If you’ve been curious about the recent activities of Erling Haaland since the conclusion of the World Cup — maybe acquiring more taxidermy raccoons or perfecting his robot dance moves — his most recent escapade features an eye-catching new haircut.
“Short hair don’t care,” the Norwegian football sensation and summer internet favorite announced to his 76.9 million Instagram followers on Sunday, accompanied by images of his fresh buzz cut.
“New season, new trim,” Haaland shared in another post featuring a video that illustrates his long, golden hair prior to the cut, followed by the “after” shot.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League, was already an established and accomplished athlete before the 2026 World Cup, having secured nine significant trophies with the club, including the esteemed Champions League title.
However, his fame skyrocketed during the tournament, thanks in part to his quirky sense of humor and remarkable skills on the field.
And of course, there was the hair.
Haaland poses after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, on June 30. (Jessica Tobias/The Associated Press)
“This beautiful blond hair? Time to let it go,” Haaland expressed in a YouTube video released on Sunday, explaining that he intended to cut it after the World Cup but had been too busy.
He admitted to having one concern, stating that his friend and mentor, former star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, cautioned him against cutting it.
“Because your strength is in your hair,” Haaland recalled Ibrahimovic saying. “I’m a bit nervous.”
“But the Vikings? They also go short,” he added.
Later in the video, after the haircut, Haaland Facetimed Ibrahimovic to unveil his new appearance.
“What the f–k did you do,” Ibrahimovic reacted. “Oh my God. Block me and erase my number.”
Haaland also reached out to former City manager Pep Guardiola, who is bald, and told the striker: “You’re fortunate to have hair.”
A composite image of two screen grabs from the same video posted to Instagram by Haaland on Sunday. (@erling/Instagram)
‘Put it back’
The responses on social media were varied, with some fans praising Haaland for looking sharp and younger, while others expressed sadness over his trademark hairstyle.
“An angel lost its wings,” one user commented on his Instagram video.
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“The Viking era is over,” another person expressed on X.
“I hope you haven’t shaved off your powers,” a different fan wrote in a tweet.
“Put it back,” another suggested.
Haaland, left, shows his frustration during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, Sunday. (Nick Potts/The Associated Press)
Haaland debuted his new hairstyle on Sunday at his team’s opening match against Bournemouth.
While his team secured a 2-1 victory, Haaland himself missed several scoring opportunities and seemed dissatisfied with his performance.
He is not the only celebrity flaunting a fresh haircut for the new season. Heated Rivalry‘s Connor Storrie was spotted on Sunday with what appeared to be a drastic cut of his curly hair ahead of the filming of the show’s second season.
Julie Newport, co-owner of Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, tells The National about the moment Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland took home a taxidermied raccoon from her shop.
