The crowd went wild at Parken in Copenhagen when Rasmus Hojlund broke the deadlock in favor of Denmark against Portugal. It was the 78th minute, and the stadium erupted as he slotted the ball past Diogo Costa. Then, in a move that sparked debate, Hojlund celebrated with a signature Cristiano Ronaldo pose – the “siiiu” – much to the delight of the fans.
This wasn’t just any goal. For Hojlund, it was a dream come true to score against his idol’s team. He’s a huge fan of Ronaldo and has been since 2011, when he watched him play live and score an incredible free kick in a Euro 2012 qualifier. From that day on, Ronaldo was his hero. Hojlund recalled this moment in an interview with Danish TV channel TV2 after the match.
“It’s an incredible feeling to score against Portugal and against my idol,” he said. “I didn’t celebrate like that to mock him or anything. He’s had a huge impact on my career, and I’ve always looked up to him.” Hojlund’s admiration for Ronaldo is clear, and this goal was a highlight of his career so far.
A special moment
The image of Hojlund’s celebration has been making the rounds, with many focusing on the “siiuu” pose. For Hojlund, it was a way to pay homage to his idol, not to disrespect him. He explained that he’s always dreamed of this moment and was thrilled to have the chance to score against Portugal.
This wasn’t just a spontaneous reaction; it was a nod to the player who has inspired him throughout his career. As Hojlund himself said, “Ronaldo has been my idol since I was a kid, and to score against his team is just amazing.” The goal and subsequent celebration will be remembered for a long time, not just for the result but for the story behind it.