Soccer star Erling Haaland debuts buzz cut for new season
Erling Haaland is kicking off the new Premier League season with a dramatic new look.
The Manchester City star has traded his signature long blond hair for a buzz cut, revealing the transformation on social media ahead of the team's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday.
"New season, new trim," Haaland wrote alongside a video showing off his new haircut on Instagram.
The 26-year-old Norway striker also documented the transformation in a video on his YouTube channel, where he surprised friends and fellow soccer stars with his new look.
Haaland's long hair and signature man bun had become part of his recognizable look, including during the 2026 World Cup, when he helped lead Norway to the quarterfinals.
Before getting his haircut, Haaland recalled advice he said he previously received from former soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Zlatan told me, never cut your hair, because your strength is in your hair. I'm a bit nervous. I want a buzz cut, like I've been in the military," Haaland said in his YouTube video.
Ibrahimovic appeared surprised when Haaland later showed him the finished look during a video call.
"What did you do?" Ibrahimovic said. "You lost a bet or what? Block me and erase my number."
Manchester City player Jack Grealish had a different reaction.
"You look about 10 years old... That is hilarious. I can't stop looking at the front of your hair. I love it," Grealish said.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also weighed in on the transformation.
"No way. You're lucky you have hair. I would love to have it... I love it," Guardiola said.
Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022 and has finished as the Premier League's top scorer in three of his four seasons with the club.
