Erling Haaland is an athlete renowned for his long blonde hair. However, in August 2026—just before Manchester City’s Premier League season opener against Bournemouth—the striker for both the club and the Norwegian national team surprised fans by bidding farewell to his signature locks in favor of a clean buzz cut, declaring, "New season, new hair."
On August 23, the 26-year-old star—who had shot to fame during the 2026 World Cup—revealed his new look on social media: a sharp buzz cut. The transformation took fans by surprise and quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrity hairstyles of the moment.
So, what makes Haaland's new hairstyle so special? Why did his previous long-haired look become such an iconic trademark? And could this new buzz cut spark the next trend in men's hairstyles? Let's take a closer look.
Who Is Erling Haaland?
Erling Braut Haaland (born July 21, 2000) is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Premier League club Manchester City and the Norway national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players in world football today—and the greatest in Norwegian history—he has cultivated a distinctive public persona defined by his extraordinary athleticism, powerful playing style, and unique appearance.
His long blonde hair was particularly striking during his stints at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, sparking a craze among fans who wore wigs mimicking his hairstyle. This look evoked a "Viking" image, and fans quickly came to associate the feature with the Norwegian star.
During the 2026 World Cup, his long hair remained a key part of his signature look; he often tied his flowing blonde locks into a ponytail or a bun during matches. It was precisely for this reason that his decision to cut his hair caused such a strong reaction.
Haaland's New Short Hairstyle: The Buzz Cut
The most noticeable change in Haaland's latest hairstyle is the length: he has gone from long locks to a buzz cut. Discussing the decision to cut his hair, the star—who generated significant buzz during this summer's World Cup—said, "I wanted to cut it right after the World Cup, but I was too busy at the time and didn't get around to it. Now that the new season has started, it's time for a fresh start with a brand-new look."
He has ditched his signature shoulder-length blonde hair in favor of an ultra-short buzz cut. This style, cut close to the scalp, gives him a cleaner, sharper, and more minimalist appearance. Haaland debuted this new short hairstyle before Manchester City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
He shared the haircut process online, captioning the reveal with "New season, new haircut." This style is a stark departure from the look fans had come to know since his days at Borussia Dortmund, marking a return to the short-haired style of his early career.
Haaland's Long Hairstyle: A Signature Style
Before switching to a buzz cut, Haaland's long hair was just as distinctive as his on-field performance. He began growing his hair out around 2021, during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Over the following years, this hairstyle became a hallmark of his "Viking warrior" persona.
He would often wear his long blonde hair loose, tied back in a ponytail, or styled in a bun. This look complemented his rugged facial features and powerful athletic physique, while also creating a unique silhouette on the pitch. Fans could instantly recognize him by that long blonde hair—it was truly iconic.
Why did Haaland Cut Off His Long Hair?
Haaland had considered cutting his hair after the 2026 World Cup but was unable to do so at the time due to a busy schedule. With the start of the new season, he felt it was time for a fresh look and a new beginning—embracing the idea of a new season and a new hairstyle to start anew.
After the haircut, Haaland called a few friends, wanting to surprise them with his new look. Oasis member Noel Gallagher burst out laughing, whereas his Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish was unimpressed.
Haaland had previously mentioned that Zlatan Ibrahimović told him not to cut his hair, claiming his strength lay within those long locks. Because this advice had made him feel somewhat apprehensive about the decision, Haaland specifically reached out to Ibrahimović after the cut to show him the new style; the Swedish star was thoroughly surprised.
Key Features of Haaland's New Short Hairstyle
The buzz cut is characterized by hair that is trimmed extremely short and to a uniform length. Unlike long hair, it requires virtually no complex styling and offers a sharp, athletic look.
- Cut extremely short and close to the scalp.
- Requires no fussy styling.
- Clean-cut and masculine.
- Keeps the wearer cool and fresh during sports.
- Easy to maintain.
- Highlights facial features rather than hair length.
For Haaland, who spends most of his time training and competing, this minimalist hairstyle is also highly practical.
How To Get Haaland Buzz Cut?
This hairstyle is easy to achieve, though the specific length should be chosen based on your head shape, hairline, and personal preference.
Step 1: Choose the Length
Discuss the desired length with your barber. A shorter buzz cut creates a rugged, military-inspired look, while a slightly longer cut offers a softer appearance.
Step 2: Keep the Sides Sharp
A clean, even trim on the sides helps achieve the crisp, polished look associated with Haaland's style. Some people also opt for a subtle fade on the sides and back for a more modern touch.
Step 3: Consider Your Hairline
Buzz cuts expose the hairline more than longer hairstyles do. If you have an irregular or receding hairline, consult your barber on how to adjust the cut rather than simply copying a celebrity's look.
Step 4: Maintain the Length
The biggest advantage of a buzz cut is its low-maintenance nature. However, very short hair can easily lose its shape as it grows out. Depending on the length you choose, you may need a trim every few weeks to keep the style looking sharp.
Conclusion
What do you think of Haaland cutting his hair short? Do you prefer his signature long blonde hair or his current buzz cut? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section, and we can discuss it together.