Cristiano Ronaldo celebration: Is this real reason star stroked chin after World Cup goal?

CRISTIANO RONALDO stroked his chin after scoring the opener for Portugal against Spain - but what was the reason behind his celebration?

Portugal were ahead inside four minutes when Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot.

Ronaldo fell under the challenge of Madrid club-mate Nacho, although contact appeared to be minimal.

Ronaldo stepped up to send De Gea the wrong way from 12 yards to give Portugal the ideal start.

The Cristiano Ronaldo celebration

Ronaldo ran to the corner and proceeded to stroke his chin - sending Twitter into a frenzy.

Fans debated what it meant and there appears to be a resounding answer - that he was intimating he was the greatest of all time, the GOAT.

TWITTER

“Ronaldo rubbing his chin suggesting he’s the!!! Some celebration! HahahHa,” wrote one.

Another said: “Ronaldo stroking his chin because he’s the GOAT.”

While a fellow fan tweeted: “I don't know what Ronaldo stroking his chin whilst celebrating is supposed to emphasize. I'm christening this celebration "The Goat”.”

“Ronaldo touched his chin signifying that he is the GOAT,” posted another.

BBC

Cristiano Ronaldo takes the armband

Cristiano Ronaldo wore the Portugal armband as he aimed to improve on his modest World Cup record.

The Real Madrid superstar was involved in more goals than any other player during the 2018 European World Cup qualifiers, scoring 15 and providing three assists.

But the Portugal captain went into the Spain game with only three goals in 13 appearances at World Cup finals.

Former Real Madrid defender Pepe lined up at centre-half for a much-anticipated battle with Costa.