Hojlund sparks controversy over Ronaldo celebration and push on Portugal coach

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - SEPTEMBER 27: Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Denmark and Wales at Parken Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images)

Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund sparked controversy by celebrating like his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, during a match against Portugal, then pushed Jorge Jesus at full time.

Napoli star Hojlund got himself involved in the Cristiano Ronaldo controversy in Portugal.

CR7 left his national team’s training camp on the eve of Thursday’s away game against Denmark, knowing he wouldn’t start.

The former Juventus star also wasn’t involved in the previous match against Norway.

“The rights are equal,” Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus explained at a press conference before the Denmark game. “As a manager, I decided he wouldn’t come on; it’s a non-issue.”

Hojlund’s Denmark lost 4-2 at home on Thursday, but the Napoli striker scored his side’s second goal in the second half to make it 2-2 temporarily, marking the occasion with Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration.

It’s no secret that Ronaldo is Hojlund’s biggest idol and, at the end of the game, the Napoli striker said (via Gazzetta): “When I scored, I didn’t think twice. I wanted Cristiano to know there are still players inspired by everything he has achieved.

“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.”

EMPURROU O JJ! 🇩🇰👀

Fã declarado de Cristiano Ronaldo, Rasmus Højlund deixou um recado simbólico após a partida. Além de comemorar o gol com o SIUU, o atacante dinamarquês deu um leve empurrão em Jorge Jesus durante os cumprimentos após o jogo. O que achou, torcedor?

*Contém… pic.twitter.com/7UXmHOR0Tm

— sportv (@sportv) October 2, 2026

The debate in Portugal and worldwide is whether Jorge Jesus has disrespected Ronaldo or the other way around.

Surely, Hojlund seems to have quite clear ideas about this matter to the extent that, at the end of the game on Thursday, he appeared to push the Portuguese coach.

When asked about Hojlund’s celebration, Jorge Jesus replied: “I don’t know what prompted him to do it. He’s still just a kid, and I have no intention of getting angry. I’m just doing my job, as always.”