Portugal coach Jorge Jesus names Erling Haaland and Victor Osimhen the world’s most powerful strikers, praising their strength inside the box

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has identified Norway forward Erling Haaland and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen as the two most powerful strikers in world football.

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Jesus made the assessment before Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Asked about Haaland’s qualities ahead of the encounter, the 72-year-old Portuguese coach highlighted the Manchester City forward’s combination of physical strength, technical ability and movement inside the penalty area.

“Haaland is the most physically and technically powerful player inside the box,” Jesus said.

The Portugal coach, however, distinguished between Haaland’s influence inside and outside the penalty area, noting that the Norwegian is less dominant when operating farther from goal despite possessing considerable pace.

“But inside the box, for me, he and Osimhen are the strongest in the world,” Jesus added.

The assessment places Haaland and Osimhen among the most powerful strikers in Jesus’ view, with both forwards known for their physical presence and ability to pose a significant threat close to goal.

Haaland currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League, while Osimhen represents Galatasaray in Turkey.

Both forwards have continued to attract attention for their performances during the current season, with their contrasting styles making them prominent figures in European football.

Haaland is renowned for his imposing frame, acceleration and clinical finishing, while Osimhen has built his reputation around pace, aerial ability, physical strength and movement behind defensive lines.

Jesus’ comments came in the build-up to Portugal’s meeting with Norway, giving the experienced coach an opportunity to assess one of the opposition’s principal attacking threats.

Portugal ultimately secured a 2-1 victory in Oslo, but Jesus’ comparison of Haaland and Osimhen provided one of the notable talking points surrounding the encounter.

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For Osimhen, the praise from the Portugal coach adds another high-profile assessment to his growing reputation among leading European football figures.