Erling Haaland has downplayed his ongoing rivalry with Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of their World Cup last-16 showdown between Norway and Brazil on Sunday in New Jersey. The Manchester City striker and Arsenal defender have developed a fierce physical rivalry in the Premier League, which has occasionally turned personal.
Haaland praises Gabriel and Brazil defense
Speaking to Caze TV, Haaland was complimentary about Gabriel and the entire Brazil squad. 'Yeah, he's an amazing player, he just won the Premier League so all respect to him,' Haaland said. 'But don't forget Marquinhos won the Champions League two in a row, don't forget Alisson has won every single trophy, so it's not just him. The whole team is really good and the defence is really good.'
Haaland added: 'If you are Brazil, and you have 200 million people to choose from – not exactly that – but if you have a lot of people to choose from you should have Champions League winners, you should have Premier League winners, and you should have the best players in the world, because it's Brazil.'
History of rivalry between Haaland and Gabriel
The rivalry began in September 2024 when Haaland celebrated a late Manchester City equaliser against Arsenal by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel's head. It boiled over in February 2025 when Gabriel screamed in Haaland's face after an Arsenal goal. In April 2026, Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card for a headbutt attempt on Haaland during City's 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Ancelotti relaxed about Haaland threat
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti remained calm when asked about containing Haaland, who has scored five goals in four World Cup games so far. 'I don't have to explain to my defenders how Haaland plays. They know him better than I do because they have played against him many times,' Ancelotti said.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes revealed a tactical plan to stop Haaland: 'We have to try to prevent the ball from reaching him. We will be attacking, but there always has to be someone glued to him so we don't give him space, because we know that with just one ball he can decide a match.'
Gabriel's father comments on battles
Gabriel's father spoke about his son's duels with Haaland on ESPN's Equipe F. 'He's used to playing against Haaland. The two of them clash and I keep saying "Good heavens!"' he said. 'He's used to playing against Haaland, against several other Premier League strikers, where there are many strikers of Haaland's calibre. Wow, the two of them go at it, I watch and think "Goodness gracious, thank goodness Gabriel is strong". Because Haaland is very strong and to mark him you have to be a strong guy like Gabriel.'
