The Origin of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Iconic “SIUUUUUUUUUU” Celebration

Cristiano Ronaldo’s electrifying “SIUUUUUUUUUU” celebration has become one of the most recognizable signatures in football, captivating fans worldwide and echoing through stadiums after his goals. The story behind this iconic chant, which has transcended the sport to become a viral phenomenon, began during Ronaldo’s tenure at Real Madrid and reflects his flair for engaging with supporters. Far from a mere gimmick, the celebration is a testament to Ronaldo’s charisma and his ability to forge a unique connection with fans.

The “SIUUUUUUUUUU” celebration first emerged in 2013 during Ronaldo’s peak years at Real Madrid. After scoring a stunning goal against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly in the United States on August 7, 2013, Ronaldo sprinted to the corner flag, leaped into the air with a dramatic spin, and landed with arms outstretched, shouting “SIUUUUUUUUUU” as the crowd roared. In a 2019 interview with Soccer.com, Ronaldo explained the origin: “It was spontaneous. I wanted to share my energy with the fans, to feel their passion. I just shouted what came to mind, and it stuck.” The sound, a powerful exclamation, was inspired by his desire to create a moment of unity with supporters, amplifying the thrill of scoring.

The celebration’s infectious nature quickly caught on. Fans began mimicking the “SIUUUUUUUUUU” in stadiums, and it spread across social media platforms like X, where videos of fans replicating the chant amassed millions of views. By 2014, during Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, the celebration had become a hallmark of Ronaldo’s brand, performed after nearly every goal, from his record-breaking 450 strikes for Madrid to his 150 goals for Manchester United and beyond. The chant’s simplicity—described by Ronaldo as a mix of “yes” (“sí” in Spanish) and a primal roar—made it universally adoptable, transcending language barriers.

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2023 further globalized the celebration, with Saudi fans embracing it during his prolific 2024-25 season, where he scored 20 goals in 18 matches, per ESPN. The “SIUUUUUUUUUU” has also inspired merchandise, from T-shirts to social media filters, and even appeared in a 2024 Al-Nassr ad campaign. Its cultural impact was evident when 12-year-old fan Ahmed Al-Mansour, who received Ronaldo’s Saudi Super Cup silver medal in August 2024, performed the chant on X, garnering 2 million views (@Saudifutbol).

The celebration’s secret lies in its raw authenticity, embodying Ronaldo’s passion and showmanship. At 40, he continues to perform it, as seen after his assist in Al-Nassr’s 2-1 Saudi Super Cup semifinal win over Al-Ittihad on August 19, 2025. For fans, “SIUUUUUUUUUU” is more than a chant—it’s a symbol of Ronaldo’s enduring legacy, uniting supporters in celebrating his unparalleled career.