland’s real life behaviour than the intense competitor showcased on the pitch.
One of those voices is Faraaz “FG” Ghaffur—a presenter and content creator who works closely with Manchester City.
Ghaffur, who engages regularly with players during media duties and filming sessions, has given a candid and colourful insight into Haaland’s personality away from the public spotlight.
According to Mirror, while speaking on In The Mixer, in partnership with Sky Bet, he described a player who, despite his superstar status, behaves with surprising humility and youthful humour.
“Everything you see with Erling is what you get,” said FG, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.
“He could have had a game where, this is probably only even last season, he didn’t play well. You see him hounded by the media.
“But he’s just a big kid. All he wants to do is have fun. He’s very respectful to everyone. There are days at City where we are open to the media, and he is great with not just me but everybody else.”
The presenter explained that even on difficult days—when performances are questioned or scrutiny intensifies— Haaland’s real life behaviour does not let frustration or pressure sour interactions with the people around him.
Whether cameras are rolling or not, his demeanour remains virtually unchanged.
Ghaffur continued: “Sometimes you have to think to yourself, ‘Is this guy really doing what he’s doing on a weekend and having nothing about anything negative?’ He’s a great guy. He’s very funny as well. Unbelievable player.”
Such remarks align with the image Haaland occasionally projects on social media—playful, irreverent and comfortable poking fun at himself.
But inside the club, according to Ghaffur, this isn’t a constructed persona. It is simply who he is.
Despite already being arguably the most prolific striker in world football, Ghaffur believes Haaland is only beginning to explore the full range of his ability at Manchester City.
The YouTuber and esports gamer, who has watched his development close-up since his arrival, insists that Haaland’s ceiling remains far from reached.
He added: “You know what’s scary? I think he could do more. I think he will do more. His mentality last season, when I’ve seen him still scoring the goals, when everything was difficult. He was still being in there in the conversation,s and then you see the change this year.
“Haaland just seems like he’s more relaxed. He’s a YouTuber now. He is doing his side hustles and stuff and he’s enjoying himself. If he carries on smiling, it could be dangerous.”
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Ghaffur suggests that the Norwegian’s growing confidence and comfort in his environment—both professionally and personally—are making him an even sharper threat.
He believes the changes visible this season reflect a player who is broadening his involvement beyond simply finishing chances.
“I think when I say do more it’s not so much in terms of goalscoring, it is about what he’s doing when he’s got possession of the ball and off the ball.
“It’s so much better this year already. He’s so much better on the ball and he’s involved in the link-up play.”
His all-round play—often cited as an area of improvement when he first arrived in England—has noticeably progressed.
His first touches are sharper, and his involvement in buildup phases is more consistent. For a player who already dominated penalty boxes with frightening efficiency, this evolution only deepens the worries of opposition defenders.
