Hojlund spoils Ronaldo’s farewell party but pays respect to his idol: ‘Siuuu’

Rasmus Hojlund was the star of the show as Denmark smashed Portugal 4-1 away from home on a night of tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo, but still paid homage to his sporting idol with a social media post after full-time: ‘I think the only appropriate caption here is siuuuu’.

Hojlund netted a brace in Braga on the night, following Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s opener from the penalty spot and before Joachim Andersen’s goal for 4-0 in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva pulled back a late consolation goal for Portugal in injury time.

This was Portugal’s first match since the legendary Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football and brought several pre-match and in-game tributes to the highest goalscorer and record appearance holder in men’s international football.

Napoli striker Hojlund has now scored five goals from five appearances this Nations League campaign: A tally that has only been bettered by England’s Harry Kane (7) and Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres (6). France’s Michael Olise and Iceland’s Andri Gudjohnsen also have five.

Celebrating his brace and Denmark’s statement victory in Portugal, Hojlund took to Instagram to share his thoughts and pay tribute to his personal hero, Ronaldo: “I think the only appropriate caption here is siuuuu,” wrote the Napoli forward.

Hojlund has made no secret of the fact that Ronaldo was his childhood hero and sporting inspiration. He also hit Ronaldo’s trademark celebration after scoring in Denmark’s 4-2 home defeat against Portugal at the beginning of October.

“When I scored, I didn’t think twice. I wanted Cristiano to know there are still players inspired by everything he has achieved,” said Hojlund in a post-match interview last month.

“He has given so much to football, and I have nothing but respect for him. Maybe, one day, when my career is over, I’ll look back and realise how lucky I was to play in the same era as my idol.

“Watching Cristiano play has been a huge part of my love for football. You see players like him and dream of reaching that level one day.”