Cristiano Ronaldo’s 66th-minute penalty against Croatia during the 2026 World Cup has sparked intense social media debate regarding the 41-year-old’s potential use of Islamic phrases. While a viral video appears to show the 41-year-old uttering “Bismillah” before his shot, no official confirmation has been provided by Ronaldo or the Portuguese Football Federation.
What triggered the viral speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo?
The controversy began when a close-up camera shot of Ronaldo’s face circulated on Instagram, TikTok, and X. As the player prepared his run-up for the penalty, netizens claimed his lip movements matched the phrase “Bismillah.”
Many social media users linked the moment to Ronaldo’s recent years playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, suggesting a deepening connection to the culture of his host country. For example, user @ezpapii claimed on social media, “He said Bismillah Ahrahman arRaheem, I can see it clearly.”
However, not all reactions were in agreement. Some users argued the clip was being misinterpreted. Social media user @IbnJuzay suggested the player was actually saying “Vais Marcar,” a Portuguese phrase meaning “you will score.” Another user, @eggs_ar, cautioned against making definitive claims, noting that lip-reading is often speculative and requires official confirmation.
This is not the first time Ronaldo has faced similar speculation. Similar clips surfaced during his tenure with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where fans frequently analyze his gestures for cultural or religious significance.
How did Portugal secure their victory against Croatia?
The match, held at Toronto Stadium in Canada on Friday, July 3, 2026, was a high-stakes encounter that saw Portugal advance to the Round of 16. According to reports from detikSport, Croatia took an early lead through Ivan Perisic in the 53rd minute.
Portugal’s comeback was marked by significant VAR intervention. A goal scored by Ronaldo in the 61st minute was disallowed for offside. Five minutes later, Ronaldo converted a
