Football fans have been left amused after noticing a similarity between Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo’s pre-match habits. The Norwegian striker, aged 22, posed for a picture with his team-mates ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid. Fans spotted Haaland standing on his tiptoes, a habit that Ronaldo has been repeatedly caught doing throughout his career. When the image was released, eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that Haaland was following in Ronaldo’s footsteps in more ways than one. Haaland was also pictured trying to grab a couple of extra inches standing next to Ederson. This habit of standing on their toes is rather unusual given that both players are over six foot.
One fan pointed it out on Instagram, commenting, “You’re already the tallest in the team”. Another fan replied, “Bros trying to be like his idol Cristiano”. A third noted, “This is clearly CR7’s influence”. Others took to Twitter to make the comparisons. Ronaldo has repeatedly been accused of standing on his toes to try to give himself maximum height advantage. The ex-Real Madrid superstar has been called out for doing it throughout his career.
It is not a secret that Haaland has great admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he is even his favorite player. So perhaps it is a case of unconscious mirroring. In any case, Haaland will be trying to emulate Ronaldo’s performances in European finals, as City have reached the final of Champions League, where they will play Inter Milan on June 10.