What is the story behind Cristiano Ronaldo goal celebration routine

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has over the past decade or so had a signature celebration whenever he scores a goal and many have wondered the reason or logic behind the celebration.

The routine sees Ronaldo run towards the corner flag on finding the net. Facing the crowd, he then leaps in the air, turning 180 degrees in the process.

On landing, now looking out at the rest of the pitch, he adopts a power stance, stretches out his arms and shouts ‘siiiiiiiii’.

It’s a celebration which has been depicted in video games and Cristiano is often asked about the reasons behind it.

Of course, several other Manchester United players have trademark routines – Bruno Fernandes dedicates all of his goals to his young children, while Edinson Cavani’s archer pose references the people of Uruguay and their fighting spirit.

The origins of Ronaldo’s celebration are a little more illogical, but the move has taken on greater meaning among fans in recent years, especially with the 36-year-old winning Champions Leagues, Ballons d’Or and establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

“I started to say ‘si’, it’s like ‘yes’, when I was in Real Madrid,” Ronaldo said in an interview in 2019.

“When we would win, everyone would say ‘siiiii’ and so I started to say it. I don’t know why, it was natural.

“I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea [in 2013] and I don’t know where this is coming from, the celebration.

“I just scored the goal and it just came out. It was just natural, to be honest. Since that, I started to do it more often and I feel like the supporters and the fans see it and they’re like ‘Cristiano, siiiiiiuuuu’.

“I’m like ‘wow! People are reminded of me because of it!’

“So it’s good, and I’ll continue doing it like that.”

MANUTD.COM