Haaland debuts buzz cut as City edge Bournemouth in Premier League opener

Erling Haaland arrived at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday wearing a cap, but when it came off during the warm-up, the Premier League’s most recognisable hairdo was gone. The Manchester City striker had shaved his trademark flowing locks into a buzz cut ahead of City’s 2-1 opening-day win over Bournemouth.

The new look went viral on social media before kick-off, though it offered no obvious performance boost — Haaland missed a couple of clear chances during the match before City secured the three points.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in a video posted on Haaland’s YouTube channel, was among the first to weigh in. “Lost a bet?” the former Sweden striker asked upon seeing the transformation. “You gonna be faster now, or what?”

Former City manager Pep Guardiola was more philosophical about the change. “You’re lucky to have hair,” Guardiola said. “I would love to have it!”

Haaland had become one of the most visually distinctive athletes in world sport in recent years, his long blond hair as much a part of his identity as his prolific goalscoring. The buzz cut marks a notable departure heading into what City will hope is another title-challenging campaign.

Despite the missed opportunities against Bournemouth, City still opened their Premier League season with a victory, keeping them firmly in the conversation at the top of the table from the first weekend.