Hojlund clarifies celebration and push after Denmark-Portugal clash
Rasmus Hojlund has insisted that his goal celebration during Denmark's 2-4 defeat to Portugal was a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, not a provocation. The Danish forward, who now plays for Napoli, marked his 53rd-minute equaliser at Parken Stadium in Copenhaga with Ronaldo's signature "Siu" jump and shout — a gesture that rapidly went viral across social media.
Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2 after the match, Hojlund explained the timing. "It was just a tribute to a player who may have ended his national team career." The celebration came one day after Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp following an alleged disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. Hojlund added: "It had absolutely nothing to do with disrespect. He's my great idol."
The moment drew particular attention given the context. Ronaldo's departure from the squad had already dominated headlines, and Hojlund's celebration fuelled speculation that it was a deliberate statement. The forward rejected that interpretation outright.
A history of homage
This was not Hojlund's first "Siu" against Portugal. In March 2025, he used the same celebration after scoring the winning goal in another Nations League encounter — this time with Ronaldo watching from the pitch. The Portuguese captain later brushed off any suggestion of offence. "For me it's not a problem. I know he didn't disrespect me," Ronaldo told a press conference before the second leg. "Athletes all over the world celebrate with my celebration. It's an honour."
Hojlund has repeatedly cited Ronaldo as his footballing idol. He has told TV2 that he watched Ronaldo score a free-kick live in 2011 and has been a fan ever since. He even mentioned that he arrived at Manchester United six months after Ronaldo's departure, joking that he had to "almost forget" his idol in that sense.
Push on Jorge Jesus explained
Hojlund also addressed another flashpoint from Thursday's match. After the final whistle, as players and staff exchanged handshakes, the Danish forward gave Jorge Jesus a small shove to the chest. The 72-year-old Portugal manager smiled and did not react, but the image circulated widely.
On Sunday, after Denmark's 1-0 win over Wales, Hojlund clarified that the gesture had nothing to do with Ronaldo's situation. "The push really had nothing to do with Jorge Jesus's technical decision," he told TV2. "It was because he didn't even bother to look me in the eyes." He described the initial handshake as "a very cold touch on the chest" and said he reacted to what he felt was poor sportsmanship. "You have to shake hands properly after a football match."
Hope for Ronaldo's return
Hojlund also expressed hope that the rift between Ronaldo and the Portugalsetup can be repaired. "I hope Portugal and Cristiano can resolve things," he said. "It would be a shame if it ended this way for who, in my opinion, is the best player of all time."
For his part, Jorge Jesus has left the door open. Speaking after Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway, the manager said that Ronaldo would remain eligible for selection if he chooses to return and is playing at his club. "In the next call-up, he will be a callable player, if he wants to return to the national team," Jesus stated, insisting the matter was not a disciplinary case.
What this means for Portugal
Portugal now has six points from three matches in the Nations League group stage. The squad has travelled to Porto to prepare for Sunday's match against Norway at the Estádio do Dragão. The ongoing question is whether Ronaldo — Portugal's all-time top scorer — will rejoin the squad for future fixtures, or whether the 2026-27 campaign marks a definitive break in his international career.
The Portuguese Football Federation has not issued an official statement beyond confirming Ronaldo left the training camp. Fans watching the Norway match will see how Jesus sets up his attack without the veteran forward available.
