Manchester City star Erling Haaland issued a light-hearted response to critics of his famed hairstyle as he celebrated his 25th birthday.

Haaland, who has been enjoying his off-season following the FIFA Club World Cup, shared a photo with fans on social media to mark the occasion during his break.

The forward, who has been holidaying on a yacht, was pictured with his shoulder length hair loose as he relaxed on board.

‘Half way to 50! Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes,’ Haaland wrote.

‘Before you come for my hair, take a moment in front of the mirror and ask yourself -am I truly qualified to judge hair that looks better than mine?’

Erling Haaland issued a message to critics of his hair as he celebrated his 25th birthday

The Man City forward’s flowing blonde hair has been a well established part of his look

The star has been enjoying his off-season with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng, who have been pictured in Ibiza and Rome in recent weeks

Haaland has enjoying some downtime following the Club World Cup with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng.

Earlier this month, they were spotted in Ibiza, with the couple on a yacht alongside Haugseng’s  mother and their child, who was born last December.

The couple have been very private with their child and they are yet to publicly announce its gender or name.

Haugseng is believed to have met Haaland at the youth academy at Bryne, who they both played for. 

They started dating when he was at Borussia Dortmund, with Isabel making frequent trips to visit him.

Despite a quiet private life, Haugseng has been increasingly seen in the public eye during Haaland’s time at City, celebrating with him during their trophy successes.

The couple last week were present at two Dolce & Gabbana shows in Rome, with Haaland having struck an endorsement deal up to £2million with the Italian brand back in 2023.

Haugseng was among those to send messages to Haaland on social media to toast his 25th birthday, sharing a post of the couple dressed up as Vikings with the caption ‘Happy Birthday to my Viking’.

Haugseng declared ‘Happy Birthday to my Viking’ in her message on Haaland’s 25th birthday

Jack Grealish joined the well wishes for his team-mate and close friend’s birthday

Haaland’s Man City team-mate and close friend Jack Grealish was another to mark the milestone.

‘Happy birthday bruvaaaa, one of the best human,’ Grealish wrote, adding several hearts in Man City colours.

The post showed Haaland and Grealish together as the celebrated one of their Premier League title wins.

While Haaland looks destined to lead Man City’s title challenge again next season, Grealish’s future is uncertain amid reports he has returned to training alone.

Grealish had been axed from Man City’s Club World Cup squad and told that he could leave at the beginning of the summer.

Man City celebrated Haaland’s 25th by sharing the message ‘Happy Birthday to our number nine, @erling!’, with images of the star celebrating scoring and lifting the Champions League back in 2023.

His former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho added to the well wishes, writing ‘Happy birthday brother, miss these moments we shared together’.

The Instagram post included video of the pair linking for Haaland to score for Dortmund.

Haaland, who has 124 goals in 146 matches for Man City, will soon be returning for pre-season training with his team-mates.

Man City will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last season under Per Guardiola, which saw them relinquish their Premier League title to Liverpool with only the Community Shield proving their sole honour.