Erling Haaland has started the new Premier League season with a dramatic change to his appearance, cutting off the long blonde hair that had become one of his most recognisable features at Manchester City. The striker unveiled a much shorter style just hours before City’s league opener against Bournemouth, and the transformation produced some very honest reactions from those closest to him.

Haaland, 25, has become almost inseparable from his distinctive Viking-inspired hairstyle during his four years at Manchester City. His long blonde locks have formed a major part of his public image, making his decision to cut them considerably shorter a surprising one.

The Norway international documented the entire transformation in a YouTube video and shared photographs of his new appearance across social media. The footage showed Haaland preparing for the haircut before eventually revealing a short, buzz-cut style that looked completely different from his familiar appearance.

Perhaps the most entertaining reaction came from his longtime girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who was present while the haircut was taking place. Johansen, 22, appeared genuinely shocked as the first sections of Haaland’s long hair were removed.

As the barber began cutting away the famous locks, Johansen reacted with surprise and admitted that she thought she might cry when the transformation was complete. When the first large pieces of hair fell to the floor, she could be heard expressing her disbelief and reacting dramatically to the sudden change.

The reaction became even stronger when Haaland eventually revealed the finished haircut. Johansen looked at him in shock, covered her mouth with her hands and repeatedly exclaimed in surprise. It was clear that seeing Haaland without his trademark long hair was a major adjustment for her.

Despite her initial reaction, Johansen eventually appeared to approve of the new style. After taking some time to get used to his dramatically different appearance, she told him that the haircut looked good and even described him as looking cute.

Haaland himself seemed to be aiming for a tougher, more intimidating image with the shorter cut. However, his girlfriend’s immediate reaction was not exactly the response he may have been hoping for.

At one point, Johansen joked that she might wake up the next morning and wonder who was standing beside her. Her comment reflected just how significant the transformation was after Haaland had worn his long hairstyle for so many years.

The haircut was also a shared experience of sorts, as Johansen revealed that she had undergone a haircut herself. Posting a photograph from Manchester City’s match on Instagram, she told her millions of followers that she had given herself a small seasonal refresh.

The couple’s relationship has attracted considerable interest over the years, particularly because they have known each other since childhood. Both Haaland and Johansen grew up in Bryne, Norway, and their relationship developed after Haaland began his professional football career abroad.

When Haaland moved to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund, Johansen reportedly contacted him through Instagram. Haaland has previously explained that she was the one who initiated contact, rather than him making the first move.

Their relationship has since developed into a family life. The couple welcomed a son in December 2024, although they have chosen to keep their child largely away from public attention. They have not publicly revealed his name or shared photographs of him, maintaining a clear boundary between their private family life and their public profiles.

The pair also attracted attention during the recent FIFA World Cup, where Haaland represented Norway. His performances on the international stage and Norway’s progress through the tournament made him one of the competition’s major talking points.

Away from football, Haaland’s hairstyle has become part of his identity. His long blonde hair has often contributed to comparisons with Viking warriors and has helped create the distinctive image that fans have associated with him since his arrival in England.

Before going through with the haircut, Haaland even received a warning from an unlikely source. He revealed that former Barcelona and Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović had advised him against cutting his hair, joking that his strength was contained in it.

The comment was a humorous reference to the biblical story of Samson, whose strength was famously connected to his hair. Haaland clearly decided that he was willing to take the risk, ignoring the advice and allowing the barber to cut off his trademark locks.

During the haircut, Haaland appeared excited about the reaction his new look might receive from Manchester City supporters. Rather than worrying about their response, he imagined the fans joking about his dramatic transformation.

He even joked about supporters singing a humorous chant asking who he was when they saw him without his familiar hairstyle. The forward seemed to embrace the possibility that the change would initially confuse fans who had become accustomed to seeing him with long blonde hair.

The timing of the haircut made the transformation even more memorable. Haaland unveiled his new appearance just before Manchester City began their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

For a player who has scored an extraordinary number of goals since arriving at City, changing his appearance so dramatically before the start of another important season created an unexpected talking point.

The haircut also demonstrates how closely footballers’ appearances can become linked to their identities. Haaland’s long hair was not simply a hairstyle; it had become part of the image that fans recognised whenever he stepped onto the pitch.

His new buzz cut therefore represents a clear visual departure from the version of Haaland supporters have watched during his Manchester City career.

Whether the haircut will become his new permanent style remains to be seen. Footballers frequently experiment with their appearance, and Haaland could eventually decide to grow his hair back. For now, however, the shorter style marks a fresh beginning as he prepares for another demanding season.

Johansen’s reaction has also added a light-hearted element to the story. Her initial shock, followed by her eventual approval, was captured on camera and gave fans a glimpse into the couple’s personal dynamic.

Her response also showed that even someone who knows Haaland extremely well can be surprised by a dramatic change to his appearance. After years of seeing him with long hair, watching the famous locks disappear in a matter of minutes was clearly a major adjustment.

Despite the jokes, Haaland appears pleased with the result. He entered the new season with a fresh look, while still maintaining the confidence and sense of humour that have become part of his personality.

The striker now has the chance to make his new hairstyle memorable for another reason: by scoring goals and helping Manchester City compete for major trophies.

Ultimately, Haaland’s haircut may have nothing to do with his footballing ability, but it has certainly created plenty of conversation. From his girlfriend’s initial disbelief to his own jokes about City supporters, the transformation has become an entertaining story surrounding the start of the new campaign.

After four years of long blonde hair, Erling Haaland has officially entered a new era — and if his girlfriend’s first reaction is anything to go by, even the people closest to him may need some time to get used to it.