Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to say “Bismillah” twice before scoring a penalty goal for Portugal against Croatia on Friday [1], [2].
The moment has drawn global attention as a rare public display of a specific religious invocation by one of the world's most famous athletes during a high-stakes tournament match.
The event occurred during the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Toronto Stadium in Canada [1], [2]. Ronaldo, the captain of the Portugal national team, used the phrase, which translates to "In the name of God," as a personal prayer before taking the shot [2].
The penalty resulted in an equalising goal that shifted the momentum of the game [1], [2]. Portugal eventually won the match 2-1 against Croatia [3].
Reports indicate that Ronaldo repeated the phrase two times [1] before the ball was struck. Such practices are sometimes used by professional players to maintain focus and confidence during critical moments of a match [2].
The footage of the prayer has since circulated widely on social media, highlighting the intersection of faith and professional sports on the world stage [1]. The match in Toronto served as a pivotal step in Portugal's progression through the tournament bracket [2].
“Ronaldo appeared to say “Bismillah” twice before taking a penalty”
The viral nature of the clip underscores the significant cultural influence of the World Cup, where personal rituals and religious expressions by global icons like Ronaldo can resonate across diverse international audiences. By using a phrase common in Islamic tradition, Ronaldo's action highlights the multicultural nature of modern football and the personal psychological tools athletes employ to manage pressure in elimination games.
