Cristiano Ronaldo debuts buzz-cut fade after Portugal exit and returns to Al-Nassr training

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al-Nassr training on Monday and unveiled a new buzz-cut fade after leaving the Portugal national team camp amid a rift with head coach Jorge Jesus. There is a real chance that the veteran forward has played his last game for his country, although the Selecao are reportedly working hard to bring him back for a farewell match.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp under acrimonious circumstances and returned to club duties early, before the close of the international window. With his international future uncertain, his focus has shifted to having a successful season with Al-Nassr. The forward reported for training and drew attention from cameras for reasons unrelated to the national team saga.

On arrival at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo sported a buzz-cut fade with a slit on the left side of his head and was the centre of attention in front of the cameras. The new style was described in social media posts: "The GOAT. In the heart of Najd. At AlNassr 🐐💛 pic.twitter.com/F8T7w0ZPBr". Observers noted the haircut made Ronaldo look a decade younger than he is.

The haircut represents a change from the blonde look he debuted at the start of the Saudi Pro League season in August. The forward has ditched the blonde style and returned to his natural hair colour. The hairstyle switch has been widely noticed since his return to club training.

Al-Nassr, who won the Saudi Pro League last season, have experienced a stuttering start this term compared with their previous form. Their record-breaking 20-match winning streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Al-Ittihad; since then they have beaten Abha Club 2-1 and been held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Khaleej. That sequence of results has seen the Knights of Najd lose ground in the title race.

Ronaldo has scored three goals in six Saudi Pro League appearances this season. The club have dropped to third place in the Saudi Pro League table with 16 points.

Al-Nassr's immediate fixtures include an AFC Champions League Elite match against Neftchi Fergana and a Saudi Pro League game against Al-Ahli.