Manchester City striker Erling Haaland shocked fans and pundits alike by shaving off his trademark long blonde hair, debuting a dramatic new buzz cut on the eve of his side’s Premier League opening fixture against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old Norway international had sported his recognizable tied-back ponytail since 2021 according to The New York Times.
Erling Haaland Debuts Shocking Buzz Cut Ahead of Manchester City Opener
Haaland documented the transformation in a vlog on his YouTube channel, posting photos and videos across his social media accounts with the caption Short hair don’t care
as reported by Yahoo Sports. He has not worn his hair short since his days playing for Borussia Dortmund before joining Manchester City in 2022 according to Yahoo Sports. The striker admitted he felt nervous as the hairdresser began the cut, jokingly comparing his mid-process reflection to Kevin from Home Alone
The New York Times reported.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Warning and Celebrity Reactions
The sudden style shift went directly against advice from fellow Scandinavian striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Haaland revealed that Ibrahimovic had previously told him, Never cut your hair, because the strength is in your hair
according to the BBC. Upon seeing the final result via a FaceTime call, Ibrahimovic reacted with mock disbelief, telling Haaland, What did you do? You lost a bet or what? Block me and erase my number
as reported by the BBC.
Haaland also used video calls to show off the buzz cut to former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, club teammate Jack Grealish, and Oasis musician Noel Gallagher according to the BBC. The reactions varied widely among the group:
- Noel Gallagher:
You look about 17 years old. It’s good. Change is good.
according to the BBC - Jack Grealish:
You look about 10 years old. That is hilarious. I can’t stop looking at the front of your hair. I love it
according to the BBC - Pep Guardiola:
No way. You’re lucky you have hair. I would love to have it. I love it
according to the BBC
A New Era for Manchester City Under Enzo Maresca
The dramatic makeover coincides with a transitional period for Manchester City. The club enters the new Premier League campaign following the departure of Pep Guardiola after more than a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca taking over as the team’s new head coach according to Sky Sports. Maresca takes the reins following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield as reported by Sky Sports.
For Haaland, the haircut also follows a successful summer on the international stage. He emerged as one of the standout social media stars of the 2026 World Cup, scoring seven goals to help lead Norway to the quarter-finals before elimination by England according to The New York Times, gaining more than 32 million Instagram followers during the tournament according to Sky Sports. As Manchester City looks to bounce back, Haaland remains the focal point of the attack, ready to debut his short-haired look in competitive play according to Sky Sports.
