Hojlund accuses Portugal coach of lack of fair play: ‘Didn’t want to look me in the eye’

CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 04: Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark gestures during the warm up before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Wales and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Rasmus Hojlund has accused Portugal national team head coach Jorge Jesus of a ‘lack of fair play’ and has criticised him for ‘not looking me in the eyes’ following a heated post-match exchange in the Nations League. 

Hojlund comments on Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo incidents after Denmark 2-4 Portugal

Hojlund drew plenty of attention to himself when he pulled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous ‘Siuu’ celebration after scoring the equalising goal for 1-1 in Denmark’s eventual 4-2 defeat against Portugal in the Nations League on Thursday evening. 

Ronaldo had left the Portugal national team camp in the days leading up to the Denmark clash after being left as an unused substitute in his country’s recent game against Norway, before learning that he would not start against Denmark either. 

Hojlund went on to explain that his celebration was meant as a nod of respect to his greatest footballing idol, explaining: “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.”

Hojlund also appeared to have some words to say to Portugal head coach Jesus after full-time, patting him on the chest in an angered post-match exchange. 

The Napoli striker has recently explained to TV2 that he felt Jesus did not pay him the respect he deserved after the full-time whistle. 

“I made that gesture because he didn’t want to look me in the eyes. I think it was a lack of fair play,” said Hojlund (via Gianluca Di Marzio). 

“It really had nothing to do with Jorge Jesus’s tactical or technical choices.”