Rasmus Hojlund, who scored Denmark’s game-winning goal against Portugal on Thursday, has addressed claims that he was making fun of Cristiano Ronaldo. In front of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the Manchester United striker scored the game-winning goal in the 78th minute and then made Ronaldo’s famous “Siu” celebration.
Ronaldo’s “Siu” is arguably the most well-known celebration in international football, and in recent years, players of all skill levels have imitated it, frequently out of admiration for the renowned Portuguese forward. However, Hojlund has faced criticism on social media as the 22-year-old celebrated while Ronaldo, who didn’t have the finest night, looked on.
In the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, Denmark and Portugal faced off in Copenhagen. On paper, Portugal had the superior team, but Hojlund, who just ended a 21-game goal drought with Manchester United, helped Denmark win 1-0 after a fierce battle.
After being picked out by Andreas Skov Olsen, Hojlund completed a nice team move by calmly tapping the ball into Diogo Costa’s goal’s bottom corner. Then, in celebration, Manchester United’s number nine wheeled off. View the video below:
Hojlund did the Sui after scoring against Portugal 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/PmOxZ7z1FQ
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) March 20, 2025
📸 Cristiano Ronaldo watching Rasmus Hojlund doing his 'SIIU' celebration. pic.twitter.com/cDPs1LnW6G
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) March 20, 2025
Hojlund Speaks Out About Copying Ronaldo’s Celebration
Insists he wasn’t mocking his ‘idol’
When asked why he chose to do the “Siu” in front of Ronaldo, Hojlund told reporters after the game that he did it out of respect for his “idol.” According to ESPN, he said to Danish network TV2: “It’s for my idol. Not to make fun of him or anything.
He has greatly influenced me and my football career. It may be a little conflicted, but it’s a significant score to beat him and Portugal.
“I’ve been a huge Cristiano fan since 2011, when I went to watch the match and I remember him scoring from a free-kick,” he continued.
Portugal 1-0 Denmark: Match Details
Denmark
A statistic
Portugal
44
Ownership (%)
56
23
Shots
8.
9.
Targeted Shots
2.
7.
The corners
6.
2.
Conserves
7.
0
Yellow Cards
2.
It’s unclear if Cristiano liked that Hojlund had copied his celebration at that precise moment, but it’s obvious the Denmark international didn’t mean any harm. Ronaldo played the entire ninety minutes, which is astonishing considering that he only had thirty touches and two shots on goal.
According to Sportskeeda, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez responded to reporters who asked why Ronaldo wasn’t replaced by Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos by saying, “I believe in everyone.” This is the first time Goncalo Ramos has joined our League of Nations team. For us, Goncalo is a crucial player. Who is inside and who is left out is not the issue.
“There are moments during the November–March stop when the synchronisation, intensity, and pace are lacking, and it wasn’t Cristiano leading the charge; rather, it was in the areas we anticipated and wasn’t the spearhead’s fault.”
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