Gremio Prudente striker Kesley was forced off injured after painfully botching Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration during a Copa Paulista match in Brazil.
There are few goal celebrations more iconic than Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary “Siuuu” jump — but one Brazilian footballer found out the hard way that some moves are best left to the experts.
During a Copa Paulista clash, Gremio Prudente forward Kesley equalised for his side after slotting home the rebound from a saved penalty. In the heat of the moment, he attempted to mark the goal with a Ronaldo-inspired leap, arms outstretched and landing with a shout — but things took a bizarre turn.
Instead of basking in the moment, Kesley awkwardly jarred his knee upon landing and immediately collapsed to the turf. Medics rushed on, and the goalscorer was forced to come off just seconds after scoring, turning jubilation into concern in a flash.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing both sympathy and amusement from fans around the world. It’s not the first time Ronaldo’s signature celebration has inspired imitators — or unfortunate outcomes. Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund once performed it in front of Ronaldo during an international match, calling the Portuguese legend his “idol.” Back in 2021, Andros Townsend also copied the celebration after scoring for Everton at Old Trafford, calling it a tribute to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo himself will soon be back in action, with Al-Nassr preparing for the start of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. The 39-year-old remains a global icon and is reportedly urging the club to strengthen the squad this summer, with Liverpool’s Luis Díaz among the names linked with a move to Riyadh.
As for Kesley, fans will hope the injury isn’t too serious — but his story now stands as a painful reminder: imitating greatness sometimes comes at a cost.
