EA Sports unveils significant decision involving Erling Haaland and Manchester City: A glimpse into the future of football

The reasoning behind selecting Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland as the cover star of EA Sports FC 2024 has been clarified.

Last year, the 23-year-old was unveiled as the cover star for the revamped 2024 edition of the popular video game, taking over from Kylian Mbappe and Sam Kerr on the front cover of EA Sports FC.

Haaland joined the esteemed list of footballing stars featured on the game’s cover, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney.

After a remarkable debut season at the Etihad Stadium, following his £51 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in July 2022, Haaland broke numerous long-standing Premier League records and played a key role in Pep Guardiola’s side clinching a historic treble.

Scoring 52 goals in 53 appearances last season, Haaland has continued his impressive form this season with 29 goals in 34 appearances so far. Despite missing some weeks due to injury, including Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign, Haaland’s impact has been significant.

Apart from winning personal accolades and trophies with Manchester City, the senior marketing director for EA Sports FC has provided an explanation for choosing Haaland as the cover star, citing his representation of the future of football and alignment with the values of the game.

“He’s off the back of a historic treble; Manchester City going out there and having an incredible season. And over the last 12 months, I’d argue he’s probably been the best player on the planet,” said James Salmon in an interview.

“Authenticity is all of that IP that fans have known to expect to be in our ecosystem. The 19,000 players, 700 clubs, 30-plus leagues and federations all of that licensing prowess would exist within our ecosystem.

“The cover is one demonstration of that. Haaland is on the cover on a UEFA Champions League match night wearing a Manchester City kit.”