Erling Haaland likely consumes approximately 6,000 calories daily to gain lean muscle mass, according to Giancarlo Carvalho, a physical therapist at Northwell Health STARS Rehabilitation. "If you want to put on lean muscle mass, that takes a lot of energy ... 6,000 calories sounds about right," Carvalho said. He noted that this caloric intake is typical for high-level athletes aiming to increase lean muscle mass.

Carvalho described Haaland, who is approximately 6'5" and 207 lbs, as a "genetic anomaly." He noted that Haaland likely needs between 3,200 and 3,500 calories per day just to maintain his current weight. "Every athlete is different," Carvalho said. "Their nutritional needs are different, how they take in and process nutrients is different, but for the most part, if you are a high-level athlete and your goal is to increase lean muscle mass, this is pretty typical."

Carvalho mentioned that professional teams create specific nutrition plans. "They will create a plan for you to either gain or lose weight, or optimize your ability to either put on muscle or lose body fat," he said. Regarding Haaland, Carvalho added, "[Haaland] likely has some of the best people in the world doing this for him." He concluded, "And if you look at him, he's doing a pretty good job. So, that means they're doing their job." Carvalho also stated, "What you put in is what you get out."

In discussing extreme caloric needs, Carvalho referenced swimmer Michael Phelps. "[Michael Phelps] was one of the leanest guys you've ever seen," he said.