You know Cristiano Ronaldo's famous 'Siuuu' celebration, right? Well, it's crossed over into basketball now. Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija has been doing it during NBA games, and he's finally explained why.
The 25-year-old opened up after his team crushed the Indiana Pacers 131-111. Avdija put up solid numbers with 18 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. But it was his pre-game antics that got people talking.
"My dream was to be a soccer player," Avdija told reporters. He grew up watching Ronaldo and couldn't resist bringing a bit of football culture to the hardwood. At first, he was just messing around, not realizing cameras caught everything.
Now he's leaning into it. "It gives the guys a laugh and brings a vibe," he said. It's a fun reminder that even elite athletes are fans of other sports and their heroes.
Ronaldo's Celebration Has Gone Global
The 'Siuuu' celebration first appeared back in 2013. Ronaldo unveiled it during a Real Madrid pre-season friendly against Chelsea in Miami. Since then, it's become part of his larger-than-life persona.
Football stars like Kylian Mbappe and Rasmus Hojlund have copied it on the pitch. But it's gone beyond football now. NBA giant Giannis Antetokounmpo and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz have also done the celebration.
Avdija is just the latest athlete to join this club. It shows Ronaldo's influence extends far beyond the football world. His brand power is undeniable, which brings us to his latest business move.
Ronaldo's Almeria Investment Paying Off
Speaking of Ronaldo, his recent investment in Spanish club UD Almeria is already showing results. The Portuguese legend bought a 25% stake in the second-division club last month. The impact was immediate.
Almeria reportedly gained 500,000 Instagram followers the day the deal was announced. They now have 3.26 million followers, more than most Spanish clubs. Only Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla have more among Spanish teams.
The club sits second in LaLiga 2 and looks set for promotion. For those watching the Spanish second division, Almeria could be worth keeping an eye on. Ronaldo's involvement has raised their profile massively, and a return to LaLiga would only increase interest in the club.
The Ronaldo effect is real, whether it's inspiring NBA celebrations or transforming a second-tier Spanish club's social media presence. That's the power of being one of football's all-time greats.
