Erling Haaland is the most talked about footballer on the planet. The 22-year-old Norwegian phenom has scored 15 goals in just nine appearances in the Premier League so far this season and is on pace to finish the season with 63 goals, 29 goals clear of the existing record of a comparatively modest 34.
Haaland has already shattered the record for the fastest player to score three hat-tricks in the league, requiring only eight games to do so, demolishing the previous record of 48 games. Understandably, there were great expectations for Haaland after Manchester City spent $91 million in the offseason to acquire his talents. Many hoped that the rising star could adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, but few expected him to become such a prolific goal scorer so quickly.
Haaland’s dramatic ascension to the top of the footballing world has led to claims that the superstar is ‘not human’, ‘out of this world’ and ‘robotic’ in his playing style. After Haaland revealed the strange diet that has propelled him to stardom, there might be some evidence to support these claims.
In a new documentary titled ‘Haaland: The Big Decision’, the Norwegian gives an insight into the key ingredients that have fuelled his lethal form in front of goal. The big secret? Organ meats. Haaland regularly feasts on nutrient rich cows’ heart and liver to maintain optimal performance. “You don’t eat this. I am concerned with taking care of my body,” says Haaland while flaunting an air-tight bag packed with a cow’s heart.
He emphasises the importance of locally sourced food and says he usually eats over 6,000 calories a day, which is necessary for muscle maintenance during the high intensity training he undergoes. While unorthodox and certainly not for picky eaters, the 22-year-old believes that organ meats are the best way to pack on the calories and lean protein.
“I think eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important. People say meat is bad for you but which? The meat you get at McDonald’s? Or the local cow eating grass right over there?”
Organ meats were once a prized delicacy, but their inclusion in the average diet has slowly dwindled with the availability of more palatable meat. The heart and liver that Haaland eats as well as other organ meats are naturally packed with nutrients and have been called super foods. Organ meats are high in vitamin B and folate, containing minerals such as iron, phosphorus and magnesium. They are also a great source of protein. However, they are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. So, if you’re planning on adding organ meats to your diet, remember to keep it in moderation.
Not keen on the organ meats? Haaland says his father Alfie, who also played for Manchester City, prepares lasagne for him before games. “I’ve had it before every home game now and that turns out fairly well, so there has to be something special he adds to it,” Haaland said. And seeing as he became the first ever player to score a hat trick in three consecutive home games earlier this season – the lasagne is clearly working. “I help out very little. I mostly lie on the couch watching him. That’s the way it works.”
The documentary also gives some insights into Haaland’s lifestyle choices and habits that help him perform at a crazily high level. “I think it is quite important to have good routines,” Haaland says. “Whether it is the first thing you do in the morning, that is to get some daylight in my eyes. It is good for my circadian rhythm.” Haaland also shared that he prefers filtered water and has a dedicated filtration system set up in his house. “I have started to filtrate my water a bit. I think it can have great benefits for my body.”
Haaland’s diet might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it’s hard to argue with the results. The Striker seems certain to continue to smash records and win awards, fuelled by an unusual diet.
