Despite the recent criticisms of Erling Haaland as a footballer amidst Manchester City‘s poor form of late and the recent humbling at the Emirates, the Norwegian is still the League’s 2nd highest goal scorer, with just 2 goals behind Mo Salah with 19 goals.
He had a stellar start to this campaign, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United in August 2024; he continued his goal-scoring spree with a brace against Brentford in September. By January 2025, Haaland has already netted 111 goals in 126 appearances for Manchester City, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success over the past two years.
But what has fueled this Norwegian’s meteoric rise? A significant factor is his remarkable physical transformation over the years. Let’s take a lighthearted look at how this goal-scoring Viking evolved from a lanky teenager to a football powerhouse.
Early Childhood at Byrne
Erling Haaland’s remarkable physical transformation has been pivotal in his ascent to football stardom. His powerful thighs, for example, which add to his muscular weight, essential for his explosive acceleration past defenders, have roots tracing back to his early athletic endeavors even as a child.

At just five years old, Haaland demonstrated exceptional athleticism by setting an unofficial world record in the standing long jump for his age group, leaping 1.63 meters. This early display of power and flexibility laid the foundation for his future physical development.
Kenneth Bjorvatn who is good friends with the forward and also Norway’s reigning standing long-jump champion, remarked on Haaland’s innate abilities,
“If Erling Haaland tried it today, he could probably get to Norwegian level. It’s about explosivity, power, and flexibility, and he has all of that.”
Talking about Haaland’s interest in athletics and similar sports which honed his muscular weight and physical stature, his father, Alf Inge Haaland, recently talked about the striker’s versatility, which was present in him from early days, by stating,
Erling played handball, athletics, and cross-country skiing until he turned 14. Norway’s handball manager wanted him to play handball. I thought it was nice to play tennis and handball next door. Versatility is important. You get to develop completely different sides of the body, and that can be positive no matter what you do
Molde FK: Building the Foundation
During his tenure at Molde FK under the guidance of coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erling Haaland experienced a period of adaptation to professional football. While specific details about significant weight changes during this phase are not extensively documented, Haaland was seen to not have much muscle in this phase and was just a normal lanky teenager with a lot of height for a teenager.

Although in football terms he credited Solskjær with refining his on-field movements and mental approach.
Reflecting on his time at Molde, Haaland stated,
He has taught me a lot to be calm and also be on your toes and come to those situations where the ball is coming.
This mentorship laid the groundwork for Haaland’s subsequent physical development, which became more pronounced in his later career stages.
Red Bull Salzburg: Rapid Transformation
When Haaland got his first major European move to RB Salzburg after tearing the league apart as a teenager with numerous goals in Norway, he underwent a remarkable physical transformation that significantly enhanced his performance on the field. His personal trainer, Borre Steenslid, played a pivotal role in this development.

Steenslid observed that Haaland’s body responded exceptionally well to training, attributing this to his genetic predisposition. He remarked, “His physique is genetically predisposed to training.”
Further Steenslid stated,
He gained twelve kilos of muscle in fifteen months. It was crazy. We built his muscle from scratch.
Borussia Dortmund: The Emergence of a Powerhouse
Upon joining Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, Erling Haaland’s physical development reached new heights. Building upon the foundation laid during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland continued to enhance his physique to meet the demands of top-tier football.

Erling revealed,
I have gone from 86 kilos to 94, but it is not a beer belly; it is about gross muscle mass. I take great care of what I eat.
Erling’s enhanced physicality significantly bolstered his performance in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. His increased muscle mass and strength allowed him to outpace and outmuscle defenders, contributing to his remarkable goal-scoring record. Haaland’s debut was nothing short of sensational; he scored a hat-trick within 23 minutes after coming on as a substitute against FC Augsburg, turning a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 victory.
He continued this form by scoring two goals in his home debut against 1. FC Köln. His ability to make well-timed runs behind defenses and his clinical finishing made him a constant threat. Haaland’s physical transformation not only improved his individual performance but also provided Dortmund with a new tactical dimension, allowing them to play more direct and dynamic football.
Manchester City: Maintaining Peak Performance
Erling Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City in July 2022 marked a significant milestone in his career. The move was officially completed on July 1, 2022, with Haaland signing a five-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2027.
Upon joining City, Haaland continued his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. He follows a rigorous diet, consuming up to 6,000 calories daily—nearly three times the recommended amount for an adult male. His diet includes nutrient-dense foods such as cow’s heart and liver, Norwegian salmon, raw milk, and kale and spinach smoothies.

Haaland emphasizes the importance of these choices, stating,
You [other people] don’t eat this, but I am concerned with taking care of my body.
This meticulous attention to nutrition has contributed to Haaland’s impressive physicality and on-field performance. His teammate, Kyle Walker, has described him as “high maintenance” due to his specific dietary requirements. Haaland’s commitment to his diet and fitness regimen has been instrumental in his ability to maintain peak performance in the Premier League.
So, now that we have covered Erling’s impressive physical and weight transformation over the years, what is his weight currently?
According to Eurosport, his weight current is 87 kg. But its safe to assume that most of this weight is just pure muscle mass from his world-class physical workout regime and strict diet.
So, there you have it: Erling Haaland’s journey from a lanky teenager to a football powerhouse is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and perhaps a touch of Viking magic. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition through rigorous training and a unique diet has not only sculpted his physique but also elevated his performance on the field.
As he continues to evolve, both in form and skill, fans and defenders alike are left wondering: What’s next for this football phenomenon?