The Most Iconic Soccer Celebrations the Modern Game Knows

Celebrations are an underrated part of soccer. They add a bit of flair to spice up rivalries, and also define the characters that do them. Some players have their go-to acrobatics, dances, or hilarious gestures to celebrate goals.

We’re bringing you our top 5 celebrations the modern game knows.

5. Mario Balotelli - Why Always Me?

It’s 2011, Manchester City visit their neighbors and rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Mario Balotelli opens the scoring in what would turn out to be a 6-1 win for city. He pulls up his jersey and reveals a “why always me?” shirt underneath. Chills 🥶.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo - Siuuu

Not quite sure when this one started 🤔 but it’s become a trademark for Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of our generation. You know it’s coming when he does the inevitable and bags a goal, or two, or three each game.

3. Francesco Totti - Selfie

AS Roma legend and captain at the time, Totti pulls the selfie 🤳🏻 celebration out the bag after scoring in the Rome derby against Lazio. Roma were 2-0 down and that goal, his second of the game levelled things up to 2-2. Quite unique (at the time) and certainly memorable.

2. Kylian Mbappe - Crossed Arms

This one’s quickly becoming one of the most famous goal celebrations in the world. Kylian scores a goal and he simply celebrates by wheeling away and crossing his arms. He stole the celebration from his little brother who did it after scoring a goal in FIFA. Touché Kylian, touché.

1. Lionel Messi - Shirt Off

And the winner is? Lionel Messi taking off his jersey and showing it off to the rival Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu after scoring a last minute winner in the El Clásico.

Messi isn’t usually known for outlandish celebrations but this one? Given the context of the game, and the opponent…Sheesh, this man silenced the stadium 🤫.