Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has ushered in a fresh look for the new Premier League campaign, shedding his trademark long blond locks for a dramatic short buzzcut ahead of Sunday’s season opener against AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old Norwegian forward appeared with a completely shaved head as he warmed up prior to the 2026/27 fixture, catching supporters off guard. The striking transformation marks a visual reset for one of world football’s brightest talents, whose long hair had become a central part of his personal aura during his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup.
The process behind the style change involved both nerves and lighthearted humor. Before sitting in the barber’s chair, Haaland poked fun at his past hairstyles throughout his career while previewing several questionable concepts for his new haircut. Looking noticeably nervous as the hairdresser made the first cut, the forward quickly relaxed into smiles once the trim took shape. His longtime girlfriend, 22-year-old Isabel Haugseng Johansen, was present for the makeover and was visibly overcome by the change. She yelped as the initial chunks of hair fell to the floor, exclaiming “Oh my god” while holding the discarded locks in her hands and admitting she thought she would cry.
Before stepping out in public, Haaland shared his new appearance directly with several prominent figures across football and entertainment through direct video conversations. Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic had previously instructed the City goalscorer never to cut his iconic long hair, but the consensus among his inner circle was overwhelmingly warm. Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish couldn’t hide his amusement, telling Haaland he looked “about 10 years old” and adding that he couldn’t stop looking at the front of his hair. Gallagher remarked that the forward looked 17, while former City manager Pep Guardiola was equally enthusiastic, declaring he would love to have the haircut himself.
Haaland’s image reset carries symbolic weight as Manchester City prepares for a defining transitional year on the pitch. The club is entering its first campaign in a decade without Guardiola directing operations from the dugout, following the arrival of head coach Enzo Maresca. The former Chelsea manager is focused on rebuilding the squad’s core, openly addressing the tactical challenge of replacing key midfielder Rodri. Maresca acknowledged that finding a player to fill that pivotal role remains the club’s primary target before the transfer window closes, promising that the team dynamic will shift once the full squad is established.
The tactical adjustments were immediately put to the test against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, where the visiting side managed to jump out to an early lead during a tense opening match. Haaland’s willingness to embrace change—having previously created a memorable moment by removing his hairband during a crucial 4-1 win over Arsenal in 2023—mirrors the wider evolution currently underway across the club. As City begins its quest for further domestic hardware under new leadership, their focal point up front is stepping into the spotlight with an unmistakable new identity.
