Haaland shows up with a shaved head for Manchester City's Premier League opener

He stepped out of the car with a cap on, like someone trying not to draw attention. But by warmups there was nowhere left to hide: Erling Haaland showed up with his head practically shaved, and social media pounced before the first whistle even blew at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian forward, long one of the most recognizable players on the planet thanks to his blond mane, decided to switch up his look right as the new Premier League season kicked off, with Manchester City hosting Bournemouth. Video of the haircut went viral on Sunday, hours before kickoff.

Haaland arrived at the stadium with his cap on, keeping the surprise under wraps. It wasn't until he came out to warm up that the new style became visible: essentially buzzed down to nothing, a radical change for someone whose long hair had become almost as recognizable as his knack for finishing inside the box.

Jokes, even from Ibrahimovic

Haaland himself shared the moment on his YouTube channel, where he got a visit from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede, true to his blunt style, couldn't resist commenting on the new cut.

Did you lose a bet?Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Are you going to be faster now, or what?Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The jokes didn't stop there. Pep Guardiola, City's former manager who coached Haaland through much of his most successful spell at the club, also weighed in on the striker's new image.

You're lucky to have hair. I'd love to have it.Pep Guardiola

Beyond the hair story, the gesture arrives at a symbolic moment: the start of a season in which Haaland once again stands as City's main offensive reference point, as the club looks to make up ground in the Premier League after a previous campaign that fell short of its usual standards. The striker, who remains one of the most decisive goal scorers in Europe since arriving in 2022, begins the new campaign with a fresh image, though the goal on the field remains the same as always: keep piling up goals for the Citizens.