In the midst of Manchester City’s relentless push for silverware in the 2025 season, Jack Grealish, the charismatic 29-year-old winger, has stolen the spotlight off the pitch with a dramatic transformation of his iconic locks. On May 8, 2025, Grealish debuted a sleek new hairstyle during a training session at the Etihad Campus, swapping his signature Alice band and flowing mane for a neatly tied-back bun, reminiscent of teammate Erling Haaland’s trademark look. The bold change, captured in a series of Instagram photos, drew a swift three-word reaction from Haaland: “Love it you,” accompanied by a wave of fan excitement and comparisons to footballing legends like David Beckham and Gareth Bale.
Grealish, known for his flair both on and off the field, captioned his Instagram post with a playful, “New trim who disssss,” showcasing the confidence that has endeared him to fans since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021. The transformation, executed by A-STAR Barbers, saw Grealish ditch his blonde highlights for a natural dark brown, with the hair tied into a short ponytail using a sky-blue hairband—a nod to City’s colors. The barbers, who shared a video of the haircut process late last month, hyped the look with fire emojis and a poll asking fans to rate it, prompting a flurry of positive responses. “Rate this new look for Jack Grealish,” they posted, punctuating it with thumbs-up and thumbs-down emojis, though the overwhelming sentiment was one of approval.
The timing of Grealish’s makeover couldn’t be more pivotal. Manchester City, fresh off a 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolves, are gearing up for a crucial clash against Southampton on May 10, followed by the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley. Both Grealish and Haaland, unused substitutes against Wolves due to Haaland’s ongoing recovery from an ankle injury, are eager to make their mark. “I’m feeling fit, confident, and ready to contribute,” Grealish said earlier this season, a sentiment that resonates as he hopes his new look coincides with a return to Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup. His recent bench appearances in City’s last three Premier League matches, contrasted with a standout performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, highlight his hunger for consistent minutes.
Haaland’s enthusiastic response reflects the close bond the duo has forged since the Norwegian striker joined City in 2022. “He’s such a lovely guy, great to have around,” Grealish once said of Haaland, praising his professionalism and record-breaking goal-scoring prowess. Their camaraderie, often showcased through lighthearted social media exchanges, adds a layer of warmth to City’s high-stakes environment. Haaland, who has scored 30 goals in 40 appearances this season despite injury setbacks, is nearing a return to full fitness, with fans hopeful he’ll join Grealish in dazzling at Wembley. “We have a great friendship,” Grealish noted, recalling playful moments like Haaland’s interruptions during interviews, including a memorable 2023 outburst where Haaland declared, “I f***ing love you!”
The new hairstyle has sparked comparisons beyond Haaland. Fans and pundits have likened Grealish’s bun to Beckham’s iconic Real Madrid-era look and Bale’s prime years, with one X user joking, “Grealish channeling his inner Galactico!” The change comes at a time when Grealish’s role at City is under scrutiny, with 15 teammates seeing more minutes under Guardiola this season. Yet, his impact off the bench and in cup competitions remains undeniable, and the FA Cup final offers a grand stage to showcase both his skill and his fresh style. “I feel back to myself, playing with freedom,” Grealish said after a recent match, a mindset that could propel him to reclaim a starring role.
As Manchester City chase Champions League qualification and domestic glory, Grealish’s transformation is more than cosmetic—it’s a symbol of his readiness to evolve. With Haaland’s endorsement and a fanbase buzzing with excitement, Grealish is poised to let his hair down, metaphorically and literally, in the battles ahead. Whether he’s weaving through defenses or turning heads with his new look, Grealish remains a magnetic presence, ready to shine on football’s biggest stages.
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