The intense rivalry between two Premier League stars takes center stage on Sunday as Brazil squares off against Norway in the World Cup round of 16.
Manchester City’s powerhouse striker Erling Haaland faces off against Brazil’s stalwart defender Gabriel from Arsenal at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
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Both players have been pivotal in their clubs’ pursuit of domestic glory, leading to a rivalry that often escalates into heated exchanges.
The result of their latest showdown could significantly influence whether Brazil or Norway moves on to the quarter-finals, where a matchup against either England or Mexico awaits.
Former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport: “While many great players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Haaland battle for the Golden Boot, there hasn’t been a notable personal duel. Now we have one.
“This match features the premier personal duel of the World Cup so far, and it will significantly impact the game’s outcome.
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“The rivalry is particularly compelling due to the evident tension between the two. While there may be some level of mutual respect among elite players, their interactions suggest a preference for anything but camaraderie.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer anticipates an exciting clash between them, stating, “This encounter promises to be thrilling given the existing animosity.
“It’s completely acceptable not to like your opponent, and past encounters have shown that these two do not get along, making this one to watch closely.”
Adding to the narrative is the fact that Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, has never managed to defeat Norway in four previous matches—resulting in two draws and two losses.
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As a result, Norway remains the only national team that Brazil has faced without securing a victory.
How did the Haaland-Gabriel rivalry begin?
Rewind to Sunday, September 22, 2024, when Manchester City’s John Stones scored a late equalizer that frustrated Arsenal fans, who were on the verge of a celebrated victory despite having ten men after Leandro Trossard‘s dismissal in first-half stoppage time.
In the chaotic moments following the goal, Haaland retrieved the ball from the net and forcefully threw it at the back of Gabriel’s head while the defender was covering it with his Arsenal shirt in frustration.
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Gabriel has remembered this incident vividly. After the final whistle signaled a 2-2 draw, Haaland directed his infamous “stay humble” comment at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a post-match exchange.
“What happens on the football pitch stays there,” said Haaland. “That’s just the way it goes. It’s a battle, and provocative acts are a normal part of the game.”
Gabriel narrowly avoided a red card for a headbutt aimed at Haaland during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Arsenal in April [Getty Images]
The intensity certainly reached its peak when Arsenal routed Manchester City 5-1 in February 2025, with Gabriel celebrating a goal by shouting in Haaland’s face, delivering some sweet revenge.
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Gabriel acknowledged, “I did it as payback for him throwing the ball at my head. When we scored, he was right next to me, so I yelled in his ear.”
And thus, the back-and-forth continued.
Following a goal that clinched a 2-1 victory against Arsenal in April, Haaland cheekily sang “oh, oh, sometimes I get a good feeling,” quoting a line from Flo Rida’s track for the cameras, flashing a triumphant grin.
Tempers flared during that match, with Gabriel attempting a headbutt at Haaland, who remained resolute. Gabriel was fortunate to have escaped a red card from referee Anthony Taylor, with both men receiving yellow cards.
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Gabriel wasn’t done yet. After Arsenal captured their first top-flight title in 24 years in May, he posted a picture of himself proudly holding the Premier League trophy, all set to Flo Rida’s anthem playing in the background.
Now, the stage is set for yet another chapter in their riveting rivalry at the picturesque New York New Jersey Stadium.
This personal clash could significantly affect the game
As Premier League stakes reached new heights, this encounter occurs on the world’s biggest football stage with no room for error; the loser goes home.
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Sutton added, “I firmly believe there will be some flashpoints, given the physicality of both players. As a former center-forward, I appreciate those physical confrontations.
“Fans love a bit of tension and edge. The storied head-to-head battles between Manchester City and Arsenal over the last few seasons have seen both players at the forefront of the action.
“That’s what makes this compelling. They are likely to embrace the challenge, but discipline will be key in walking the fine line.
“If Haaland engages with Gabriel physically, and Gabriel retaliates, that’s when the referee will have to stay alert.
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“While watching Norway play the Ivory Coast, when Haaland scored the decisive goal to secure their place against Brazil, I immediately thought of the showdown between Gabriel and Haaland. This personal rivalry will undoubtedly shape the game’s outcome.”
Who will triumph in this rivalry?
In their previous 11 matchups at the club level, Haaland has a positive record against Gabriel, scoring six goals. Manchester City claimed victory in five of those encounters, while Arsenal won two, with four draws.
Currently, Haaland is in the running for the World Cup Golden Boot, having scored five goals—on par with England’s Kane and just two shy of Mbappe from France and Messi from Argentina, who have seven.
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Gabriel serves as the defensive anchor for a Brazilian squad that, while perhaps not dazzling, has effectively gotten the job done under the famed Carlo Ancelotti.
Legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti aims to reclaim the World Cup for Brazil for the first time since 2002 [Getty Images]
Sutton remarked, “The outcome of the battle between Haaland and Gabriel will be crucial in determining who advances to the last eight.
“Norway has considerable potential, but Brazil boasts an outstanding manager in Carlo Ancelotti, a strategist who knows how to win.
“I anticipate a closely contested match. However, there’s a prevailing sense that Brazil might edge this one thanks to Ancelotti, who brings a wealth of experience. This Brazil team isn’t like those of the past, which dazzled teams with sheer flair and skill.
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“Ancelotti’s Brazil plays conservatively when needed, taking advantage of players like Vinicius Jr. They have another talent in Rayan, who is expected to shine.
“Brazil’s style lacks a single defined approach; it relies on the players’ instincts, and Vinicius Jr is pivotal to that—though they undoubtedly possess raw talent and capitalize on moments.”
However, Sutton refused to dismiss Norway, emphasizing their strengths: “We know their capabilities and the talent Haaland brings. They also have Martin Odegaard, their primary playmaker, who, despite a challenging season marred by injuries, undoubtedly possesses immense quality.
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“I believe they are fully capable of defeating Brazil. It will be a tight match, and the encounter between Haaland and Gabriel could very well determine the outcome.”