A personal feud that has simmered for nearly two years in the Premier League is about to take centre stage at the World Cup. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel will face each other for Brazil against Norway in the last 16 on Sunday, bringing a rivalry that has regularly boiled over into animosity to a global audience.
Haaland, the Norway captain and one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football, plays for Manchester City. Gabriel, a Brazilian centre-back, plays for Arsenal. Their clubs have been locked in a battle for domestic supremacy, and the two players have clashed repeatedly on the pitch. The feud escalated dramatically on 22 September 2024, in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal were down to 10 men and holding out for a famous victory when City's John Stones scored a 98th-minute equaliser. In the chaotic aftermath, Haaland ran into the net to retrieve the ball and threw it with great force at the back of Gabriel's head, as Gabriel covered his face with his Arsenal shirt in disappointment. After the final whistle, Haaland turned to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and twice uttered the words "stay humble".
“The Premier League feud between Erling Haaland and Gabriel goes global at the World Cup.”
That moment became the defining image of the feud. Since then, both players have maintained a visible animosity whenever their teams meet. Former England striker Chris Sutton called it the standout personal duel of the World Cup so far, adding that "everything we've seen between them suggests they don't like each other too much". Alan Shearer said the "bit of niggle" between them makes for great viewing.
For UK readers, this feud matters because it exports a homegrown rivalry onto the biggest international stage. The winner of Brazil vs Norway will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals, meaning English fans have a direct stake in the outcome. Furthermore, Brazil have never beaten Norway in four attempts – drawing two and losing two – making Norway the only side the five-time world champions have faced but never defeated.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil coach, has already been asked how his team plans to keep Haaland quiet. The match will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with kick-off on Sunday.
Q: How did the Haaland-Gabriel feud start? The feud erupted on 22 September 2024 during a Premier League match. After Manchester City scored a late equaliser, Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel's head and later told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to "stay humble".
Q: Who is Gabriel? Gabriel is a Brazilian international centre-back who plays for Arsenal. He is known for his defensive solidity and has been a key figure in Arsenal's recent title challenges. He will face Haaland as part of Brazil's defence in the World Cup last-16 match.
Q: What is at stake in Brazil vs Norway? The winner advances to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will play either England or Mexico. For Brazil, it's a chance to finally beat Norway for the first time. For Norway, eliminating a five-time champion would be a historic achievement.
What happens next: The match is scheduled for Sunday. If Brazil win, Haaland and Gabriel's rivalry may intensify; if Norway win, Gabriel's World Cup ends. The outcome will also shape England's path if they beat Mexico.