In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Erling Haaland detailed his decision to cut his signature long hair into a buzz cut as the new Premier League season began. The Manchester City striker explained that he first considered the change immediately after the 2026 World Cup but delayed it due to a hectic schedule. He admitted feeling nervous about abandoning the look yet viewed it as an opportunity for a fresh start with the campaign underway. The Athletic reported that Haaland had kept the plans secret from those around him until the reveal.
Haaland arrived at Etihad Stadium for the match against Bournemouth wearing a cap that concealed the transformation. He removed the cap during the warm-up, allowing teammates and spectators a first look at the buzz cut. Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory in the season opener although the striker missed multiple chances in front of goal. The hairstyle quickly became a central topic in post-match discussion.
Haaland had maintained the long blonde hair since 2021, a style that contributed to his recognisable presence on the pitch and drew frequent comparisons to Viking imagery given his 1.95-metre frame and powerful presence. A July 2026 article in Madame Le Figaro highlighted how the longer cut distinguished him from prevailing short tapered styles among other players. The forward had previously capitalised on the look by acquiring a stake in the Norwegian hair-tie brand KKNEKKI.
In the uploaded video Haaland recalled advice from Zlatan Ibrahimovic who once warned him never to cut his hair because his strength resided in it. Ibrahimovic appeared in the footage and asked “You gonna be faster now, or what?” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commented on the alteration by saying “You’re lucky to have hair. I would love to have it!”
The 25-year-old drew on his Scandinavian heritage in the clip noting that Vikings also wore their hair short at times and displayed an image of a shaved Viking with a beard. A MARCA report on the same day described the move as well-planned and tied to his wish for renewal at the start of the season. Haaland added that he looked forward to fan chants of “who the f—ing hell is that” in response to the altered appearance.
Social media platforms saw an immediate surge in before-and-after images and commentary following the video release. Earlier photographs of Haaland with short hair from the outset of his professional career resurfaced in online discussions according to Sporting News. The change marks a notable shift in the visual identity that had accompanied his rise as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards.
