Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: A look at his 5 iconic goal celebrations

Born on February 5, 1985, Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated world football for over two decades. As he turns 40 this Wednesday, only a few athletes can match his longevity, consistency, and impact on the game.

The Al-Nassr forward recently declared himself the “most complete player ever” and expressed his deep affection for Real Madrid, where he played from 2009 to 2018, winning four UEFA Champions League titles. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed every major club trophy and continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League, earning an astonishing $3 million per week.

With over 900 career goals, Ronaldo is on the verge of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 goals. But beyond his achievements, his goal celebrations have become legendary. Here are five of his most iconic goal celebrations:

‘Siuu’ Celebration

Perhaps the most famous of them all, the ‘Siuu’ (meaning “yes”) celebration has become a global phenomenon. Ronaldo first shouted “Siu” after winning the 2014 Ballon d’Or, and it quickly became his signature move. The celebration involves a mid-air spin followed by a powerful landing with arms spread wide as he yells “Siuuu!”

Speaking about it, Ronaldo told LiveScore, “It seems to have grown into its global phenomenon – and I love when I see other players doing it, or people send me videos of kids doing it. It’s great!”

‘Too Good’ Celebration

During his first spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo often raised his arms with a smug expression after scoring, signalling his superiority. This celebration embodied his confidence and the aura of invincibility he carried in his early career.

Shirtless Celebration

Ronaldo’s shirtless celebrations have become a fan favourite, often seen after crucial goals. His sculpted physique is on full display, making it one of the most memorable sights in football. A prime example was his dramatic last-minute penalty goal against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking about it on El Chiringuito de Jugones, Ronaldo joked, “The women like it. My girlfriend says I look very good. It’s not planned—it just happens!”

‘Calma Calma’ Celebration

This iconic celebration, where Ronaldo gestures for calm, became legendary after he used it to silence the Camp Nou crowd following a goal against Barcelona. It was a pivotal moment in Real Madrid’s La Liga title-clinching victory and remains one of the defining images of his career.

Silence Celebration

When opposition fans are particularly vocal, Ronaldo’s “Silence” celebration provides the perfect response. He has used this gesture multiple times to quiet rival supporters after scoring, asserting his dominance and silencing the critics.

These celebrations, along with his incredible talent and longevity, have cemented Ronaldo’s place as one of football’s greatest icons. As he turns 40 years, his hunger for success remains undiminished, inspiring the next generation of footballers while continuing to add to his remarkable legacy.