Rasmus Hojlund says he won’t copy Ronaldo’s celebration in Braga

Under the floodlights of Estadio Municipal de Braga, the empty pitch waits for a match that will be the first without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rasmus Hojlund, the Napoli striker, said he respects the Portuguese icon’s retirement but doubts he will copy the famous ‘Siuuu’ celebration in the upcoming game.

He had previously paid tribute to his childhood idol during encounters between Portugal and Denmark, yet the latest meeting in Braga presents a different situation.

Ronaldo’s retirement from international soccer continues to generate reactions ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark, with Hojlund among those reflecting on the departure.

Saturday’s encounter in Braga will be Portugal’s first match since Ronaldo confirmed his departure from international football.

The 41‑year‑old’s absence marks a significant change for the Portuguese team, which must now move forward without the player who led it through its greatest achievements.

Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and helped the side win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

His international career also featured six World Cup appearances and numerous individual records that established him as one of soccer’s most influential players.

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Portugal enter the Denmark fixture atop Group A4 with twelve points from four matches, already guaranteed a quarter‑final place.

Denmark sit second with six points and will look to boost their qualification hopes at the Estadio Municipal de Braga.

Hojlund’s reaction to Ronaldo’s retirement

Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV 2, Hojlund expressed disappointment at losing the chance to face Ronaldo in a Portugal shirt and praised the forward’s achievements.

He added that the decision to retire deserved respect, saying, ‘It would have been great to play against him again. But it’s not our decision, and certainly not mine. It’s his.’

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on 5 November, ending a twenty‑three‑year Portugal career with 234 caps and 146 goals, remaining the men’s all‑time record holder in both categories.

When asked whether he would perform Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuuu’ celebration again if he scored in Braga, Hojlund replied, ‘Probably not. We’ll have to analyse that, but I don’t think so.’

The celebration first attracted attention during Denmark’s 4‑2 defeat to Portugal in Copenhagen on 1 October, when Hojlund scored the equaliser in the 53rd minute before recreating Ronaldo’s jump‑and‑turn routine.

That gesture carried extra significance because Ronaldo had left Portugal’s training camp shortly before the match amid tensions over his role under head coach Jorge Jesus.

Hojlund later explained the tribute was meant as a sincere homage to his idol rather than an attempt to provoke the Portuguese side.

The Copenhagen match also produced an uncomfortable moment after the final whistle when footage appeared to show Hojlund lightly pushing Jesus in the chest during post‑match handshakes, a scene that attracted attention without either player offering a detailed explanation.