Footballer Jesse Lingard has been turning heads both on and off the pitch since his move to South Korea, where he’s quickly adapting to the culture and lifestyle—and showing off a new haircut while he’s at it.
In a recent interview with GQ Korea, Lingard debuted a fresh trim and admitted that keeping his hair sharp is part of his weekly routine. “Probably once a week, I get a haircut,” he said. “Very popular in England, this haircut. I need to be looking fresh. Most of our games are on television.”
The new style caught the attention of former Manchester United teammate Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who left a comment on Lingard’s Instagram: “like the hair bro.”
Lingard, a product of the Manchester United academy, had a standout loan spell at West Ham in 2021, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances. However, he struggled to find form at Nottingham Forest, making only 20 appearances before being released in the summer of 2023.
Now in Seoul, Lingard says he’s found his rhythm. “Life’s good,” he shared, adding that he’s adjusted quickly to the different style of football in Korea.
Along with the football, Lingard is also enjoying the local cuisine—though he hasn’t given up Western comfort food entirely. “When we have our days off or I want a cheat meal… it could be McDonald’s, it could be Papa Johns,” he said. He also noted his fondness for Korean dishes, especially Gongbao Chicken and K-Dot Barbecue chicken, which he often shares with a friend who lives with him.
His contract with his current club in South Korea also includes a unique commercial element. Lingard’s agent, Tom Keane, recently shared on The Overlap podcast that the deal includes a percentage of ticket sales, merchandise, and corporate partnerships—recognizing Lingard’s star power and influence. “It was quite a complex commercial deal,” Keane explained. “Culturally, the club handled it differently from what we’re used to in Europe, but we reached an agreement that worked for everyone.”
Reflecting on his move, Lingard said, “I’m always up for new adventures. Trying different things, learning different things, trying different foods and learning the culture. That’s what I’ve been doing.”
