Cristiano Ronaldo's famous "Siuuuu" celebration has become an international phenomenon. But where does it come from?
Chances are you and/or flummoxed a loved one are going to hear cries of "siuuuu!" from the stands during Portugal games at Euro 2024 and realise you don't actually know where it comes from. Some of you may well know that it's something to do with the way Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goals, and yet and still none the wiser as to its origins.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, and his celebration – where he jumps in the air, spins, and lands with his arms outstretched – has become an very familiar sight, but it's the sound issuing forth from that famous visage that has become an international phenomenon.
If Ronaldo gets on the scoresheet for Portugal at Euro 2024, he will have extra reason to give his 'siuuuu' a bit extra, as he will have become the oldest goalscorer in the history of the European Championships at 39 years old, beating the record set by Austria's Ivica Vastic at Euro 2008.
What does Cristiano Ronaldo's "Siuuuu" celebration mean?
Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated in plenty of ways during the years (Image credit: Getty Images)
But where does the noise actually mean? The Portuguese forward explains that it derives from 'si', the Spanish for 'yes'.
"I started to say ‘si’, it’s like ‘yes’, when I was in Real Madrid," he once explained in an interview. "I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea 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’.
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"I’m like ‘wow! People are reminded of me because of it!’ So it’s good, and I’ll continue doing it like that."
It's just as well he didn't do it in Portugal, otherwise everyone would in the English-speaking world would just assume he was a massive fan of The Sims and we'd have been treated to fans shouting "Blursh! Meshaloob! Blursh!" from the stands. Actually, we'd quite like that. Do it, you cowards.
Ronaldo comes into Euro 2024 already holding the all-time records for most men's international appearances (207) and most men's international goals (130) for any country.
Conor Pope is the former Online Editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing all digital content. He plays football regularly, and has a large, discerning and ever-growing collection of football shirts from around the world.
He supports Blackburn Rovers and holds a season ticket with south London non-league side Dulwich Hamlet. His main football passions include Tugay, the San Siro and only using a winter ball when it snows.
