Haaland’s buzzcut marks a fresh start for Manchester City
The Norwegian striker abandoned his signature top knot for a buzzcut ahead of a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth, securing the club’s first points of the season.
Manchester City have begun their Premier League campaign with a statement of intent, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The club’s star striker, Erling Haaland, debuted a buzzcut during the 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth, marking a significant departure from the long blonde hair and top knot that have defined his public image.
The change was confirmed on the field after Haaland released a YouTube video ahead of the match. The clip documented the haircut and included reactions from friends, family, and teammates, serving as a genuine reveal in contrast to recent social media trends where similar videos have occasionally proven to be stunts.
In the match itself, Haaland was active but did not find the net. The 26-year-old registered five shots on goal as Manchester City secured their first three points of the new season. The win sets the tone for the club’s early schedule, with their next fixture scheduled for Friday, 28 August, against Crystal Palace.
Haaland has been a central figure at Manchester City since joining in the 2022-2023 season. In 133 career matches for the club, he has accumulated 112 goals and 24 assists, establishing himself as a key asset in the team’s attacking structure.
The haircut appears to be the first major change since his time at Borussia Dortmund. Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had previously advised Haaland to keep his hair long, joked that the Norwegian had lost a bet and suggested he block his number.
For Manchester City, the season opener was a practical success. The victory over Bournemouth provides a foundation for the upcoming fixtures, with the squad now turning its attention to the next challenge at Crystal Palace.
