During a recent livestream, Brown discussed matches from the World Cup 2026, including Argentina versus England in the semifinals and Brazil versus Norway in the round of 16.

"I watched the Brazil versus Norway match. Haaland really stood out in that game", the Philadelphia 76ers star said in a video shared on X.

Jaylen Brown (right) and Erling Haaland. *Photo: Marca*

Brown, the 29-year-old basketball player, expressed surprise upon learning Haaland is 1.95 meters tall. "That's crazy. He should have played basketball", Brown stated. According to Brown, with his 1.95 meter height, superior physique, and athletic qualities, Haaland could achieve success in professional basketball.

Brown currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, having transferred from the Boston Celtics in 7/2026. He is a top NBA star with five NBA All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections. During his time with the Celtics, Brown reached the Eastern Conference Finals six times, won the NBA championship in the 2023-2024 season, and earned the Finals MVP award.

"I think if I had grown up with soccer, I could have become one of the best players in the world. Maybe I am exaggerating, but I always believe I can be the best in any field", the player born in 1996 confidently said.

Haaland, born in 2000, is currently one of the best strikers in the world. Possessing speed, strength, excellent positioning, and comprehensive finishing ability, he developed at clubs Bryne and Molde before moving to RB Salzburg, Dortmund, and then joining Man City in 2022.

At Man City, Haaland quickly became a key player, helping the team secure a treble in his first season and subsequently winning multiple domestic titles. The Norwegian striker has won the Premier League two times, claimed the Premier League Golden Boot three times, and set numerous scoring records in the league. At the national team level, Haaland is Norway's all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 54 matches.

In the World Cup 2026, Haaland scored 7 goals in 5 matches, leading Norway to their first World Cup quarterfinals. During the celebration of this historic achievement in his homeland, members of the Norwegian national team and about 90,000 fans participated in a boat procession in front of the Royal Palace. Haaland was absent, having left early.

Haaland's outstanding performance at the World Cup 2026 boosted his social media followers by approximately 32.1 million across various platforms. He is currently enjoying his summer vacation with his girlfriend in Italy and is expected to rejoin Man City next week to prepare for the new season.

The 26-year-old striker is likely to miss the Community Shield match between Man City and Arsenal at Wembley on 16/8.

By Hong Duy (via VG)