Before the World Cup Round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil, Haaland was interviewed by Brazilian media outlet Caze TV, downplaying the conflict between himself and Gabriel.
The Manchester City forward and the Arsenal center-back have had numerous intense physical confrontations on the Premier League pitch in recent years, and their rivalry has always attracted significant attention.
Their relationship seemed to become more strained in September 2024, when Manchester City equalized in the final moments of the match, and Haaland celebrated by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel's head.
Since then, this feud has escalated. In February 2025, after Arsenal scored, Gabriel was seen shouting at Haaland in celebration. In April of this year, in Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal, Gabriel was almost sent off with a red card for allegedly headbutting Haaland.
Now, the two will meet again in the World Cup Round of 16 in New Jersey, but Haaland spoke highly of Gabriel before the match.
Haaland said: "He is a very good player, he just won the Premier League, and I have a lot of respect for him.
"But don't forget Marquinhos has won the Champions League twice in a row, Alisson has won almost everything, so Brazil is not just about him.
"Their entire team is excellent, and their defense is equally strong.
"If you are Brazil, with 200 million people to choose from – not literally everyone, of course – then you should have Champions League winners, Premier League winners, and the best players in the world, because that is Brazil."
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Bengudmman
14
He should respect Gabby