Video: Hojlund pushes Portugal coach after paying tribute to Ronaldo with Siuuu celebration
Abdullateef Fowewe
Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund was involved in a tense post-match exchange with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus after scoring and celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” in Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash.
Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen on October 1, 2026.
João Cancelo and Gonçalo Ramos put the visitors ahead in the first half, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Højlund (53rd minute) levelling the score before late goals from Vitinha and João Félix secured the win for Jorge Jesus’s side.
After equalising with a chipped finish, Hojlund immediately performed Ronaldo’s trademark jump-and-turn celebration.
The Napoli forward, a long-time admirer of the Portuguese star, later explained the gesture was a deliberate tribute.
“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,” Højlund said.
He insisted it was not meant as disrespect.
The more striking moment came after the final whistle. As players and staff exchanged handshakes, Højlund and Jesus interacted on the pitch.
Jesus patted the Dane on the chest; Hojlund responded by pushing the 72-year-old coach away and giving him a stern look before walking off.
Jesus smiled through the exchange.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a high-profile rift between Ronaldo and Jesus.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward left the Portugal camp days earlier after being left on the bench for the entire 2-1 win over Norway.
Reports suggested Ronaldo felt betrayed after being told he would feature in the second half, only for the substitution never to materialise.
Jesus, recently appointed Portugal coach, had also indicated Ronaldo might not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo stated he would explain his decision “in due time.”
Højlund has previously performed the Siuuu celebration against Portugal and has openly described Ronaldo as a major influence on his career, including from his time watching him as a youngster and during overlapping periods at Manchester United.
