Haaland unveils shorter hairstyle before Man City Premier League opener

The 26-year-old Erling Haaland has revealed a much shorter hairstyle before Manchester City begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign. The Norway striker’s new look ends the long-hair style that had become closely associated with his time at the club.

Haaland showed off the change on X on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with a photograph and a brief playful message about his haircut. He had also promoted a YouTube episode showing the makeover, linking the fresh trim to the start of the new season.

The timing puts the change alongside City’s opening match, with AFC Bournemouth due at the Etihad Stadium for the first fixture of the campaign. Haaland remains Manchester City’s centre-forward as the club start a new era under manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca has taken charge after Pep Guardiola’s departure following a decade in the role. City have also lost long-serving players Rodri, John Stones and Bernardo Silva during the summer, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has joined the squad.

Haaland’s shorter appearance attracted a mixture of amusement and approval from supporters online. The 26-year-old joined City from Borussia Dortmund in the 2022/23 season after earlier spells with Salzburg, Molde FK and Bryne.

The hairstyle has therefore become an early talking point before the opening fixture, although the main sporting focus will be Haaland’s role in City’s first match under Maresca. The Norwegian’s new appearance marks a visible change as the club enter the season with a new manager and several changes to the squad.