Erling Haaland has started the 2026/27 Premier League season with a dramatically different look. The Manchester City striker has cut off the long blond hair that became one of his trademarks, revealing a close-cropped style only hours before City’s league opener against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23.
The 26-year-old shared photos and video from the transformation on social media, using captions including “New season, new trim” and “New hair don’t care.” The change quickly became a major talking point among football fans because Haaland’s tied-back blond hair had become closely associated with his image during his rise at Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Norway.
Haaland swaps trademark long hair for a short new look
Haaland’s new haircut is considerably shorter than the ponytail-style look supporters have become accustomed to seeing in recent seasons. It also resembles the shorter hairstyle he wore earlier in his Borussia Dortmund career.
The timing made the reveal even more noticeable. Manchester City were preparing to begin their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, meaning supporters would get an immediate first look at the new hairstyle in competitive action.
Haaland had previously joked about keeping his long hair after receiving advice from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. During a July interview, he recalled Ibrahimovic telling him not to cut it because “the strength is in the hair.” Haaland has now clearly decided it was time for a change.
For confirmed details surrounding the haircut and City’s season opener, Sky Sports reported on Haaland’s new look ahead of the Bournemouth match.
Why Haaland’s haircut attracted so much attention
The reaction is about more than a footballer’s trip to the barber. Haaland’s appearance has become part of an increasingly recognisable global image, especially after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Norway reached the quarter-finals, while Haaland scored seven goals during the tournament. He finished level with Jude Bellingham among the players on seven goals, behind the leading scorers, as shown in the 2026 World Cup awards and Golden Boot standings.
Sky Sports reported that Haaland gained more than 32 million Instagram followers during the 39-day tournament. That surge showed how his audience had expanded beyond supporters who follow Manchester City every week.
Interest in Haaland’s life away from the pitch has also grown alongside his football profile. His relationship with longtime partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen and their shared background in Bryne have similarly attracted attention, with more details available in this profile of Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen.
Football stars react to Haaland’s transformation
The new look produced immediate reactions online. Jude Bellingham responded with a brief “No way,” while Ibrahima Konaté compared Haaland’s appearance to “Ragnar,” a reference associated with the Viking figure Ragnar Lothbrok.
The comparison is easy to understand given Haaland’s Norwegian background and the Viking imagery that has often surrounded his public persona. The exchange was light-hearted, but it helped push the haircut further across football-focused social media feeds.
A new look for a new Manchester City era
Haaland’s makeover also arrives at a significant moment for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola stepped down after more than a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca taking over as head coach for the new campaign.
City entered the Bournemouth opener looking for a response after losing 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield. Haaland remains central to the attack and one of the most important figures in Maresca’s new-look team.
There is also a strong historical reason to expect attention on the striker early in the campaign. Haaland has traditionally enjoyed productive starts to Premier League seasons, making his form in the opening weeks almost as closely watched as his dramatic change in appearance.
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Haircut aside, the focus remains on Haaland’s goals
The haircut gives Haaland a visibly different identity for 2026/27, but Manchester City’s priorities have not changed. His value to the team will still be measured by goals, movement and his ability to decide tight Premier League matches.
For fans, however, the transformation marks a memorable visual break from the Haaland of recent seasons. His famous long blond locks may be gone, but the striker begins the new campaign with even greater global attention following his World Cup performances and rapidly expanding social-media presence.
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