Ronaldo’s ‘Bismillah’ Moment Goes Viral – But Did He Really Say It?
Video appearing to show Portugal captain uttering an Islamic phrase ‘Bismillah’ before converting decisive World Cup penalty sparks debate, though no confirmation has emerged from the player.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
A brief, silent moment involving Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s FIFA World Cup knockout victory over Croatia has ignited widespread discussion across the Muslim world, after footage circulated online appeared to show the Portuguese captain mouthing the Arabic phrase “Bismillah” moments before taking a crucial penalty.
The clip, recorded during Portugal’s Round of 32 encounter in Toronto, has spread rapidly across social media platforms, with many viewers claiming Ronaldo quietly recited the Islamic invocation before calmly converting the spot-kick that helped inspire Portugal’s comeback victory.
However, despite the widespread speculation, there is no confirmation yet that Ronaldo actually uttered the phrase, and the 41-year-old footballer has made no public comment on the viral footage.
The moment has nevertheless attracted significant attention because of Ronaldo’s increasingly visible familiarity with Islamic culture since joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January 2023.
The moment itself
Broadcast cameras captured Ronaldo during his familiar pre-penalty routine after Portugal were awarded a spot-kick following Ivan Perišić’s opener for Croatia. As he prepared to strike the ball, his lips appeared to move briefly before he converted the penalty with composure.
The equaliser paved the way for Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 victory after Gonçalo Ramos scored a late winner to secure qualification for the next round.
For many Muslim viewers, however, it was not the goal itself that became the talking point but the apparent lip movement that many interpreted as the words “Bismillah”, meaning “In the name of Allah.”
The phrase is an abbreviated form of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim”, “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful”, which opens every chapter of the Qur’an except one and is recited by Muslims before beginning countless lawful actions, including eating, travelling, studying, working and other important tasks.
In Islamic teaching, saying Bismillah is not regarded as a formula for bringing luck or guaranteeing success. Rather, it represents remembrance of Allah, acknowledgement that all ability comes from Him, and an intention to begin an action seeking His blessing.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently encouraged Muslims to begin their affairs with the remembrance of Allah, making the phrase one of the most recognisable expressions in everyday Islamic life.
Although Ronaldo has never publicly stated that he regularly uses the phrase, many observers believe the speculation surrounding the clip appears plausible because of his years living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Since signing for Al Nassr, Ronaldo has repeatedly incorporated Arabic expressions into public appearances.
He has frequently greeted supporters with “As-salaamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you), thanked audiences by saying “Shukran” (thank you), and, while accepting an award at the Globe Soccer Awards, remarked that he hoped to reach 1,000 career goals, “In shaa Allah” meaning if Allah wills.
Former Al Nassr players have also described Ronaldo’s respect for Islamic practices inside the dressing room.
Former teammate Shaye Sharahili revealed on the Thmanyah Sports podcast that Ronaldo once fasted alongside Muslim teammates for two days during Ramadan to better understand their experience.
Others have recalled occasions when he encouraged training sessions to pause during the call to prayer and joined Muslim teammates in prostration celebrations after scoring goals.
Reports have also previously linked Ronaldo to the phrase itself.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil is reported to have said Ronaldo occasionally reminded him to say Bismillah before certain moments, suggesting that the Portuguese star has long been familiar with the expression through teammates from Muslim backgrounds.
That wider context has contributed to the enthusiasm with which many Muslims received the latest viral clip.
Nevertheless, the available footage remains inconclusive.
Without audio or any direct statement from Ronaldo, it is impossible to verify precisely what he said if anything at all. Lip-reading, particularly from broadcast footage recorded at a distance, is inherently uncertain, and different viewers may interpret the same movement differently.
What is beyond dispute is that the moment has resonated far beyond football.
For many Muslims, seeing one of the world’s most recognisable athletes apparently utter an expression central to everyday Islamic life, whether accurately perceived or not, has generated admiration and renewed discussion about the growing cultural exchanges between global sport and the Muslim world.
Whether Ronaldo actually whispered Bismillah may ultimately remain unknown.
Yet the viral moment has once again highlighted how a few silent seconds on a football pitch can spark conversations that extend well beyond the game itself, touching on faith, culture and the increasingly close relationship between one of football’s greatest icons and the Muslim world.
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