Erling Haaland's hair then and now: Photos of Norway star with short hair resurface at World Cup

Jul 10, 2026 - 08:10

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Erling Haaland's hair then and now: Photos of Norway star with short hair resurface at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Norway forward Erling Haaland is already a star in soccer, but his performance in the World Cup has introduced him to the rest of the world.

Haaland has been a dominant presence for Norway's offense, as he uses his size and athleticism to overpower his opponents. For casual fans waiting for him for the first time, they notice both Haaland's dominance and his unique look, which includes his long hair.

Some fans who have never watched Haaland before may be surprised to learn that the star once donned shorter hair during games when he was much younger. It's hard to imagine Haaland agreeing to cut his hair now, but there was a time when it was his preferred look.

Here's how different Haaland looked with short hair compared to his long hairstyle now.

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Erling Haaland then and now

While Haaland currently sports long hair in a bun or ponytail during games, he didn't always grow his hair out. The Norwegian star used to have short hair when he was first starting his professional career.

Umm actually this is actually what Erling Haaland looked like with short hair https://t.co/1jU9IV8s7b pic.twitter.com/pwK6JqIi3p
— Sally (@OnceUponASally) July 8, 2026

short hair haaland😌😌 pic.twitter.com/ScoStojqYr
— 9️⃣ (@erlinghalands) August 29, 2023

Haaland net buster 💥

Dortmund vs Paris ⏪#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/tx3YqlP2jz
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 31, 2023

However, Haaland decided to grow his hair out instead of cutting it short, leading to him presenting his signature long blonde hair when he plays.

Samantha Madar/Imagn Images

While Haaland usually has his hair tied up for matches, he has occasionally let it down while playing for Manchester City in select contests.

Hair down Haaland 😤 pic.twitter.com/GAP8zLDk9V
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 29, 2024

Haaland finished off Arsenal with his hair flowing 🥶 pic.twitter.com/43V9ih63Wb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 26, 2023

Haaland's hair has become a big part of his personality on the field, as the long blond locks combined with his size make him look like an actual Viking at times for Norway.

Everyone is loving Erling Haaland this World Cup 😂🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/xlBM53HCLT
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 8, 2026

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Why doesn't Erling Haaland cut his hair?

Haaland has grown his hair out for years, and he said he doesn't plan on cutting it soon due to advice he got from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"Zlatan, you know what he told me? 'Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,'" Haaland said. "What can I do? I have to listen to him, no?"

During After Hours with @JKCorden, Erling Haaland admitted he had to listen to Zlatan when it came to cutting his hair@ErlingHaaland | @Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/cvNLZbDlEv
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026

Ibrahimovic mentioned that he felt, during his playing days, he played his best with long hair.

"I remember when Haaland showed up on the big stage, we had the same agent, who unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago," he said, "I saw him with his long ponytail, and my agent was telling me, 'Listen, I saw Zlatan in him,' and I said, 'You keep that hair because that hair is going to take you where you want to go.'"

How old is Erling Haaland?

Haaland will turn 26 years old on July 21, two days after the World Cup final is set to take place. The Norwegian star began his professional career at the age of 16 when he played in his home country league of Eliteserien, but has bounced around Europe since.

Haaland spent his 18-21 years playing for two different Bundesliga teams and finally settled on Manchester City in 2022. He has played the past four seasons for Manchester City in the English Premier League.