Erling Haaland reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s reaction after getting a radical haircut

Erling Haaland has gone against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s advice by cutting off his famous long hair, prompting the former Sweden striker to respond: “Block me and delete my number.”

The Manchester City forward had previously been told by the Milan legend never to cut his hair because “your power is in your hair”. However, Haaland unveiled a very short new style on Sunday, shortly before the start of the new Premier League season.

Haaland, whose long blond hair became one of his defining features, documented the entire haircut on his YouTube channel. His appearance had become so recognisable that a number of supporters wore wigs modelled on his hairstyle during the 2026 World Cup.

Introducing the video, Haaland recalled Ibrahimovic’s warning, saying: “Zlatan told me never to cut my hair, because your power is in your hair.”

Ibrahimovic later confirmed that he had given Haaland that advice while working as an analyst for Fox Sports. He referred to their conversation after Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the last 32 of the World Cup in June.

“I really believed that when I was playing,” Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports. “When things were going well, I wore my hair tied in a ponytail.”

He also explained that he and Haaland had shared the same agent, who died two years ago.

“I remember when Haaland came on to the big scene, we had the same agent, who unfortunately passed away two years ago,” Ibrahimovic added.

“I saw him with his long hair tied in a ponytail, and my agent said to me: ‘Listen, I see Zlatan in him.’ I told him: ‘Keep that hair, because this hair will take you where you want to go.’”

Haaland included Ibrahimovic’s original advice in the full-length YouTube video before taking his seat for the haircut. The Norway international joked that he hoped the change would unsettle Manchester City supporters.

“I want the Manchester City fans to chant: ‘Who the hell is this?’ when they see me,” he said.

After the cut was completed, Haaland made video calls to several friends and colleagues to show them the result. Those contacted included Oasis star Noel Gallagher, Manchester City team-mate Jack Grealish and his former manager Pep Guardiola.

Ibrahimovic appeared particularly unimpressed when Haaland called him. He initially reacted with shock and asked: “What the hell have you done?”

He then continued the exchange in typically blunt fashion, saying: “Did you lose a bet or something? Oh my God, block me and delete my number. I’ll be honest with you, I’m always honest.”

When Ibrahimovic asked whether the new haircut would make him faster, Haaland replied: “I hope so.”

Haaland started Manchester City’s opening Premier League match against Bournemouth. Late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol spared his side embarrassment in their first league game under Enzo Maresca.