Cristiano Ronaldo turned heads this week as he unveiled a bold new shaved-head look while returning to training with Al-Nassr in Riyadh. The 40-year-old Portuguese legend appeared in peak condition as he resumed club duties, sporting a clean buzzcut reminiscent of his Juventus era.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to reinventing his look, but this latest style reflects the relentless drive that continues to define his career. Fresh off international duty, Ronaldo endured a mixed week with Portugal — missing a penalty in their 1–0 win over Ireland before responding with a brace in a 2–2 draw against Hungary.
Those goals not only redeemed his earlier miss but also made history: Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s record with 41 goals. He now boasts a staggering 143 international strikes and 947 career goals across club and country — a feat few athletes in any sport have come close to matching.
Fans first caught a glimpse of Ronaldo’s new buzzcut on Instagram, where he shared images from Al-Nassr’s training ground. The style, sharp and military-inspired, evoked memories of his disciplined Juventus years — a fitting image for a player who continues to defy time and expectations.
Ronaldo’s hair transformations have long paralleled his career evolution — from his curly-haired Sporting CP debut to the sharp, spiky looks that defined his Manchester United and Real Madrid eras. Each phase, much like his playing style, symbolized growth, adaptation, and dominance.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s influence remains as powerful as ever. His Al-Nassr deal, reportedly worth $280 million (£209m) per season, secures his position as the world’s highest-paid footballer. Meanwhile, his CR7 brand — spanning hotels, fragrances, and fitness — continues to expand his billion-dollar empire. Every Instagram post, haircut, and goal amplifies both his legacy and business portfolio.
Despite his success in Saudi Arabia, speculation persists about Ronaldo’s future ties with Manchester United. Reports suggest he could return to the club in a non-playing role after retirement, potentially as a director or ambassador.
Former United defender Danny Simpson recently hinted that such a reunion “shouldn’t be ruled out,” noting Ronaldo’s deep emotional connection with Old Trafford.
“I wouldn’t say no,” Simpson told GOAL. “If you look at his mentality, he obviously cares about the club. I think he’d like to come back again but in another way. I don’t think he liked the way he left, so he’d want to return and make United great again, maybe helping on the business or decision-making side.”
Ronaldo’s first spell at United brought him his maiden Ballon d’Or and Champions League triumph, while his second ended contentiously following a fallout with former boss Erik ten Hag. A potential third chapter — this time behind the scenes — could see him help restore the club’s former glory.
For now, though, the football icon remains focused on breaking more records with Al-Nassr — and doing it in trademark style.
