Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific striker, celebrated his 25th birthday on July 21, 2025, in a style that blended humor, camaraderie, and his signature flair. The Norwegian superstar, known for his goal-scoring prowess and larger-than-life personality, took to social media to engage fans with a playful question about his iconic hairstyle, while his close friend and teammate Jack Grealish led the tributes with a heartfelt message. The occasion highlighted not only Haaland’s status as a footballing phenomenon but also his ability to connect with fans and teammates alike through his infectious charisma.
As Haaland turned 25, he marked the milestone by posting a lighthearted query to his millions of followers, asking whether he should keep his signature long, blonde locks or opt for a bold new look. “What do we think—keep the hair or chop it off?” he teased, sparking a frenzy of responses from fans who have grown accustomed to his distinctive style both on and off the pitch. The question, accompanied by a mischievous grin in a selfie, showcased Haaland’s knack for blending his intense on-field persona with a playful off-field charm. His hairstyle, often seen in a tight bun or flowing freely during matches, has become as much a part of his identity as his record-breaking goal tallies.
The birthday celebrations were amplified by a touching message from Jack Grealish, Haaland’s close friend and Manchester City teammate. Grealish, known for his own vibrant personality, took to Instagram to share a warm tribute. “Happy Birthday brother,” Grealish wrote, accompanied by blue heart emojis, a nod to their shared bond and Manchester City’s colors. The message was a testament to the duo’s well-documented bromance, which has flourished since Haaland joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Their friendship, often highlighted by moments like Haaland interrupting Grealish’s post-match interview with a boisterous “I f***ing love you, you know that?” after a Premier League title win, has endeared them to fans worldwide.
Haaland’s 25th birthday comes at a time when he continues to dominate the footballing landscape. The 2024-25 season has seen him maintain his reputation as a “goal machine,” with 21 goals in 28 starts across all competitions, despite Manchester City’s inconsistent campaign. His recent nine-and-a-half-year contract extension, keeping him at the Etihad until 2034, underscores his importance to the club’s future. “He’s the best professional I have ever seen,” Grealish once said of Haaland, praising his relentless work ethic, which includes hours of gym sessions, ice baths, and meticulous diet planning. This dedication has made Haaland a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad, even as the team navigates challenges in the Premier League and Champions League.
The birthday festivities were not just about Haaland’s on-field achievements but also his off-field milestones. Recently, Haaland announced that he and his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, are expecting their first child, a revelation that added extra joy to his birthday celebrations. The couple, who met at the youth academy of Bryne in Norway, celebrated the news during Norway’s 3-0 UEFA Nations League win over Slovenia, where Haaland marked his brace by tucking the ball under his shirt and sucking his thumb. Grealish, who recently welcomed his own daughter, Mila Rose, was quick to congratulate Haaland, further cementing their bond as they both embrace fatherhood.
Haaland’s birthday also served as a moment to reflect on his remarkable journey. From his early days at Bryne to his record-breaking stint at Dortmund and now his reign as Norway’s all-time leading goal scorer with 34 goals in 36 international matches, Haaland has consistently defied expectations. His ability to combine raw physicality with technical precision has made him a nightmare for defenders, a sentiment Grealish humorously echoed when he “liked” Haaland’s contract announcement on Instagram, jokingly sympathizing with Premier League defenders who must face him for another decade.
As fans flooded social media with birthday wishes, many referenced Haaland’s playful hair question, with some urging him to keep his iconic locks and others suggesting a daring buzz cut. The lighthearted exchange underscored Haaland’s ability to engage with his audience, a trait that has made him a global superstar beyond the pitch. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s preparations for upcoming matches, including a crucial Champions League clash against PSG, loom large, with Haaland expected to lead the line.
For now, though, the focus remains on celebrating a player who continues to redefine what it means to be a modern footballing icon. With Grealish’s heartfelt words and the support of fans worldwide, Haaland’s 25th birthday was a reminder of his enduring impact—both as a goal-scoring machine and a charismatic figure who knows how to keep the conversation lively, whether about his goals or his hair.
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