Why the Buzz Cut?
Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker, cut his long blonde hair to a buzz cut before the club’s season opener against Bournemouth on Sunday. He revealed the change in a YouTube vlog, saying he had intended to cut his hair after the 2026 World Cup but was too busy, and that the new look marks a fresh start for the new Premier League season.
In the vlog, Haaland explained that he had planned to cut his hair after the 2026 World Cup but was too busy. “This beautiful blonde hair… time to let it go,” he said. “I was thinking about doing it straight after the World Cup, but I was so busy so I didn’t do it. The season starts now so it’s time to get a fresh start.” He also recalled Zlatan Ibrahimović’s advice to “never cut your hair, because your strength is in your hair.” Haaland admitted he felt a little nervous about going against that advice but decided to go ahead with the haircut anyway. He joked about his Viking roots, saying, “The Vikings go short as well,” while showing a picture of a short-haired Viking.
Reactions from Peers
The new haircut also got reactions from some of Haaland’s biggest footballing connections. Zlatan Ibrahimović was clearly not impressed. “What the f*** did you do? You lost a bet or what?” he joked, adding, “Block me and erase my number, my friend.” Jack Grealish laughed and told him, “You look about 10 years old.” Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was also surprised by the change. “You are lucky to have hair. I would've loved to have it,” he joked.
Fan Reactions
Fans were quick to react to Haaland’s dramatic haircut. Many jokes about how different he looks without his trademark locks. One fan wrote, “Oh no… what have you done my boy.” Another said, “The haircut kind of makes him look younger.” A third joked, “I hope he doesn’t lose his powers. They may have been in the hair.” Another fan quipped, “Haaland went from Viking striker to academy prospect in one haircut.” The ponytail era ending feels weirdly bigger than expected, another fan added.
