Haaland's Grand Gesture! Premier League Star Buys Norway's Most Expensive Book, Donates It to Hometown

Pulse Sports Team 18:43 - 24 March 2026

Footballer Erling Haaland purchased the most expensive book in Norwegian history at auction. Along with his father, Alf-Inge, he paid 1.3 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 118,000 euros) for a copy of "Royal Sagas." Immediately after the purchase, he donated the 1594 book to the municipal office of Time, a Norwegian municipality that includes Bryne, where Haaland grew up.

The Manchester City striker acquired the book at a December auction, making only one condition upon its donation.

"I want the book to remain on display so people can read about the heroes who came from this area. I've been fortunate enough to live my dream through football. However, I know not everyone can have a similar life, and often, books can show people the right path," the Norwegian was quoted as saying by DPA.

The book contains sagas of the Nordic nations, derived from the writings of the Icelander Snorri Sturluson from the 12th to 14th centuries. These stories were first printed in 1594 by Mattis Storsson, and the sole surviving copy of the work will now be available in a library in Bryne.

The book will also be part of a reading competition in the upcoming school year, with the top participants attending a match of the Norwegian national football team.