Erling Haaland £500,000-per-week salary, though seemingly excessive, is justified by the “superstar effect,” which explains the huge gap between elite athletes and their peers. Haaland remarkable talent, with 80 Premier League goals in just two and a half seasons, makes him invaluable to Manchester City. His high wages reflect both his marketability and the global demand for such megastars.
With the announcement of Erling Haaland’s new £500,000-a-week salary at Manchester City, many are questioning the astronomical sum. While Haaland himself described the contract as “a bit crazy,” it is not as outlandish as it seems. Haaland’s earnings align with the growing gap between the world’s elite athletes and others in their field, a trend fueled by the “superstar” effect. For context, athletes like Patrick Mahomes, who signed a $500 million contract in 2021, and Max Verstappen, rumoured for a $1 billion move, highlight the increasing salaries in sports.
Haaland’s immense talent is a key reason behind the hefty paycheck. He has scored 80 Premier League goals in just two and a half seasons, making him one of the top goal-scorers at the age of 24. City hopes to retain Haaland’s exceptional form for another six or seven years.
The superstar effect, outlined by economist Sherwin Rosen, shows that fans are willing to pay more to see megastars, even if the next best player could offer a similar performance. The growing global audience for sports, thanks to technology, has further fueled the willingness to pay for top talent, making Haaland’s salary a justified investment for Manchester City.
