Darwin Nunez is making headlines not just for his performance on the pitch but also for his stunning new hairstyle as he prepares to return to Liverpool following international duty with Uruguay. The 25-year-old forward showcased his fresh cornrows ahead of the crucial Premier League clash against Everton on April 2, 2025, after participating in two World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia.
Nunez played a total of 117 minutes in these matches, helping Uruguay inch closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite Uruguay's disappointing results—a 1-0 defeat to Argentina and a goalless draw against Bolivia—Nunez's contributions were vital. He started against Argentina and came on as a substitute in the match against Bolivia, demonstrating his commitment to the national team.
After the international break, Nunez returned to Liverpool with a new look that has sparked conversations among fans. His retro cornrows, reminiscent of a style he sported during Liverpool's thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham in December 2023, were shared in a video on social media platform X. The reaction was mixed, with some fans expressing excitement and others humorously commenting on his need for a haircut in light of his goal tally this season.
As he heads back to Anfield, Nunez faces the challenge of reintegrating into a Liverpool squad that is currently 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with just nine games remaining. Under the management of Arne Slot, the team is on the brink of clinching their second Premier League title in five years. However, Nunez's season has been a rollercoaster ride, with only seven goals in 40 appearances, a stark contrast to his 18-goal tally from the previous season.
Despite the struggles, Nunez has had moments of brilliance that have kept him in the spotlight. His last-minute brace against Brentford in February was pivotal, securing a 2-0 victory that shifted the momentum back in Liverpool's favor. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the team's comeback win against Southampton last month, further proving his worth to the squad.
However, his performance has not been without criticism. Fans and pundits have pointed out his inconsistency in front of goal, particularly in high-pressure situations. In a recent match against Aston Villa that ended in a 2-2 draw, Nunez missed a significant opportunity, which led to discussions about his mental state on the pitch. Slot acknowledged the importance of Nunez's contributions but expressed concern over his behavior following missed chances, indicating that it affected his usual work rate.
Looking ahead, Nunez's future at Liverpool may be uncertain as reports suggest that several clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in acquiring the Uruguayan forward. While speculation swirls about a potential move, Nunez remains focused on helping Liverpool secure their title and proving his worth in the final stretch of the season.
Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa recently praised Nunez, highlighting his enthusiasm and willingness to contribute. Bielsa stated, "I saw Darwin with a lot of enthusiasm, with a lot of willingness and excitement. I reaffirm my responsibility in moments when Uruguay loses, because our team is clearly designed to defend without stopping attacking, and to attack without stopping defending, and it's prepared to unbalance."
Bielsa continued, emphasizing the need for better scoring opportunities, saying, "Individuals speak for themselves: if a team has Darwin, (Giorgian) De Arrascaeta, (Federico) Valverde, (Rodrigo) Bentancur, (Ronald) Araujo himself, full-backs like (Nihitan) Nández with a lot of potential, and we create few scoring chances. The responsibility can't fall on these individuals if the coach's intention is for the team to be damaging in attack but fails to create scoring opportunities; instead, it is my failure not to harness the abilities of such exceptional players to make the impact we find challenging."
As Nunez prepares to take the field against Everton, fans will be watching closely, not only to see if he can recapture his scoring touch but also how his new hairstyle might influence his performance. The Merseyside derby is always a fierce contest, and with Liverpool looking to solidify their lead at the top of the table, every player, including Nunez, will need to step up.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, Nunez's journey in the coming weeks will be pivotal not just for his club's ambitions but also for his own career trajectory. As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this new look will inspire a new level of performance from the Uruguayan forward.
