Erling Haaland is starting the new soccer season with a completely different look.
The Manchester City star, 26, debuted a dramatic buzzcut after deciding it was finally time to say goodbye to his signature long blond hair.
“This beautiful blonde hair, time to let it go,” Haaland said in a YouTube video shared Sunday, August 23. He explained that he had considered cutting his hair immediately after the World Cup but had been too busy.
“The season starts now, so it’s time to get a fresh start and everything,” he said.
Before committing to the transformation, Haaland admitted he was slightly nervous because of advice he had received from former Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“The only thing is, Zlatan told me never cut your hair because your strength is in your hair,” Haaland joked. “I’m a bit nervous.”
Still, Haaland knew the look he wanted.
“I want [a] buzzcut, like I’ve been in the military,” he said while showing hairstyle inspiration on his phone. “The vikings, they go short as well.”
The haircut began with Haaland’s long hair being divided into several ponytails before each section was cut. His hair was then taken even shorter to create the finished buzzcut.
Haaland kept joking throughout the process, at one point comparing himself to Kevin from Home Alone.
“I can’t wait for the fans to sing, ‘Who the f***ing hell is that?’” he joked about Manchester City supporters reacting to his transformation.
His girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, was among the first people to see the finished look.
“Oh my god,” she said after walking into the room. “It looks nice … I think you look really tough. I will wake up in the morning and I’ll be like, ‘Who’s that?’”
Haaland also showed the haircut to teammate Jack Grealish and Ibrahimović, both of whom appeared surprised by the major change.
Despite the dramatic transformation, Haaland made it clear that he had no regrets.
“Please let me know what you think about my new hairstyle. Should I [have any] regret? No. No regrets. Never,” he told viewers. “But remember, the Vikings always cut it short.”
Haaland documented the haircut on Instagram as well, writing, “Short hair don’t care 😅✂️,” and later adding, “New season, new trim 💇🏼♂️😎.”
The new look arrived the same day Manchester City opened its season with a 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth.
