Erling Haaland revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimović had told him to never cut his hair because his "strength is in it," but the Manchester City forward did just that ahead of the new Premier League season.
Haaland -- known for his iconic long blonde hair which saw many fans at the 2026 World Cup wear wigs to look like him -- opted for a fresh look when he chopped his hair off on Sunday in favor of a buzz cut.
The Norwegian international recorded the process on his YouTube channel, introducing the video by saying "Zlatan told me never cut your hair because your strength is in your hair."
After Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the round of 32 at the World Cup in June, Ibrahimović -- who was a pundit on Fox Sports -- confirmed that he had told Haaland to never cut his hair.
"I truly believed that when I was playing, when things were going well, I had my ponytail," Ibrahimović said on Fox Sports after Norway's victory.
"I remember when Haaland showed up on the big stage, we had the same agent, who unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago.
"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.'"
In a full-length video posted on YouTube, Haaland shared the advice of Zlatan -- who also spent his career playing with his iconic tied-up hair -- before he sat down for his haircut.
"I want Man City fans to sing 'Who the f---ing hell is that?' When they see me," the Man City striker said.
Haaland then proceeded to video call various friends and teammates including Oasis star Noel Gallagher, Jack Grealish and former boss Pep Guardiola.
When he called Ibrahimović, he was greeted by a look of horror and a "what the f--- did you do?"
"You lost a bet or what?, Ibrahimović joked. "Oh my god, block me and erase my number. I will be honest with you. I'm always honest."
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When Ibrahimović asked him if his haircut would make him faster, Haaland replied: "I hope so."
Haaland started in City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth, as late goals from Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol spared their blushes in Enzo Maresca's first league game in charge of the club.
