Brighton’s emerging Greek stars Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas recently admitted their admiration for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. In a fun exchange, the duo joked about seizing Haaland’s shirt, with Kostoulas tipping the Norwegian forward as his football idol.
Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise has inspired countless footballers across the world, and it’s no surprise that his influence extends even to the Premier League’s rising stars. Among them are Brighton’s own Greek duo, Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas. During a fun, light-hearted Q&A session, the pair shared their admiration for the Manchester City striker, with Kostoulas openly naming Haaland as his football idol.
At just 24, Haaland has already reached a milestone that most players can only dream of, scoring over 300 career goals early in his professional journey. The Norwegian forward has twice clinched the Premier League Golden Boot and become a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City side. His ruthless goal-scoring ability and impeccable work rate have made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.
Kostoulas, when asked about the player he most admires, didn’t hesitate in naming Haaland. The 21-year-old defender’s admiration is clear, as Haaland’s journey and consistent performances have undoubtedly shaped Kostoulas’s own footballing aspirations. Kostoulas’s respect for Haaland is a testament to the Norwegian’s impact not just on Manchester City, but on the game at large.
Meanwhile, Tzimas, who plays alongside Kostoulas, responded with a cheeky grin when asked whether he would celebrate if Haaland scored against Brighton. “No,” Tzimas laughed, “But I’ll take his shirt.” The playful exchange continued, with Kostoulas urging his teammate to “aim high” and score a hat-trick when facing Haaland, reinforcing their camaraderie and mutual aspirations.
This humorous yet revealing conversation is just the latest in a growing list of players who have expressed admiration for Haaland. His legacy, which includes a glittering record at both domestic and international levels, has created a generation of young footballers who see him as the epitome of success in the modern game.
Haaland’s impact goes beyond his on-field achievements. His partnership with Guardiola has been instrumental in his growth, with the legendary coach known for refining and nurturing elite talent. The duo have enjoyed massive success together, lifting multiple Premier League titles, as well as the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023.
Brighton’s Kostoulas and Tzimas, both of whom are developing into Premier League-level talents, have expressed how inspiring it is to see someone like Haaland, a player they admire, rise to prominence. Their excitement about the possibility of facing Haaland on the pitch in the near future is palpable, with the two Greek youngsters eager to test their skills against the best.
Haaland is currently enjoying a well-earned summer break following a less-than-ideal end to the 2024-25 season. Manchester City, after falling short of a historic treble, are gearing up for a fresh season. The team will return to action on August 9, facing Palermo in a pre-season friendly to kickstart their 2025-26 campaign. City’s first league fixture is slated for August 16, where they’ll meet Wolverhampton Wanderers. For Haaland, the focus will be to bounce back and continue his dominance in the Premier League.
For Kostoulas and Tzimas, the future seems bright, and their playful banter about Haaland is more than just admiration—it’s a sign of the hunger and ambition that fuels their own professional journeys. The duo is set to make their own impact in the Premier League, and if they keep their eyes on the prize, perhaps they’ll one day be sharing a pitch with their idol, Haaland.
