With the 2018 FIFA World Cup in its last leg, After Hrs looks at some footballers, who have a trademark move after taking a strike
Scoring a goal is the ultimate high for soccer players. And when they are playing at the most prestigious event and are closely watched by millions of fans across the globe, it’s nothing short of glory. So, it’s only apt to celebrate this ecstatic moment with a trademark expression, action or a jig in jubilation. As the FIFA World Cup 2018 draws to a close this week, we look back at some famous celebratory moves of footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Celebration style: Chin stroking/ Goat
Over the years, the 33-year-old has done a variety of moves like running with open arms, knee glide, the claw/ squeeze, Calma and Siii, to name a few. This World Cup, after his hat-trick against Spain, the Portuguese hero stroked his chin with his fingers. Apparently, by doing this, Ronaldo implied that he’s the GOAT, not his rival Lionel Messi. GOAT is an acronym for ‘Greatest Of All Time,’ a campaign run by Adidas with Messi this year.
Lionel Messi
Celebration style: Two fingers pointing towards the sky
This Argentinian living legend, who also plays for FC Barcelona, celebrates by looking up at the sky and pointing two fingers towards it. The reason Messi does this will make you go awwwww! “I am doing this because I dedicate my goals to my grandmother. She took me to football but now she can’t see how far I have come. Nevertheless, she continues to help me and my family,” the 31-year-old had said previously.
Wahbi Khazri, Dries Mertens and Ferjani Sassi
Celebration style: Making a heart with fingers
There’s no monopoly over this style as many players do it. Footballer Gareth Bale is best known for it. However, this World Cup saw three other players — Wahbi Khazri, Dries Mertens and Ferjani Sassi — making a heart with their hands after netting a goal. Wahbi plays for Tunisian national team and Sunderland AFC while Dries represents the Belgium national team and SSC Napoli. Ferjani is a part of the Tunisian national team and Al-Nassr FC.
Luis Suarez
Celebration style: Kissing his fingers in a V for victory sign
The 31-year-old is a forward in the Uruguayan national team and FC Barcelona. He is usually known for running with arms wide open after taking strike. In this tournament however, he was running with his fingers in a V for victory sign and kissing it, too.
Antoine Griezmann
Celebration style: The L sign
The handsome 27-year-old plays for France and Atletico Madrid. Previously, the Frenchman was known for doing a jig on rapper Drake’s Hotline Bling dance. This World cup saw Griezmann do the L sign in celebration against Argentina. The forward is a big fan of the dangerously addictive video game, Fortnite. The ‘Take the L’ meaning ‘Take the loss’ sign is popular among Fortnite players to celebrate victory.
Artem Dzyuba
Celebration style: Doing a salute
The 29-year-old plays for the Russian national team and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. In his team’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, he came in as a substitute and scored a goal within 60 seconds. Manager Chercheshov saluted him and Artem returned this compliment when he scored against Egypt and Spain.
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