Manchester City striker Erling Haaland returned to Snapchat during his summer break, telling users he needed a vacation because he had a “fried brain” after playing 67 matches across the 2025–2026 season, according to social media interactions reported by Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Demanding 2025–2026 Schedule
Haaland detailed the physical toll of his campaign when questioned by users about his absence from the platform. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Norwegian international explained that his workload reached 67 games during a marathon season that started on August 16, 2025, with the opening fixture of the Premier League and concluded on July 11, 2026, when Norway was eliminated in the World Cup quarterfinals by England.
Summer Rest and High-Profile Sightings
Following Norway’s exit from the tournament, Haaland spent his weeks off traveling across Europe. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his itinerary included:
- Attending a Dolce&Gabbana fashion event in Taormina, Sicily.
- Traveling to Locorotondo for the wedding of his Manchester City teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma, where he led guests in the “Viking row” celebration popularized by Norway during the World Cup.
- Celebrating his 26th birthday on July 21.
- Meeting basketball legend Michael Jordan during a stop on the French Riviera.
Return to Manchester City
The striker’s break ends mid-August. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Haaland is scheduled to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s squad between August 12 and August 13. Manchester City faces Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, marking the official start of their domestic defense.
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