A video of Cristiano Ronaldo appearing to recite “Bismillah” before taking a crucial penalty during Portugal’s latest FIFA World Cup match has gone viral on social media, earning praise from many Muslim fans around the world.
The Portuguese football icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has spent the past few years playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has often been seen embracing aspects of the local culture, and many fans believe his latest gesture reflects the influence of his surroundings and teammates.
The viral clip shows Ronaldo seemingly saying “Bismillah” — an Arabic phrase meaning “In the name of Allah” — moments before stepping up to take a penalty. He successfully converted the spot-kick, helping Portugal in a dramatic World Cup victory.
The moment quickly spread across X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where many users praised the football superstar. Supporters described the gesture as respectful and heartfelt, with comments such as “Power of Bismillah,” “Ronaldo won hearts,” and “This made me emotional” receiving thousands of likes and shares.
However, while many social media users believe Ronaldo uttered the Islamic phrase, there has been no official confirmation from the player or his representatives regarding exactly what he said before taking the penalty. As with many viral videos, interpretations have varied among viewers.
Ronaldo remains one of the most influential athletes in the world, boasting the largest following on Instagram and a global fan base that extends well beyond football. As he competes in what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup, every on-field moment continues to attract worldwide attention.
Whether viewed as a gesture of respect or simply a personal pre-match routine, the viral clip has resonated with millions of fans and once again highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable ability to capture global headlines both on and off the pitch.
