Erling Haaland has shocked fans by shaving off his trademark flowing blonde hair and unveiling a dramatic buzz cut ahead of Manchester City's opening Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday, 23 August.
The Manchester City striker's transformation, revealed in a video on his YouTube channel and shared widely online, marked a striking change for a player whose long hair had become almost as recognisable as his prolific goalscoring.
The Norwegian football player documented the haircut and the reactions to it in a video shared on his YouTube channel. Among those called upon to give their verdict were Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Zlatan Ibrahimović Asks if Haaland Lost a Bet
Perhaps the most talked-about reaction came from Ibrahimović, who has previously offered Haaland advice about his famous hairstyle.
When Haaland revealed his new appearance to the former Sweden striker, Ibrahimović appeared unimpressed, asking whether the City forward had 'lost a bet.' He also jokingly questioned whether the new haircut would make Haaland faster.
The exchange was notable because Haaland had previously revealed that Ibrahimović once told him not to cut his hair because his strength was supposedly in it.
That advice apparently stayed with Haaland, who admitted he was somewhat nervous about making such a dramatic change. But after several seasons with his signature long hair, the 26-year-old ultimately decided it was time for something different.
Noel Gallagher Says Haaland 'Looks About 17'
Oasis guitarist and lifelong Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher was another celebrity Haaland contacted to reveal the haircut. 'Mate, you look about 17 years old,' Gallagher said after bursting into laughter. 'Good, change is good. I won't tell anyone,' he promised.
Other reactions featured in Haaland's video included comments from Man City teammate Jack Grealish, who joked that the striker looked much younger. The celebrity reactions helped turn what could have been an ordinary haircut into another widely shared Haaland social media moment.
Pep Guardiola Makes Self-Deprecating Joke
Guardiola, who coached Haaland at Manchester City for several seasons before leaving the club, also received a video call from the striker.
Rather than criticising the haircut, Guardiola used the opportunity to make a joke at Haaland's expense and about himself.
'You're lucky to have hair,' Guardiola said. 'I would love to have it!' He then ended the call with a casual 'I love you' to Haaland.
The exchange underlined the relationship between Haaland and Guardiola, who worked together during one of the most successful periods in Manchester City's history.
Haaland's new look also comes as City begins a new chapter without Guardiola on the touchline, making the playful reunion between the former coach and striker a point of interest for supporters.
Fans Split Over Striker's Buzz Cut
The response from fans has been similarly divided. Some supporters admitted they preferred Haaland's traditional long hairstyle, while others welcomed the fresh appearance.
Haaland himself appeared happy with the transformation, posting the new look online with the caption 'New season, new trim.' The post quickly attracted millions of likes and comments as supporters debated whether the striker's new appearance suited him.
Haaland's new look made its matchday debut at the Etihad, where City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1. The striker initially arrived wearing a cap before revealing the buzz cut during the warm-up, ensuring the hairstyle received almost as much attention as the match itself.
A New Look for a New Season
Haaland's haircut may be cosmetic, but it arrives at a notable moment in his career. His distinctive appearance has been part of his football identity since he emerged as one of Europe's most feared strikers.
Now, with the new Premier League campaign underway, Haaland is beginning another season with a completely different look. Whether fans eventually associate the buzz cut with another prolific scoring campaign remains to be seen. Haaland's hair may have changed, but his ability to generate headlines remains firmly intact.
