After becoming a global icon playing for Norway in the World Cup, Manchester City star Erling Haaland shocked fans by cutting off his trademark long blonde hair ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
The 26-year-old scored seven goals at this summer's World Cup in North America, helping his country reach the quarterfinals while catching the imagination of even the most casual soccer viewers.
Earlier this week, Haaland shared a video on his personal YouTube channel of his transformation from long locks to a buzz cut.
In the video, Haaland called another iconic long-haired striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for his reaction, along with former Man City coach Pep Guardiola, Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and Man City teammate Jack Grealish.
"What the
(expletive) did you do?" Ibrahimovic joked to Haaland. "You lost a bet or what? Oh my god, block me and erase my number."
"I want Man City fans to sing 'Who the (expletive) hell is that?' When they see me," Haaland said in the video.
Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022 and has won the Golden Boot as the Premier League's top goalscorer three times in four years, including a record 36 in the 2022-23 season.
Manchester City won the Premier League in each of his first two seasons – and the UEFA Champions League in 2023 – but finished third in 2025 and runner-up to champion Arsenal last season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did Haaland really cut his hair? Manchester City star looks unrecognizable
