Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland has revealed a dramatic new appearance ahead of his side’s first Premier League encounter of the campaign against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Norway international, known for his trademark lengthy blonde hair, has opted for a completely different style, switching to a short, neat cut.
Haaland shared two posts on his Instagram account to unveil the change, suggesting he was unconcerned about his short hair and framing it as a fresh start for the new season.
The forward posted several photographs documenting the trimming session and the final result. There were moments during the appointment when viewers might have worried about the outcome, as he displayed an intermediate stage featuring unusual curtains.
However, the final result proved to be a tidy crop that means Haaland will no longer need to tie back his hair for games. Manchester City’s official account left a brief comment expressing approval, while former Chelsea defender John Terry showed his appreciation with a like.
Haaland has also uploaded a YouTube video capturing the whole experience. At the start, he reflected on his iconic blonde hair, mentioning he had considered cutting it immediately after the World Cup but never found the time. He was planning to change his style at the season’s start, seeking a completely new look. He recalled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s advice about keeping long hair for strength, and confessed feeling nervous about wanting an extremely short cut.
Among those who got an early glimpse of Haaland’s fresh style was Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher. The City attacker video-called Gallagher, who burst out laughing. Gallagher expressed disbelief and amusement, noting Haaland looked about 17 years old and approving of the change while promising to keep it quiet.
Jack Grealish was next and similarly responded with laughter. Grealish expressed surprise at Haaland’s younger appearance, joking he looked about 10 years old and admitted he could not stop staring at the front of Haaland’s head, adding he loved the new look.
Haaland then contacted Ibrahimovic. The Swede was far from impressed. Ibrahimovic expressed shock and dismay at the haircut, questioning whether Haaland had lost a bet and telling him to block his number and remove his contact details. He added that his wife had commented that Haaland was crazy.
Former City manager Pep Guardiola was even interrupted from watching Tottenham’s match against Brentford. Guardiola expressed disbelief at the new hairstyle. He told Haaland he was lucky to have hair, saying he would love to have some himself, and suggested that if Haaland did not like the cut, it would grow back.
Following Saturday’s haircut appointment, Haaland will take the field against Bournemouth as Enzo Maresca begins his tenure as City’s Premier League manager. Haaland and his teammates host the Cherries at the Etihad Stadium, aiming to begin their season positively.