Rasmus Hojlund had an eventful night for Denmark as he was involved in an altercation with Portugal boss Jorge Jesus
Rasmus Hojlund paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo amid his rift with the Portugal boss.
Rasmus Hojlund paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo amid his rift with the Portugal boss.(Image: Photo by Liselotte Sabroe / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund hit Cristiano Ronaldo's famous 'SIU' celebration in their defeat Portugal. The Denmark striker struck the second goal but it wasn't enough as Jorge Jesus' side came roaring back to win their Nations League encounter 4-2.
Ronaldo finds himself in the media spotlight again after encountering friction with the new national team head coach. The 41-year-old abruptly left their camp for the Nations League matches after a dispute with the veteran tactician, sparking another bitter flashpoint in the twilight of the six-time Ballon d'Or winners' career.
Hojlund showed solidarity to the iconic footballer as he performed the celebration before appearing to shove the former Benfica boss after the full-time whistle in Copenhagen.
The Portugal boss and Napoli striker encountered at the end of the match with the former appearing to exuberantly pat Hojlund on the chest.
The action prompted a push from the Dane in a bizarre exchange between the pair, although Hojlund impacted the game, the tactician had the last laugh as they ran out victors.
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However, it isn't the first time that Hojlund has mimicked Ronaldo's celebration against his nation. He found the back of the net with the winner in 2025 before wheeling off to do the 'Siu' celebration.
His comments at the time display a level of loyalty to the former United and Real Madrid star, therefore maybe his celebration was a message to Jesus and act of solidarity to Ronaldo.
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Speaking in 2025, Hojlund said: "It's for my idol. It wasn't to mock him or anything. He's had such a huge impact on me and my football career.
"Maybe it's a bit ambivalent but to score against him and Portugal, it's huge. I remember him scoring from a free-kick in 2011, when I went to watch the match, and, since then, I've been a huge Cristiano fan."
Ronaldo didn't take offence to it either, he responded: “For me, it’s not a problem. I know it wasn’t an act of disrespect. I’m smart enough to realise that.
“Not only him, all over the world, several athletes celebrate me. For me, it’s an honour, but I hope he can see my celebration tomorrow [Sunday].”
Jesus, who only replaced Roberto Martinez in the summer signing a four-year deal, faces pressure to deal with the bubbling tensions with Ronaldo. He didn't start in the 2-1 win over Norway and was left on the bench during the triumph which led to his statement surrounding exiting the camp early.
The 41-year-old said on social media: "After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp.
"In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave."