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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Erling Haaland became the internet's boyfriend during the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup.
The all-world striker led Norway to the quarterfinals behind seven goals. Norway lost to England, but Haaland left the United States having won everyone over with his long, blond hair, dominant play style, and clever social media presence.
We're about to find out how many people only loved him for his hair.
On Sunday, Haaland shocked the world by revealing that he'd shaved his head:
"This beautiful blond hair, time to let it go," Haaland says in the full YouTube video . "I was thinking about doing this straight after the World Cup, but it was so busy, so I didn't do it. Season starts now, so it's time to get a fresh start and everything."
"The only thing is, Zlatan told me, 'Never cut your hair because your strength is in your hair,'" Haaland added. "I'm a bit nervous."
Manchester City opened the new English Premier League season against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Haaland did whiff on a volley early in the match, so that's one point in Zlatan's favor. Manchester City still won, 2-1, in Haaland's 200th City appearance .
Haaland is the reigning Premier League Golden Boot winner — his third in the past four years — so it's probably a safe bet to assume that he'll still be dominant without his hair.
Manchester City finished runner-up to Arsenal on the Premier League table last season and haven't won the league title since the 2023-24 season. Prior to that, they'd won it four years in a row.
Manchester CityErling HaalandEnglish Premier LeagueLearn
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