Rasmus Højlund Pays Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo with Iconic "Siu" Celebration in Denmark’s Win Over Portugal
Manchester United forward Rasmus Højlund sparked headlines by mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous "Siu" celebration after scoring the decisive goal in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final. With Ronaldo on the pitch for the entire match, Højlund’s gesture quickly became a hot topic, with speculation that it might have been intended as a mockery of the Portuguese legend.
The moment was captured on social media, where fans debated the intent behind Højlund’s celebration. Cristiano Ronaldo, watching from the opposite end of the field, was seen with his hands on his hips as the young striker paid homage to his signature move.
However, Højlund was quick to clarify that his actions were a sign of respect and admiration for his idol, not a taunt. Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2 after the match, the 22-year-old explained, "It’s for my idol. It wasn’t to mock him or anything. He’s had such a huge impact on me and my football career. To score against him and Portugal is huge. I remember him scoring from a free kick in 2011 when I went to watch the match, and since then I’ve been a huge Cristiano fan."
Højlund’s Rollercoaster Season at Manchester United
While Højlund’s international moment was a highlight, his club form with Manchester United this season has been inconsistent. The Danish striker joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2023 from Atalanta in a high-profile £64 million transfer, tasked with becoming the team’s primary goal-scoring threat.
He made a promising start, impressing in the Champions League with goals against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. He also etched his name in Premier League history by becoming the youngest player to score in six consecutive league games. However, an extended goal drought has since raised questions about his consistency.
Despite the criticism, Højlund has shown flashes of his potential, recording eight goals and two assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season. As Manchester United aim for success in the Europa League, fans hope his recent heroics for Denmark will mark a turning point in his form.
Højlund’s admiration for Ronaldo is evident, and he aims to emulate the Portuguese superstar’s success at Old Trafford. Whether his tribute celebration serves as a catalyst for his improvement remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the young striker is determined to carve out his own legacy at Manchester United.
