Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has reached 65 international goals for Norway, surpassing Sweden great Zlatan Ibrahimović and moving level with former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba on the all-time international scoring charts.
Haaland reached the milestone during Norway’s 2–1 defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on September 27, 2026, scoring Norway’s only goal at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. The strike came three days after he had scored twice in Norway’s 3–2 victory over Denmark to move beyond Ibrahimović’s international tally.
Haaland Moves Past Ibrahimović
The 26-year-old forward entered Norway’s meeting with Denmark on 62 international goals, level with Ibrahimović and Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário.
His two goals against Denmark took his tally to 64 goals in 56 appearances, allowing him to move ahead of Ibrahimović’s 62 goals in 122 matches for Sweden.
Reuters reported that the achievement made Haaland the highest-scoring male international player from the Nordic region.
Haaland then added another goal against Portugal, taking his Norway tally to 65 goals in 57 appearances.
Level With Didier Drogba
Haaland’s latest goal also moved him level with Drogba, who scored 65 goals for Ivory Coast during his international career.
The milestone places Haaland alongside one of Africa’s most prolific international forwards. Drogba represented Ivory Coast from 2002 to 2014 and became a central figure in the country’s so-called golden generation.
Haaland, however, has reached the same total in considerably fewer appearances, having scored 65 goals in 57 matches for Norway.
The comparison is statistical rather than a direct assessment of the players’ careers, as the two forwards played in different eras, teams and competitive environments.
Rapid Rise With Norway
Haaland made his senior Norway debut in September 2019 and scored his first international goal almost a year later against Austria in the UEFA Nations League.
He became Norway’s all-time leading scorer in October 2024 after scoring twice against Slovenia, overtaking Jørgen Juve’s longstanding record of 33 goals.
His international scoring rate has accelerated significantly in recent years.
According to available statistical records, Haaland scored 17 goals for Norway in 2025 alone. He also played a major role in Norway’s 2026 World Cup campaign, including seven goals during the tournament.
Nations League Milestone
Haaland’s recent goals have also strengthened his position as the UEFA Nations League’s leading scorer.
His two-goal performance against Denmark took his Nations League total to 19, according to statistical records cited in recent coverage.
His goal against Portugal came in a match Norway ultimately lost 2–1, with Portugal securing the victory through goals from João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos.
Despite the defeat, Haaland’s goal extended his international scoring record and moved him to another significant landmark in the global rankings.
A Remarkable Scoring Rate
Haaland’s 65 goals have come in 57 appearances for Norway, giving him a scoring rate of more than one goal per international match.
His rapid progression has placed him among the most productive international scorers of his generation.
He has already passed the international totals of several established names, including Ibrahimović and Ronaldo Nazário. His latest goal means Drogba is now the next major landmark he has reached, with Haaland joining the Ivorian on 65 goals.
The Norwegian striker remains considerably younger than many players around him on the all-time scoring list, meaning his eventual position will depend on how long he continues playing for the national team and maintains his scoring rate.
Norway’s Wider Progress
Haaland’s individual achievements have coincided with a significant period for Norwegian football.
Norway qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and returned to the tournament for the first time since 1998. Haaland played a central role in the qualification campaign, scoring 16 goals, according to Football365’s statistical review of his international career.
His scoring continued at the World Cup, where he scored seven goals for Norway.
The forward has subsequently carried that form into the UEFA Nations League, adding goals against Denmark and Portugal during September’s international fixtures.
What Comes Next
Haaland now sits on 65 international goals and remains an active member of the Norway squad.
His next international appearances will provide an opportunity to move beyond Drogba’s total and continue climbing the all-time international scoring list.
For now, his latest milestone places him level with one of Africa’s most recognisable footballers while establishing a new Nordic men’s international scoring record after his earlier surpassing of Ibrahimović.
Sources
- Reuters
- The Guardian
- Punch
- Opta Analyst
- Football365
