Rasmus Hojlund insists he was not trying to mock “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo with his celebration after scoring Denmark’s winner against Portugal.
The Manchester United striker came off the bench to sidefoot in Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross in the 78th minute, earning the Danes the victory in first leg of their Nations League quarter-final in Copenhagen.
Hojlund celebrated by doing Portugal captain and former United star Ronaldo’s iconic ‘sui’ celebration.
No way Hojlund hits the siuu on cristiano Ronaldo’s head 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/KwJm7Qc3gi
— ໊ (@YETABOi) March 20, 2025
“It was not to mock him or anything, I’ve always said he has had great importance for me and my football career,” Hojlund told Danish broadcaster TV2.
“I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score and become the [match] winner, it couldn’t be better.
“Scoring against him and Portugal is huge, I went to see him in 2009, where he scored from a free-kick, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
Ronaldo, 40, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, played the full 90 minutes of the game at the Parken Stadium.
Hojlund’s goal was his second in the space of five days after ending a 21-game drought with his strike against Leicester for United on Sunday.
