New season, new look: Erling Haaland sheared off his signature flowing blonde mane for a dramatic new buzz cut. “It was time for a fresh start,” Haaland said in a YouTube video posted to his account Sunday in which he explains the dramatic change. The Manchester City striker said he wanted to buzz his head “as if he had been in the military” and mentioned that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the retired Swedish footballer who also has long locks, advised Haaland to never cut his hair.
“Your hair is your strength,” Haaland recalls Ibrahimovic telling him, invoking The Story of Samson, the biblical figure whose supernatural powers were tied to his hair. Post-buzz, Haaland shared some stunned reactions from his inner circle, including his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, Oasis’ Noel Gallagher (a major Man City fan), and Ibrahimovic, who asked if he had somehow lost a bet.
Haaland had significantly long hair for at least the last six years, and he discusses the evolution of his hairstyles—including a mohawk, a side-part, and swept-back look—at the start of the video. The 26-year-old Norwegian is one of the most impressive footballers of this generation, but his skills on the pitch are just the tip of the iceberg for his worldwide popularity. He’s grown quite the fanbase for his quirky social media antics, and his long golden locks—often tied into an efficient bun in the shape of a question mark—added to his charm (and Viking image).
His time playing for Norway during the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped to further affirm his worldwide popularity, especially as he displayed some whimsical behavior in contrast to his monstrous build. For a guy who cuts an imposing six-foot five-inch figure, doing things like showing off his Hermès bag collection and bringing home a taxidermy raccoon makes him all the more lovable.
Haaland later debuted the buzz cut IRL Sunday when he took the pitch at the start of the new Premier League season. We’re not saying the aerodynamic cut helped City win against Bournemouth (the striker did miss a couple of shots), but hey, it’s a buzzy coincidence.
Source: www.gq.com
