Erling Haaland has sparked plenty of reactions after unveiling a dramatic new haircut, with former Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish all having something to say about the Norway international’s new look.

Haaland surprised fans during Manchester City’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Sunday when he appeared with his trademark long hair cut significantly shorter. The striker had maintained his long hairstyle for a considerable period, making the sudden change ahead of the new Premier League season particularly noticeable.

Rather than simply showing off his new appearance to teammates and supporters, Haaland decided to personally seek the reactions of several prominent figures. He made video calls to Guardiola, Grealish and Ibrahimovic, creating a series of amusing exchanges over his transformation.

Before speaking to Ibrahimovic, however, Haaland remembered that the former Sweden international had previously warned him about cutting his hair. When Ibrahimovic answered the call and saw Haaland’s new appearance, his reaction was immediate.

“What did you do? You lost a bet or what? Block me and erase my number,” Ibrahimovic told the Manchester City striker, making it clear that he was far from impressed with the haircut.

Guardiola offered a very different response when Haaland contacted his former manager. The former Manchester City boss appeared more appreciative of Haaland’s decision to cut his hair, while also joking about his own lack of hair.

“No way. You are lucky you have hair. I’d love to have it. I love it,” Guardiola said.

Grealish, meanwhile, took a more teasing approach. After seeing Haaland’s new hairstyle, the England international joked that his Manchester City teammate suddenly looked considerably younger.

“You look about 10 years old. That’s hilarious,” Grealish told Haaland.

The reactions added another entertaining moment to Haaland’s preparations for the new Premier League campaign. The striker has become known not only for his remarkable goalscoring ability but also for his distinctive appearance, with his long blonde hair becoming closely associated with his image since his emergence as one of Europe’s leading forwards.

His decision to cut it therefore represented a noticeable change, particularly for supporters who have watched him maintain the same general style during his time at Manchester City.

The haircut was unveiled on a positive day for Haaland and his club, as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. The result provided City with an encouraging start to the season, while Haaland’s new look ensured that the striker generated plenty of conversation away from the pitch as well.

For Ibrahimovic, Guardiola and Grealish, however, the haircut appears to have provided an opportunity for some light-hearted banter with the prolific striker. While Ibrahimovic jokingly demanded that Haaland block and erase his number, Guardiola praised the Norwegian for being fortunate enough to have hair, and Grealish couldn’t resist comparing his teammate’s new appearance to that of a much younger person.

Haaland will now hope that his new hairstyle becomes associated with another successful season on the pitch. After establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers, the Norway international will be expected to remain central to Manchester City’s ambitions as they attempt to challenge for more major trophies.

For now, though, it is clear that Haaland’s new haircut has attracted almost as much attention from his football friends as his performances on the pitch.