New season, new look: Haaland bids farewell to his iconic long locks

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Erling Haaland debuted a noticeably shorter haircut on social media, marking a striking change from his long-haired look

- The Manchester City striker shared posts on X ahead of the club's 2026/27 Premier League season opener against Bournemouth

- Haaland also teased a full episode on YouTube documenting the hair transformation, drawing millions of views online

Erling Haaland has unveiled a dramatically shorter hairstyle, bidding farewell to the long locks that became one of his most recognisable features during his time at Manchester City.

The Norwegian striker took to X on Sunday, August 23, 2026, posting a photo captioned "Short hair don't care 😄✂️" that quickly went viral.

An earlier post hinted at the change, reading "New season, new trim 💇♂️😎 Full episode on YT! 🎬," directing fans to a YouTube episode documenting the full makeover.

The timing of the post was no coincidence. Sunday marks the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester City, as they host AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in their first Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.

Man City vs Bournemouth preview

The match carries added significance as it represents the debut of Enzo Maresca as City's new manager, following Pep Guardiola's exit after a decade in charge.

City have undergone considerable changes this summer, with long-serving figures such as Rodri, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva all departing the club.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has been brought in to start in goal, with Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol, and Matheus Nunes forming the defensive line.

Jeremy Doku remains unavailable after picking up a calf injury during the Community Shield.

See the post below:

Fans react

Haaland's new appearance drew a wave of responses online, with supporters offering a mix of amusement and admiration.

Brian Takudzwa wrote:

"Bringing back your old face to FIFA 18," while Anderry Aton said simply: "I see a hat-trick."

Emmanuel Kumwenda commented:

"Mmmm, anything suits you, Haaland," and Aasiya joked: "Haaland said his hair was making his head look too heavy 😂 Now he's finally trimmed it down a little. 😭😂"

Not everyone was convinced. Annaa Arsenal remarked:

"I swear he looks funny."

Mu'ez Abadi added:

"Now beautiful no handsome 😂"

Whether the fresh trim translates into goals on the pitch remains to be seen, but Haaland's new look has already generated significant buzz heading into City's season opener.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.