Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund pushed Portugal boss Jorge Jesus after performing Cristiano Ronaldo's famous 'SIU' celebration during Denmark's 4-2 Nations League defeat. Hojlund scored Denmark's second goal, but Jorge Jesus' side came from behind to win the encounter in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo's rift with Portugal boss
Ronaldo has found himself in the media spotlight again after encountering friction with the new national team head coach. The 41-year-old abruptly left the Portugal 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 winner's 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. 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.
Hojlund's history with the 'SIU' celebration
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 an act of solidarity to Ronaldo.
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]."
Pressure on Jesus
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."
