Erling Haaland has chopped off his signature long blond hair ahead of Manchester City’s season opener.
The Norwegian striker, 26, revealed the dramatic transformation on X this morning, August 23, just hours before the Premier League champions face Bournemouth at 2pm. His flowing locks, previously worn in a ponytail, top knot or slicked-back style, have been replaced by what fans describe as nearly a buzz cut.
Haaland announced the change himself on X, writing: “New season, new trim.” He followed up with a second post showing the progression from his longer hair to the new short style, adding: “Short hair don’t care.”
Manchester City’s official Instagram account also acknowledged the transformation, commenting: “New season, new hair.”
The haircut immediately sent fans into a frenzy online, with reactions ranging from shock to jokes about the striker’s “viking aura” disappearing. One fan wrote directly to him on X: “Erling what did you do.” Another posted: “I hope your super powers weren’t linked to your locks.”
The change was so drastic that some supporters refused to believe it was genuine. “Stop trolling man wtf is this now,” one fan commented. Others worried about superstition, with one posting: “This season is gonna be long.” Another joked: “Every header will now be over the bar.”
Several fans noted the youthful effect of the cut. “He looks 5 years younger WOW!” One user wrote on X. Another quipped: “You look more Erling than Haaland right now.”
Not all reactions were negative. Some supporters interpreted the haircut as a sign of renewed focus. “Goal machine with new look,” one fan called him. Others suggested removing the viral hair meant “his football skills more than hair” would take center stage.
In the viral moment that made Haaland’s hair a global talking point, the striker embraced American culture during the World Cup with cowboy boots and a Southern accent in videos, his slicked-back blond knot gaining massive traction on TikTok. Fans even sought out where he bought his hair bobbles. The style spawned endless memes and became almost as recognizable as his goal-scoring record, with his ponytail and flowing bob becoming staples of both Manchester City’s image and broader football pop culture.
Haaland will debut the new look on the pitch this afternoon when Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.