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Erling Haaland’s Iconic Long Hair Is Gone: Soccer Star Debuts Dramatic New Look

By Glory Oj, on August 24, 2026

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Erling Haaland has changed his look ahead of Manchester City’s new campaign, cutting off his long blonde hair and revealing a short military-style buzz cut.

The striker documented the transformation through social media and a YouTube video showing the process from the first cut to the final result.

The change came shortly before Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. Haaland had considered making the move after the 2026 World Cup but delayed it because of his schedule, eventually choosing the start of the new season for the haircut.

Haaland’s new look became a talking point because one of football’s biggest stars made a very public personal change.

Haaland Had Been Thinking About the Haircut For Months

The striker said the decision had been in his mind long before he revealed the finished result.

In the video showing the transformation, Haaland explained that he originally planned to cut his hair after the World Cup but did not have the chance because he was busy.

“I was thinking about doing this straight after the World Cup, but I was so busy so I didn’t do it. The season starts now, so it’s time to get a fresh start,” Haaland said.

He also revealed that he wanted a military-style buzz cut, replacing the longer hairstyle he wore during his years at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

No verified information links the haircut to Manchester City, sponsors, or a commercial campaign. Haaland has presented it as his own decision.

Related: 6 Men’s Hairstyles Women Often Dislike

Zlatan’s Advice Followed Haaland Into the Haircut Chair

A famous warning from Zlatan Ibrahimović became part of the conversation around Haaland’s decision.

Haaland revealed that Ibrahimović had previously advised him not to cut his hair because his strength was connected to it.

“Zlatan told me never cut your hair because your strength is in your hair,” Haaland said.

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The comment made Haaland slightly nervous about changing his appearance, but he decided to go ahead. Ibrahimović later reacted to the new style by joking about whether Haaland had lost a bet.

The First Reactions Came From Haaland’s Closest Circle

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland. Photo Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

People close to Haaland saw the new look before it became public.

His girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, was present during the haircut reveal. She was initially shocked, giving an “Oh my god” reaction, before she approved of the final result, calling the new look nice and saying he looked tough.

Pep Guardiola also commented on the haircut, joking that Haaland was lucky to have hair. Jack Grealish and Noel Gallagher were among others reported to have reacted to the change.

The timing added to the attention around the haircut. Haaland wore the longer style through important moments of his career, including Manchester City’s 2022 to 2023 treble-winning season, when the club won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

Haaland Returned to Football With a Different Look

The haircut was revealed just as Manchester City began another Premier League season.

Around the club’s opening match against Bournemouth, Haaland appeared with the new style, initially wearing a cap before the haircut became more visible.

The change did not come with any announced adjustment to his approach on the pitch. No evidence suggests the haircut was meant to influence his performances or playing style.

For now, it remains a personal decision made by a player preparing for another season at the highest level.

Haaland’s haircut will eventually become a small detail in a career shaped by goals, trophies, and records. But for a brief moment before the football returned, a change in appearance became the story everyone was discussing.

Haaland’s long hair and new buzz cut represent two very different looks. Which version of his style do you think works better for his personal brand?

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