When you’re discussing iconic modern football celebrations, it’s hard for Cristiano Ronaldo‘s famous ‘suii’ celebration not to be one of your first thoughts.
It has almost taken on a life of its own over the last few years. Opposing players and fans perform it during or after matches. And it has found its way into the FIFA games.
The celebration involves Ronaldo running and pointing to the ground before performing a jumping pirouette mid-air. He then shouts the word ‘si’ – Spanish for yes.
That last line already gives you an indication that the celebration originated during Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid – but when exactly did he first use it?
The origins of the ‘suii’ celebration
The answer to that question is in 2013, when Real Madrid played a pre-season friendly against Chelsea.
Ronaldo – typically – got on the scoresheet in the match, which was played in the United States.
Then came the celebration. It was performed completely off the cuff, according to the man himself.
He told Manchester United‘s website earlier this year: “When we would win, everyone would say ‘siii’ so I started to say it. I don’t know why, it was natural.”
He added: “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’.”
There you have it, then. Ronaldo’s iconic ‘suii’ celebration was done completely naturally and with zero preparation.
Other times Ronaldo has produced the celebration
Ronaldo’s ‘suii’ celebration certainly hasn’t been limited to the football pitch over the years.
The moment at which it went viral was a year after its creation in 2014. The Portuguese forward had just won the Ballon d’Or and was on stage to collect the award.
Whilst standing at the podium, he suddenly bellowed the word ‘suii’ at the camera – and it has gone on from there.
Now, football fans witness the celebration almost every time Ronaldo scores. Saying that, he didn’t actually bring it out after scoring in Manchester United‘s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
After smashing in a volley, he simply slid to his knees and looked up to the crowd. The ‘suii’ celebration will no doubt be back soon though.
Featured Image Credit: Getty