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As the latest stage of the World Cup approaches, we revisit every heated moment between Gabriel and Erling Haaland, whose on-field clashes have become legendary.

The duo are set to face each other once again when Brazil meet Norway, although their rivalry has mostly played out in club football rather than on the international stage.

Here is a detailed look at every flashpoint in the Gabriel versus Haaland saga.

The first notable incident took place in 2024, when Arsenal held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Throughout the match, Gabriel used every defensive trick in the book to unsettle Haaland, who responded in kind with physical intensity. When the final whistle blew, tensions boiled over as the two began shoving each other before Pep Guardiola stepped in to separate them — the rivalry had officially begun.

Later that same year came what is perhaps the most memorable encounter between the two. Arsenal were leading 2-1 away against their title rivals when City equalised at the death. In celebration, Haaland hurled the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head, reigniting hostilities.

The situation escalated further when, moments after kick-off, Haaland charged in to close down the ball and clattered into Thomas Partey, who had attempted to block his run. After the match, the Norwegian striker was caught on camera telling Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble eh?”, a remark that infuriated Arsenal supporters and quickly became a taunt used by rivals.

At that point, it appeared Haaland had the upper hand, but Gabriel got his revenge later in the same season. When Arsenal opened the scoring, the Brazilian defender celebrated by shouting directly in Haaland’s face. Although Haaland later scored an equaliser, he refrained from responding in kind.

Reflecting on the encounter, Gabriel said: “He was dominating, I was always celebrating in his face. Five minutes in, one-nil. When we scored, he was right next to me, and I started yelling in his ear. He scored, the son of a b***h, with a header, 1-1. The ball went out of play, we were 2-1. We turned it around, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1.”

Adding to the drama, Myles Lewis-Skelly — who had previously clashed with Haaland — mocked the striker by imitating his trademark celebration, setting the tone for Arsenal’s spirited display.

Their most recent confrontation came during the title race last season. Manchester City were chasing down league leaders Arsenal and managed a 2-1 victory at the Etihad. During the match, Gabriel appeared to headbutt Haaland, but since the City forward refused to fall theatrically, VAR did not issue a red card. Haaland later commented that he preferred to remain on his feet rather than simulate contact.

“I think it’s a red card,” Haaland said after the match. “I think most agree with me. If I go down like any other guy, it’s a red card. It’s not something I would do. My father taught me to stay on your feet.

“That’s the reality. Should I have gone down? Maybe. Then it would’ve been easier. But I didn’t.”

That controversial non-decision proved crucial, as a red card would have sidelined Gabriel for three matches, significantly impacting Arsenal’s campaign.

Now, with Brazil and Norway preparing to face off on the world stage, the football world awaits the next chapter in this fiery rivalry.