Rumors are circulating that FIFA has banned Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuuuu” goal celebration during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, sparking heated debate among football fans. According to unverified social media claims, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is behind the decision, allegedly aiming to shift focus to Lionel Messi, who will compete with Inter Miami in the United States, where the tournament is hosted. While no official FIFA statement confirms the ban, the speculation has fueled discussions about fairness, the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, and the governing body’s motives.
The 2025 Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, is a revamped 32-team tournament featuring top clubs from every confederation. Inter Miami, Messi’s club, earned a spot as the host nation’s representative after breaking the MLS regular-season points record.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr did not qualify, and Ronaldo himself has indicated he is unlikely to participate, stating he’s received invitations but has nearly decided against attending. Despite his absence, Ronaldo’s “Siuuuuu” celebration—a global phenomenon where he leaps, spins, and shouts “Siuuuuu” to engage the crowd—remains a powerful symbol of his influence.
The alleged ban reportedly stems from FIFA’s desire to avoid amplifying Ronaldo’s presence in a tournament where Messi is expected to shine. Social media posts claim Infantino wants to prioritize Messi, who plays in the U.S. with Inter Miami, to boost the tournament’s appeal in the American market.
For example, Palmeiras defender Murilo, set to face Inter Miami, declared himself a Ronaldo fan and vowed to perform the “Siuuuuu” if he scores against Messi’s team, highlighting how Ronaldo’s legacy persists even when he’s not playing. Such defiance underscores the celebration’s cultural significance and the rivalry’s intensity.
However, the ban’s legitimacy is questionable. No major sports outlets have reported it, and the story appears to originate from social media speculation, amplified by fan accounts. Without FIFA’s confirmation, it’s unclear whether the ban exists or is simply a rumor fueled by the Messi-Ronaldo debate.
If real, enforcing such a rule would be challenging—celebrations are spontaneous, and penalizing players for mimicking Ronaldo’s gesture could lead to confusion or backlash. Referees issuing warnings or bookings for a “Siuuuuu” would seem impractical and could alienate fans who see the celebration as a joyful expression of football’s spirit.
The broader context of the Club World Cup adds intrigue. The tournament is already under scrutiny for low ticket sales, logistical issues, and FIFA’s controversial decision to grant Inter Miami a spot over the MLS Cup winners.
A ban on Ronaldo’s celebration, if true, could be perceived as FIFA manipulating the narrative to maximize Messi’s commercial draw in the U.S., where he’s a major star. Yet, such a move risks backfiring, as fans and players might embrace the “Siuuuuu” in defiance, drawing more attention to Ronaldo.
The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, a defining feature of modern football, continues to shape such stories. Both players, now 38 and 40, are nearing the end of their careers, and the 2025 Club World Cup may be one of Messi’s last major stages.
A ban on Ronaldo’s celebration could be seen as an attempt to tilt the narrative toward Messi, but without evidence, it remains speculative. The rumor reflects the passion surrounding both players and their legacies.
In conclusion, the reported FIFA ban on the “Siuuuuu” celebration lacks official confirmation and may be a product of social media hype. It highlights the enduring Messi-Ronaldo rivalry and its ability to captivate fans, but FIFA should clarify its stance to avoid further controversy. Whether real or not, the story underscores the global fascination with two of football’s greatest stars and their impact on the sport.
