Mer

Hojlund copied infamous celebration scene against Portugal: 'It wasn't to mock Ronaldo'

Hojlund celebrates after scoring Denmark match-winning goal
Hojlund celebrates after scoring Denmark match-winning goalPETTER ARVIDSON / Bildbyran Photo Agency / Profimedia
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund said after Denmarks 1-0 win against Portugal that the special celebration he made after scoring the match-winning goal was meant as a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo and denied that there was any intention to mock the Portuguese superstar.

Hojlund, who had not scored since October 17, 2023 in the away match against San Marino, made the only goal of the match with 15 minutes to go when he first-timed the ball into an empty net following a brilliantly orchestrated attack to give Denmark an all-important win before the return leg in Lisbon.

Hojlund was ecstatic after finally rediscovering his goalscoring form for Denmark in a game of such high importance. 

"I played against the world's best footballer, my idol, and to score and become matchwinner, it couldn't be better", said Hojlund.

After the game Hojlund was asked about copying the infamous 'Siiiu' celebration scene, which Cristiano Ronaldo made world famous in the summer of 2013. 

"It was for my idol. It wasn't because I wanted to mock him or anything. He has been so important to me and my football career. It might be a bit ambivalent, but to score against him and Portugal, that's huge."

"I remember him scoring a free kick in 2011, when I was there to watch the match, and since then I have been a huge Cristiano fan, said Hojlund to TV 2 Sport after the 1-0 win.

Denmark will face Portugal in the return leg on Sunday.