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Cristiano Ronaldo may have endured a frustrating start to his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, but his influence on the global game remains as powerful as ever. Just a day after the Portugal captain failed to score in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, South Africa’s players produced a tribute that quickly became one of the tournament’s most viral moments.
Teboho Mokoena was the man at the centre of it. The South African midfielder calmly converted a late penalty to rescue a point for Bafana Bafana in their crucial Group A clash against Czechia before breaking into not one but two iconic Ronaldo celebrations alongside his teammates.
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First came Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration. Then followed the now equally recognisable “nap” or “sleep” celebration that the Portuguese superstar debuted during his second spell at Manchester United. Within minutes, videos of the jubilant South African squad recreating the celebrations had spread across social media.
The scenes felt fitting given Ronaldo’s enduring popularity across the football world. Mokoena has paid tribute to the Portuguese legend before, most notably after South Africa’s famous victory over Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, when the midfielder and his teammates also recreated Ronaldo’s celebration. That moment went viral, and history repeated itself on Thursday.
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The timing of the tribute was particularly noteworthy.
Only hours earlier, Ronaldo had walked off the pitch in Houston after another frustrating evening. Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo in their opening World Cup fixture, with the 41-year-old failing to find the net despite arriving at the tournament hoping to become the first player to score in six different World Cups.
The result prompted fresh debate around Ronaldo’s form and future. While Lionel Messi grabbed headlines with a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, Ronaldo was left searching for answers after another scoreless outing at a major tournament.
Yet if the South African celebrations proved anything, it is that Ronaldo’s legacy extends far beyond goals.
At a World Cup dominated by new stars and emerging storylines, one of the most memorable viral moments still revolved around the Portuguese icon. Even on a day when he was not playing, Ronaldo somehow remained part of the conversation.
MOKOENA KEEPS SOUTH AFRICA ALIVE
The celebration capped a dramatic evening for South Africa, who looked destined for defeat for much of the contest.
Czechia had taken control early through Michal Sadilek and appeared on course for their first World Cup victory since 2006. South Africa struggled to create chances and did not register a shot on target until the 74th minute as frustration grew inside the stadium.
However, a late handball decision handed Bafana Bafana a lifeline. Mokoena stepped up under immense pressure and confidently sent goalkeeper Matej Kovar the wrong way before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations and ensured South Africa escaped with a valuable point. Both sides pushed desperately for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough.
The 1-1 draw leaves South Africa and Czechia with one point each from two matches and facing must-win situations in their final Group A fixtures. More importantly for South Africa, it keeps their World Cup dream alive.
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