Erling Haaland marked the start of the new Premier League season with a dramatic change of appearance, cutting off the long blond hair that had become one of his most recognisable features.
The Manchester City striker revealed his new close-cropped hairstyle on social media on Sunday, shortly before City began their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland accompanied the reveal with the message: “New season, new trim.”
The Norway international had worn his hair long for several years, usually tying it back during matches, making the sudden switch to a buzz cut particularly noticeable to supporters.
Haaland documented parts of the haircut process and later joked about the finished result with another short message: “Short hair don’t care.”
The 26-year-old explained that he had been considering cutting his hair since the World Cup but had struggled to find the right time because of his football schedule. With a new domestic season beginning, he decided the moment had finally arrived.
The decision also brought back a light-hearted conversation Haaland previously had with former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Haaland had revealed that Ibrahimovic advised him against cutting his hair, joking that his strength came from it. The City forward referenced the conversation again while preparing for the haircut, admitting that the warning had made him slightly nervous.
The transformation quickly attracted attention online, with Haaland also showing his new appearance to several well-known figures from the football world.
Former Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish, Ibrahimovic and former City manager Pep Guardiola were among those reported to have been shown the new look, with their reactions forming part of the video surrounding the haircut.
However, attention soon shifted from Haaland’s appearance to Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture.
City entered the new campaign under Enzo Maresca following the end of Guardiola’s long spell in charge, making the match against Bournemouth the beginning of a new era for the club as well as a fresh personal start for Haaland.
The striker was named in the City side but was unable to score as Bournemouth provided difficult opposition.
Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the first half, putting the visitors ahead in the 26th minute.
City eventually responded late in the game.
Marc Guehi brought the home side level before Josko Gvardiol scored in stoppage time to complete a 2-1 comeback victory.
Haaland had opportunities during the match but could not open his Premier League scoring account for the season, meaning his first goal with the new hairstyle will have to wait.
Despite the attention surrounding his haircut, Haaland remains central to City’s ambitions this season.
The Norwegian has developed into one of the most recognised players in world football because of his goalscoring record, physical strength and ability to decide matches. His long blond hair had become part of that public image, particularly during his years at Manchester City and with Norway.
His appearance may now be different, but expectations surrounding his performances remain unchanged.
The haircut also comes after a busy summer in which Haaland represented Norway at the World Cup, where the national team reached the quarter-finals.
With international football behind him for the moment, attention now turns toward another demanding Premier League campaign.
For supporters, Haaland’s new hairstyle provided an unusual talking point before the opening match. By full-time, however, City’s comeback victory had become the more important story.
Haaland may have begun the season with a completely new look, but his main objective remains familiar: scoring goals and helping Manchester City compete for major trophies.
Source: BBC
