Erling Haaland makes touching donation to Norweigan hometown worth £100,000

The 25-year-old placed his winning bid over the phone back in December, and it turns out this isn't just any old book – it's the sole surviving copy of this particular edition.

The historic tome chronicles the tales of medieval Viking kings and queens, offering a fascinating window into Scandinavian history from centuries past.

The manuscript is actually a 1594 printed edition of the Heimskringla, penned by 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson, and it's packed with stories about Viking warriors, rulers, and farmers from the Jaeren district.

Rather than keeping this treasure for himself, Haaland has generously handed it over to the public library in Bryne – the Norwegian town where he spent his childhood after being born in Leeds.

The book will be housed at the Municipality of Time in the Jaeren district, roughly 30km south of Stavanger in western Norway.

It's a lovely gesture that ensures this vital piece of local heritage stays right where it belongs – in the community that shaped the prolific goalscorer.

"I have never been a big reader, but I want the book to always be open, so that you can read about those who came from my area, from Bryne and Jaeren," Haaland explained in a press release, according to Norwegian outlet VG.

The striker clearly believes literature can spark something special in people.

"Books give so many more people the chance to dream big and find their own path," he said during the presentation.

This philanthropic move comes just a week after Haaland was confirmed as an investor in Norway Chess, showing the forward's growing interest in supporting cultural initiatives back home.

On the pitch, he's been equally impressive this season, sitting top of the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals from 29 appearances.