Manchester City star Erling Haaland finally did the unthinkable, stunning fans as the striker showed up to the team’s opening Premier League match against Bournemouth with a new haircut. Gone is Haaland’s signature long hair and instead the star showed off a shaved head.
Prior to the game, Haaland took to Instagram to announce the news sharing photos from his recent haircut.
“Short hair don’t care 😅✂️,” Haaland detailed in an August 23, 2026, message on Instagram.
Man City fans are sure to have a lot of thoughts, especially as Bournemouth jumped out to an early lead.
Erling Haaland’s Girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, Also Showed Off a New Haircut
Haaland is not the only one in the family who is showing off a new look. Isabel Haugseng Johansen, Haaland’s girlfriend, also revealed a new haircut just in time for the new EPL season.
Unlike Haaland, Johansen did not shave her head, but did reveal a shorter shoulder-length haircut than the star’s girlfriend had during the World Cup.
“A lil refresh for fall,” Johansen said in an August 23, Instagram post revealing her new look.
Man City’s Star Erling Haaland Teased New Haircut: ‘I Want to Go Short’
GettyMANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Erling Haaland of Manchester City looks on as he walks out prior to the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on August 23, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Haaland was one of the faces of the World Cup in the United States leading Norway to a deep tournament run. The star’s new look is shocking, but Haaland did tease this possibility.
During a an interview with Fox Sports’ Jame Corden, Haaland admitted that he wanted to have short hair. Months later, Haaland showed off the new look at the start of the Premier League season.
“I think in the future I want to go short, yeah,” Haaland remarked during the World Cup.
Zlatan Ibrahimović Urged Manchester City’s Erling Haaland Not to Cut His Hair
Prior to the move, Haaland was warned by soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimović not to cut his hair. Ibrahimovic urged Haaland not to ever cut his hair because the look held the striker’s “strength.”
“You know Zlatan? You know what he told me?” Haaland recalled. “‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair.’ So what can I do? I have to listen to him, no?”
Erling Haaland on Hair: ‘Time to Let It Go’
Diaro AS posted a video revealing a behind-the-scenes look at Haaland’s decision. Haaland admitted that it was “time to let it go” regarding his signature long hair.
“This beautiful blonde hair. Time to let it go,” Haaland told Diaro AS. “I was thinking about doing this straight after the World Cup, but we were so busy, so I didn’t do it.
“The season starts now, so it’s time to get a fresh start and everything. The only thing is, Zlatan told me, never cut your hair, because your strength is in your hair. I’m a bit nervous,” Haaland continued.
“I want (a) buzz cut, like I’ve been in the military. That’s what I want.”
Man City Star Erling Haaland’s Abrupt Change in Physical Appearance Stuns EPL