Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 today, and it’s hard to imagine a time before his signature “Siuu” celebration electrified stadiums worldwide.
In the summer of 2013, he stepped onto the pitch at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for a preseason match against Chelsea. He scored a bullet header, dashed toward the corner flag, and leaped into the air. That moment marked the debut of a celebration that would define an entire era of goal-scoring theatrics.
He later explained the origin. “I started to say ‘si,’ it’s like ‘yes,’ when I was in Real Madrid,” Ronaldo once noted. At first, fans weren’t sure what to make of his airborne leap and emphatic shout. Yet with each goal, his confidence grew, and the fans grew louder. Over time, the leap evolved into a mid-air spin and a split-second pause that allowed everyone in the stadium to join him in unison.
How the “Siu” celebration conquered the world
From college football to golf, athletes have tried to recreate the magic. Odel Beckham copied it after a touchdown. Nick Kyrgios and Carlos Alcaraz brought it into tennis. Rory McIlroy introduced it to the Ryder Cup crowd in Wisconsin. Ronaldo himself has embraced this crossover appeal, saying, “It seems to have grown into its own global phenomenon, and I love when I see other players doing it.” The list goes on. The kids love it, too.
Now, at 40, Ronaldo still performs the celebration with the same flair that first dazzled Miami all those years ago. His birthday event in Times Square drew a massive crowd that gathered to perform a synchronized “Siuu,” showing just how powerful that single word has become. Could’ve been louder, guys!
Ronaldo’s on-field feats speak for themselves. He scored over 900 goals, collected countless trophies, and cemented his name among the sport’s greatest. Yet the “Siuu” stands out as an enduring highlight, one that perfectly captures his competitive spirit and joy for the game. It’s a celebration born from spontaneity but carried on by millions who eagerly chant along—happy 40th birthday to the GOAT.
“Siuuu!”
