Erling Haaland has marked the start of the new Premier League season with a dramatic change in appearance, trading his signature long hair for a shorter cut hours before Manchester City's opening fixture against Bournemouth at the Etihad.
The 26-year-old Norwegian striker, whose long tied-back hairstyle has become as recognisable as his goal-scoring exploits, opted for a look that echoes his earlier days at Borussia Dortmund. According to Sky Sports, Haaland shared the transformation on social media, posting an image on X that documented the stages of the haircut alongside the caption "New hair don't care."
Real Madrid Stars React to Haaland's New Look
Haaland's post quickly attracted attention from across European football, with two Real Madrid players unable to resist commenting. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Jude Bellingham responded with a blunt "No way," a remark that generated considerable engagement from supporters online.
Ibrahima Konate took a different approach, leaving a single-word comment: "Ragnar." The reference is widely interpreted as a nod to Ragnar Lothbrok, the legendary Viking figure from the television series Vikings. Given Haaland's Norwegian heritage and imposing physique, the comparison resonated strongly with fans.
Haaland's Global Stardom Grows
The striker's social media influence has continued to expand alongside his on-pitch achievements. During the 2026 World Cup, Haaland scored seven goals as Norway reached the quarter-finals, and he gained more than 32 million Instagram followers over the 39-day tournament—the largest follower growth recorded by any player in the competition.
Sunday's Premier League opener also carries significant weight for Manchester City beyond the haircut buzz. Pep Guardiola departed the club at the end of last season after more than a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca stepping in as head coach for his first Premier League match. City enter the fixture following a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, though Maresca has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to respond. Haaland is expected to lead the attack as Maresca begins his tenure.
Haaland's Previous Praise for Arsenal
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Arsenal's title win drew reactions from across the football world, including a striking message from Haaland, who openly praised his international teammate Martin Odegaard after the Gunners secured the 2025/26 Premier League crown. The title was confirmed after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, leaving Arsenal with an unassailable lead at the top of the table and ending a 22-year wait for the championship.
