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Erling Haaland Shocks Fans with Shaved Head Ahead of Man City's New Era

2026-08-28 · Erling Haaland · Player Focus

Erling Haaland has stunned the football world by cutting off his iconic long blonde hair, revealing a dramatic buzz cut just before Manchester City's Premier League opener on August 23, 2026. The Norwegian striker, who is the club's highest-paid player on £525,000 per week, started with his new look in City's 1-0 win over Bournemouth and again in their subsequent 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

Why did Haaland cut his famous hair?

Haaland documented the haircut in a vlog on his YouTube channel, explaining he wanted a fresh start for the new season. He had considered the change after scoring seven goals for Norway at the 2026 World Cup. The striker joked about advice from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who told him never to cut his hair because his strength was in it. Haaland found inspiration elsewhere, saying, "the vikings, they go short as well." His hairdresser called it "the most expensive haircut of all time."

How did his girlfriend react to the change?

Isabel Haugseng Johansen was present for the transformation and her immediate reaction was captured on camera. "I think I will cry," she admitted before the cut began, later covering her mouth in disbelief. She eventually gave her approval, telling Haaland, "It looks good. You look cute." Johansen then got a shorter hairstyle of her own, posting a photo on August 23 with the caption "A lil refresh for fall." Fans quickly dubbed it a "family haircut day."

What is Haaland's status at Manchester City?

As the club enters a new era under manager Enzo Maresca, Haaland remains its financial and sporting cornerstone. Fresh salary data for the 2026/27 season confirms he leads the squad by a huge margin. His weekly wage of £525,000 is far ahead of the next highest earners, Jack Grealish (£300,000) and Omar Marmoush (£295,000). This financial commitment underscores his central role as Maresca looks to maintain the standards set by Pep Guardiola.

PlayerWeekly Salary
Erling Haaland£525,000
Jack Grealish£300,000
Omar Marmoush£295,000
Phil Foden£280,000
Gianluigi Donnarumma£250,000

How has City started the season with Haaland up front?

Haaland led the line as City began their Premier League campaign with a late 1-0 win at Bournemouth on August 23. He then started again three days later on August 26 in a goalless draw away to Crystal Palace. In that match, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into early action to keep the scores level. The results leave City adapting to life after Guardiola, with Maresca securing four points from his first two league games.

  • Erling Haaland is Manchester City's highest-paid player, earning £525,000 per week for the 2026/27 season.
  • The striker cut off his signature long hair into a buzz cut on August 23, 2026, seeking a fresh start after the World Cup.
  • His girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, documented the haircut and got a new style herself, creating a social media moment.
  • Haaland has started both of City's Premier League matches under new manager Enzo Maresca, with the team taking four points from six.

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