Bruno Fernandes backs Hojlund’s ‘Siuuu’ celebration as pure tribute to Ronaldo

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken warmly about Rasmus Højlund’s decision to perform Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration after scoring for Denmark against Portugal.

Speaking on Sunday, Fernandes said, “I know he’s a big fan of Cristiano and he’s one of his idols.

“He did it also last time and when Ronaldo was on the pitch he was scared that Cristiano would get annoyed at him. So, it’s just another kid that has grown up idolising Cristiano and tries to replicate everything he does. The celebration is iconic.”

Højlund scored Denmark’s second goal in a 2-4 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal on 1 October 2026 at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

He equalised at 2-2 in the 53rd minute before launching into Ronaldo’s trademark jump-and-spin celebration.

Portugal went on to win with further goals from Vitinha and João Félix.

The gesture came just a day after Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp following a public fallout with new coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo, 41, had been an unused substitute in Portugal’s previous match and issued a statement indicating the full story of his departure would emerge later.

Højlund later clarified his intentions, saying he dedicated the goal to his idol, “I just wanted to dedicate my goal to my idol. For everything Cristiano is going through at this point in his career, he will never be forgotten.”

He insisted there was no disrespect toward Portugal.

This was not the first time the Danish striker had used the celebration against Portugal.

He did the same in a previous meeting in 2025 when Ronaldo was on the pitch, explaining then that it was a mark of admiration rather than mockery.

Højlund has long described Ronaldo as a childhood hero who inspired his career