Rasmus Hojlund has explained his Cristiano Ronaldo-style celebration against Portugal, saying it was meant as a tribute rather than an act of disrespect.
Højlund reveals real reason behind ‘Siuu’ celebration against Portugal
Rasmus Højlund has explained why he copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuu” celebration after scoring against Portugal.
The Denmark striker found the net during his team’s 4-2 Nations League defeat and immediately celebrated in the style made famous by Ronaldo.
The timing attracted major attention because Ronaldo had left the Portugal national-team camp shortly before the match.
Højlund explains the celebration
After the game, Højlund insisted he was not trying to mock Ronaldo or Portugal.
He told TV 2:
“It was simply a tribute.”
Højlund added that the celebration had:
“Absolutely nothing to do with disrespect.”
He also described Ronaldo as his:
“Great idol.”
The striker suggested that, because of the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future, he wanted to honour the Portugal legend once again.
Not the first time Højlund has copied Ronaldo
This was not the first time Højlund had used Ronaldo’s celebration against Portugal.
He also performed the “Siuu” after scoring against them in 2025.
At the time, Ronaldo said he had no problem with the celebration and understood that Højlund admired him.
That makes Højlund’s latest explanation consistent with what he has said before.
Another moment with Jorge Jesus attracts attention
Højlund was also involved in another talking point after the final whistle.
Video appeared to show him making contact with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus as the teams greeted each other.
However, the footage does not clearly show whether the action was intentional.
Jesus appeared relaxed afterwards and did not react angrily.
There is therefore no clear evidence that Højlund was trying to confront the Portugal coach.
Højlund sends clear message
Despite the controversy around the celebration, Højlund’s explanation was simple.
He was not trying to insult Portugal.
He was not mocking Ronaldo.
He says the “Siuu” was simply his way of paying tribute to one of his biggest football idols.
