Erling Haaland has stunned football supporters by abandoning the long blonde hairstyle that has become one of his most recognisable features, and Jude Bellingham was among the first high-profile players to react to the Manchester City striker’s dramatic new appearance.

The Norwegian forward revealed his new look on social media on Sunday, showing off a much shorter haircut in a series of photographs and a video. Haaland, now 26, kept his caption simple, writing: “New season, new trim.”

The change represents a significant departure from the image football fans have become accustomed to seeing over recent seasons. Haaland’s long blonde hair has become almost as recognisable as his goalscoring record, particularly during his time at Manchester City.

His distinctive hairstyle has also formed part of his broader public image while representing Norway. During the country’s memorable run to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, Haaland’s long hair was one of the features that made him instantly recognisable whenever he appeared on the pitch.

However, as the new Premier League season approaches, the prolific striker has decided that it is time for a completely different style.

Bellingham’s immediate reaction

One of the most entertaining reactions came from Jude Bellingham, who already knows Haaland well from their time together at Borussia Dortmund.

The Real Madrid midfielder did not need to write a lengthy message to express his surprise. Instead, he simply commented “No way” beneath Haaland’s social media post.

The brief reaction quickly attracted attention from supporters, with many clearly sharing Bellingham’s disbelief at seeing Haaland without his trademark long hair.

Bellingham and Haaland spent time together at Dortmund before their careers took them in different directions. Their friendship and familiarity with one another have often been evident, making Bellingham’s reaction particularly amusing.

The England international was not the only footballer to comment on Haaland’s transformation.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate also joined the conversation, describing the Norwegian simply as “Ragnar”. The reference was clearly inspired by the famous Viking character, a fitting comparison given Haaland’s Norwegian heritage, imposing physique and distinctive appearance.

The comment added another humorous element to the reaction surrounding the haircut.

Haaland himself appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the attention. Rather than trying to defend his decision, the City striker embraced the jokes and followed up his initial post with another short message: “Short hair don’t care.”

His relaxed response suggested that he was more than happy with the transformation and unconcerned about whether his teammates and supporters approved of it.

A major change from Haaland’s trademark style

The new haircut is particularly interesting because Haaland has previously explained why he chose to keep his hair long.

The striker once revealed that Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic had influenced his decision. According to Haaland, Ibrahimovic advised him not to cut his hair because he believed his strength was connected to it.

The reference was clearly inspired by the famous story of Samson, whose power was traditionally associated with his hair.

Haaland had apparently taken that advice seriously for some time, allowing his blonde hair to grow into one of his defining characteristics.

Now, however, he has decided to go in the opposite direction.

The dramatic trim has removed one of the most recognisable elements of his appearance and gives him a considerably different look heading into another Premier League campaign.

Interestingly, Haaland did not simply reveal the haircut and move on. He also contacted Ibrahimovic after making the change, apparently wanting to hear the former Sweden international’s reaction.

Zlatan’s response was predictably direct.

Rather than politely congratulating his former fellow striker, Ibrahimovic reportedly reacted with shock and asked Haaland what he had done.

The former Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan star then joked about whether the shorter hairstyle might make Haaland quicker on the football pitch.

The exchange perfectly reflects Ibrahimovic’s famously outspoken personality and adds another entertaining chapter to the story behind Haaland’s new appearance.

From long hair to a new era

Haaland’s haircut may seem like a relatively minor change, but his long hair had become strongly connected with his footballing identity.

Since emerging as one of Europe’s most feared young strikers, Haaland has developed an unmistakable image. His extraordinary height, powerful build, speed, physical strength and long blonde hair have made him one of the most recognisable players in world football.

His performances at Manchester City have only strengthened that reputation.

Since moving to the Etihad, Haaland has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League. His ability to combine physical power with remarkable finishing has made him a constant threat to opposing defences.

His hairstyle became another part of the package.

For many supporters, seeing Haaland sprinting towards goal with his long blonde hair flowing behind him became a familiar sight. The haircut therefore represents more than simply a cosmetic change — it marks a new visual chapter for a player entering another important stage of his career.

Attention now returns to football

Despite the huge amount of attention generated by his haircut, Haaland’s focus will soon return to the pitch.

Manchester City are preparing to begin another Premier League campaign, and the Norwegian will once again be expected to lead their attack.

His first opportunity to showcase the new hairstyle in competitive action will come when City face Bournemouth at the Etihad.

The fixture will provide supporters with their first proper look at Haaland’s new appearance during a Premier League match.

Of course, the haircut is unlikely to change the expectations placed upon him.

City will continue to rely heavily on Haaland for goals, particularly in the biggest matches of the season. The striker will be expected to maintain the extraordinary scoring standards he has established since arriving in England.

His physical qualities remain unchanged, even if his hairstyle is dramatically different.

The new season will also bring fresh challenges for Manchester City as they attempt to compete for domestic and European honours. Haaland will once again be one of the central figures in their pursuit of trophies.

For now, though, his haircut has provided football fans with a welcome source of entertainment before the serious action begins.

Bellingham’s short “No way” reaction captured the surprise felt by many supporters, while Konate’s Viking reference offered a humorous explanation for Haaland’s new appearance. Even Haaland appeared happy to play along, confidently declaring that he did not care about the reaction to his shorter hair.

Perhaps most amusingly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic — the man who once encouraged Haaland to keep his hair long — was among those who had the strongest reaction to the change.

Whether the haircut will become Haaland’s new trademark remains to be seen. What is certain is that the striker will begin the new Premier League season looking very different from the player fans have watched dominate English football in recent years.

The hairstyle may have changed, but Haaland’s biggest responsibility remains exactly the same: scoring goals for Manchester City.