Watch: Erling Haaland stuns fans with dramatic new look

Erling Haaland has turned heads once again, but this time it had nothing to do with his goal-scoring exploits.

The Manchester City striker stunned Premier League fans ahead of Sunday’s season opener against AFC Bournemouth by shaving off his trademark long, blond hair and debuting a military-style buzz cut.

The dramatic transformation marks a major change for the 26-year-old Norway star, whose flowing hair has become an integral part of his Viking-like image, almost as recognisable as his exploits in front of goal.

Haaland revealed that he had considered cutting his hair after Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals but was too busy to do so.

“This beautiful long hair, time to let it go,” Haaland said on his YouTube channel. “I was thinking of doing it after the World Cup but I was so busy so I didn’t do it. The season starts now so it’s time to get a fresh start.”

The striker had previously revealed that former Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic had advised him not to cut his hair.

During an interview with James Corden on Fox Sports in July, Haaland recalled Ibrahimovic’s advice.

“Zlatan – you know what he told me? ‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,’” Haaland said.