Portugal stalled but Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence shines in South Africa’s tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo may have suffered a frustrating start to his 2026 World Cup campaign, but his influence on the global game remains as strong as ever. Just a day after the Portugal captain failed to score in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, South Africa’s players paid tribute in what quickly became one of the most viral moments of the tournament.
Teboho Mokoena was the man at the center of it all. The South African midfielder calmly converted a late penalty to rescue a point for Bafana Bafana in their crucial Group A clash against the Czech Republic, before bursting into not one but two iconic Ronaldo celebrations with his teammates.
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First came Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration. This was followed by the now-equally recognizable ‘nap’ or ‘sleep’ celebration, which the Portuguese superstar debuted during his second spell at Manchester United. Within minutes, videos of the jubilant South African squad resuming the celebrations went viral on social media.
The scenes seemed fitting given Ronaldo’s enduring popularity in the football world. Mokoena has paid tribute to the Portuguese legend before, most notably after South Africa’s famous victory over Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, when the midfielder and his team-mates also recreated Ronaldo’s celebration. The moment went viral and history repeated itself on Thursday.
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The timing of the tribute was particularly notable.
Just hours earlier, Ronaldo walked off the field in Houston after another frustrating evening. Portugal held DR Congo 1:1 in their World Cup opener, with the 41-year-old failing to find the net despite arriving at the tournament hoping to become the first player to score at six different World Cups.
The result prompted fresh debate about Ronaldo’s form and future. While Lionel Messi grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, Ronaldo was looking for answers after another scoreless outing at a major tournament.
But if the South African celebrations proved anything, it’s that Ronaldo’s legacy extends far beyond the goals.
In a World Cup dominated by new stars and new stories, one of the most memorable viral moments still revolved around the Portuguese icon. Even on a day when he didn’t play, Ronaldo somehow remained part of the conversation.
MOKOENA KEEPING SOUTH AFRICA ALIVE
The celebration capped off a dramatic evening for South Africa, who looked destined for defeat for much of the contest.
The Czech Republic took early control through Michal Sadílek and appeared on their way to a first World Cup victory since 2006. South Africa struggled to create chances and only registered a shot on goal in the 74th minute as frustration grew in the stadium.
However, a late handball decision gave Bafan Bafan a lifeline. Mokoena came through under immense pressure and confidently sent goalkeeper Matěj Kovář the wrong way before curling the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations and ensured South Africa escaped with a valuable point. Both sides were desperate for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.
The 1-1 draw leaves South Africa and the Czech Republic with one point from two matches and facing must-win situations in the final matches of Group A. More importantly for South Africa, it keeps their World Cup dream alive.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
19 Jun 2026 01:12 IST