Cristiano Ronaldo Explains the Meaning Behind His Iconic 'SIUU' Celebration

• Cristiano Ronaldo has previously admitted that his 'Siuu' celebration has become more famous than initially planned
• Ronaldo's celebration started in 2014 during the Ballon d'Or awards
• He has since added a couple of other celebration styles to his catalogue

Cristiano Ronaldo is a footballer whose achievements in the game precede his name. Alongside Lionel Messi, he has dominated world football ever since he broke through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon before Sir Alex Ferguson signed him up for Manchester United.

It was in the Spanish capital of Madrid where he cemented his status as one of the best ever. He then headed to Turin, where he enjoyed three years with Juventus before making a return to United.

Apart from his hard work and constant dedication, his celebration styles have also left an indelible mark on many, with upcoming footballers often trying to imitate him. The 'SIUU' celebration is the most popular of the bunch, with the crowd at stadia usually joining the Portuguese icon in shouting the word whenever he scores.

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'Siuu' is a Portuguese word for 'yes'. As GOAL reports, Ronaldo first shouted it during the 2014 Ballon d'Or gala when he pipped Messi to the award. A year before that, he had casually done the celebration during a pre-season game against Chelsea.

He then turned it into a celebration after scoring, where he would perform a mid-air 'dance' before shouting 'SIUU' upon landing.

Ronaldo's thoughts on 'Siuu' celebration

However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner now admits that the celebration has become more famous than initially envisaged.

"It seems to have grown into its own global phenomenon - and I love when I see other players doing it, or people send me videos of people in other sports doing it or little kids doing it - it's great. It means yes - very simple but meaning it strongly!" he said, as quoted by FourFourTwo.

When Ronaldo ditched 'Siuu' celebration

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He has since introduced other celebrations into his game, including the one where he meditates. Sports Brief also reported that he waxed spiritual following his match-winning goal for Al-Nassr in their dramatic comeback win against Al-Shabab.

Ronaldo netted what would be the eventual winning goal for the Knights of Nahd, sealing a 3-2 win in an exciting five-goal thriller on May 23.

The 38-year-old ditched his signature 'Siuu' celebration to bow to Allah, an act purposely done with the intention of worshipping in Islamic tenets.