From Salzburg Teammates to Premier League Rivals: The Enduring Friendship of Szoboszlai and Haaland
Few friendships in football seem as unlikely as the bond between Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland – certainly not between rivals. The two players themselves have repeatedly emphasized that they are friends off the pitch. Their connection began in 2019 at RB Salzburg, and both have since develop into stars in the Premier League.
Photo: PAUL ELLIS / AFP
Szoboszlai Aided Haaland’s Integration
Both were born in the year 2000, with Haaland nearly three months older than the Hungarian national team captain. They quickly gained attention as prodigies, receiving opportunities with the senior teams at a young age. They first met in Salzburg in 2019 and immediately formed a friendship.
“He’s a fantastic guy,” Szoboszlai recalled. “When we played at Salzburg, Haaland and I shared a room. I saw him meditating several times, which seemed strange at first, but I got used to it. He even gave me his sleep mask to try. Erling does many things that people don’t realize about, but I’ve seen them with my own eyes.”
The Norwegian goalscorer previously revealed that he wears special glasses for three hours before bed, equipped with a blue light filter. This improves his sleep quality and enhances his regeneration. Szoboszlai, but, may know of even bolder habits.
Szoboszlai helped Haaland integrate into Austrian life, such as getting closer to teammates or getting to know the city. The developing friendship also proved beneficial in learning English.
“When Erling joined us, he was the only new player that summer, everyone else already knew each other. I thought to myself that I had been in a similar situation, so I was very open with him and helped him in any way I could. We went out together, although he doesn’t usually do that kind of thing, and we went to restaurants together. We became good friends, I helped him get to know the team, and he helped me with my English, so we both helped each other,” Szoboszlai said.
They made their Champions League debuts together. Red Bull Salzburg began their group stage campaign against Genk in 2019: Szoboszlai became the youngest Hungarian to play in the Champions League, debuting at 18 years and 327 days traditional and scoring a goal. Salzburg won 6-2, with Haaland scoring a hat-trick, and it was already clear that these two players could become global stars.
The Recent Anfield Incident: A Testament to Their Respect
The recent match between Liverpool and Manchester City on February 8, 2026, saw a controversial red card issued to Szoboszlai after a tangle with Haaland in added time. Despite Manchester City winning 2-1, and nearly extending their lead to 3-1 before the VAR intervention, Haaland expressed sympathy for his friend. He stated he felt bad that Szoboszlai would receive a three-game ban, suggesting the goal should have stood without the red card.
Beyond the Pitch: A Friendship Forged in Shared Ambition
Their shared beginnings at Salzburg weren’t just about proximity; it was about shared ambition. Both players were identified as exceptional talents early on, and their time together fostered a mutual understanding and respect. This foundation has clearly endured despite their progression to different clubs and becoming key players for competing teams.
The Future of Football Friendships in a Hyper-Competitive Era
The Szoboszlai-Haaland relationship offers a glimpse into a potential trend: the enduring power of personal connections even within the fiercely competitive world of professional football. As players move more frequently and the stakes become higher, maintaining genuine friendships across rivalries may become increasingly rare, but also increasingly valued.
The Role of Shared Experiences
Early career experiences, like those shared at Salzburg, often forge the strongest bonds. These formative years are characterized by shared struggles, triumphs, and a sense of camaraderie that transcends club affiliations.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media platforms allow players to maintain contact and publicly express support for one another, even while competing on opposite sides. This can assist to humanize the rivalry and reinforce the idea that friendship can coexist with competition.
FAQ
Q: Where did Szoboszlai and Haaland first play together?
A: They first played together at RB Salzburg in 2019.
Q: What did Haaland say about Szoboszlai’s red card?
A: Haaland expressed sympathy for Szoboszlai and felt he shouldn’t receive a three-game ban.
Q: How did Szoboszlai help Haaland when he first joined Salzburg?
A: Szoboszlai helped Haaland integrate into the team and get to know the city.
Did you know? Haaland and Szoboszlai both share a birth year of 2000, with Haaland being a few months older.
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