Erling Haaland Ditches Iconic Blonde Hair for Buzz Cut

Erling Haaland has given up the long, Viking-style blonde hair that had become almost as famous as his goal-scoring record. The Manchester City striker unveiled a buzz cut in a YouTube video posted on August 23, ending an era for one of football’s most recognisable looks.

A “Fresh Start” for the New Season

Haaland explained that he had actually planned to cut his hair after the 2026 World Cup but never found the time. With a new Premier League campaign underway, he decided the moment had finally arrived, describing it as a fresh start. He noted that letting go of the long blonde hair wasn’t an easy call, revealing that Zlatan Ibrahimovic had once urged him never to cut it.

Mixed Reactions From Teammates and Fans

The transformation sparked plenty of banter. Ibrahimovic joked that Haaland must have lost a bet, while Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish teased that the new look made him resemble a ten-year-old. Manager Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, offered praise for the change. Fans online were similarly split, with some comparing Haaland’s new style to Bjorn Ironside from Vikings, while others said they were still adjusting to the more low-key appearance.

Haaland debuted the buzz cut in Manchester City’s Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. City came away with a 2-1 win, although Haaland himself didn’t get on the scoresheet. Whether the haircut marks a symbolic reset for his season on the pitch remains to be seen, but off it, the Norwegian striker has certainly given fans plenty to talk about heading into the new campaign.