• Source:JND

Cristiano Ronaldo may not have been on the pitch, but the Portuguese icon once again found himself at the centre of attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Just a day after Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo sparked debate over the veteran forward's role and future in the national team, South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena delivered a reminder of Ronaldo's influence on world football.

The Bafana Bafana star went viral after recreating Ronaldo's famous celebrations following his dramatic late equaliser against Czechia in a crucial Group A encounter.

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Mokoena Pays Tribute To Ronaldo

With South Africa staring at defeat, Mokoena stepped up in the closing stages and calmly converted a penalty to rescue a valuable point for his side. However, it was what happened immediately after the goal that captured the attention of football fans worldwide.

The midfielder first performed Ronaldo's iconic "Siuuu" celebration before following it up with the Portuguese superstar's now-famous "sleep" celebration, which Ronaldo introduced during his second spell at Manchester United.

As South African players joined in the celebrations, videos quickly flooded social media platforms, with fans praising the tribute to one of football's greatest-ever players. The moment instantly became one of the most talked-about clips of the tournament.

Interestingly, this was not the first time Mokoena and South Africa paid respect to Ronaldo. The midfielder had previously recreated the celebration during South Africa's victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the appreciation many players continue to have for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ronaldo's Impact Extends Beyond Goals

The timing of the celebration made the moment even more significant. Ronaldo has faced criticism following Portugal's opening World Cup draw against DR Congo, with several pundits questioning whether the 41-year-old should continue starting matches for the national side.

Yet while debates continue over his performances, Mokoena's celebration served as a reminder that Ronaldo's legacy extends far beyond goals and trophies.

For nearly two decades, players across football and even other sports have imitated his celebrations as a mark of respect. From children to all grown-ups, Ronaldo's influence remains unmatched.

South Africa Survives In Group A

The draw against Czechia could prove crucial in South Africa's hopes of reaching the knockout stages. Mokoena's late penalty earned Bafana Bafana a hard-fought point and kept them firmly in contention in a highly competitive Group A.

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South Africa now sits on two points from their opening two matches after drawing both fixtures. Czechia, meanwhile, moved to four points and remains well-placed in the race for qualification.

With one group match remaining, South Africa still have a realistic chance of advancing to the Round of 32. However, they will likely need a positive result in their final fixture while hoping results elsewhere work in their favour.

As of now, the spotlight belongs to Mokoena and a celebration that perfectly showcased Cristiano Ronaldo's lasting impact on football's


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