Erling Haaland’s drastic haircut has only enhanced Man City star’s booming personal brand
Someone who can attest to the power of regularly changing your look and whose brand certainly didn’t suffer as a result is David Beckham, who had the entrepreneurial nous, looks and personality to ensure his legacy transcends his football career.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England superstar has donned a variety of famous (and infamous) hairstyles down the years, including his boyish curtains, ill-advised cornrows and mohawk, a Haaland-esque ponytail and, of course, a buzzcut.
It became a news event every time Beckham changed his appearance, and Haaland has already emulated that by going viral with his first big chop. Addressing the striker’s new look on CBS in midweek, Beckham said: “I actually think it looks great. New season, new haircut, still scoring the same goals,” before going on to pick the buzzcut as his favourite ever hairstyle for its ease.
Haaland, too, has clearly recognised the need to build a personal brand that will sustain him well beyond his playing days. There’s certainly something to be said for keeping things fresh to keep your audience on its toes, and in the YouTube video, he suggested he won’t have short hair for long.
Looking back over old photos of himself in preparation for his big haircut, the striker held one up from October 2020 where he has medium-length blonde locks, styled with a middle parting and hairband. “Jack Grealish! What do you think?,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having this hair again because I like it, not long, not short, in between.”
