Fans Claim Cristiano Ronaldo Whispered ‘Bismillah’ Before Taking Penalty in Portugal vs Croatia Match (Watch Video)

Football fans globally are buzzing over a viral video appearing to show Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo whispering 'Bismillah' before his crucial 68th-minute penalty kick against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash yesterday. The incident, quickly shared across social media platforms, has ignited fervent discussion regarding the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's pre-kick ritual. Goncalo Ramos' Winner Helps Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Portugal Edge Past Croatia To Advance Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

User Claims Cristiano Ronaldo Says 'Bismillah'

Ronaldo saying Bismillah before scoring a penalty for Portugal 🇵🇹 #porcro pic.twitter.com/aC5kHDnu8I

— Asjad Nazir (@asjadnazir) July 3, 2026

Fan Claims Cristiano Ronaldo Recites 'Bismillah'

Did Ronaldo recite Bismillāh before taking a penalty for Portugal? pic.twitter.com/t4Nt6WinS4

— • (@Alhamdhulillaah) July 3, 2026

The 'Bismillah' Phenomenon

Videos circulating online show Ronaldo seemingly speaking to himself before his run-up to the penalty spot. While it remains unconfirmed by the player himself whether he uttered the exact Arabic phrase 'Bismillah' (meaning 'In the name of God'), which is commonly recited by Muslims before an important task, his actions have resonated deeply with many. Given his recent seasons playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, some fans suggest an adaptation to local linguistic habits could be possible.

Although others believe it may have been a Portuguese motivational phrase.Several fans pointed out that Ronaldo's uses phase, "Vais marcar" that roughly translates to "you are going to mark" or "you will score" .This isn't the first time such an observation has been made about the Portuguese legend's pre-penalty routine. Teary-Eyed Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota After Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 Win Over Croatia (Watch Video).

Fan Points Out CR7 Says Vais Marcar

Keep dreaming. He said vais marcar.

— 🤍 (@XxOGCringexX) July 3, 2026

Another User Read Claims Otherwise

He said Vais Marcar which means in Portuguese “Are you going to mark it?” Or “are you going to make it” depending on how you want to take it.

V is pronounced as a B in Portuguese and Ronaldo has been a Christian his entire like. Don’t be desperate.

— That Guy (@ThatGuy28780245) July 3, 2026

The high-stakes encounter, held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Toronto Stadium (also known as BMO Field) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, saw Portugal secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over their European rivals. The match kicked off at 19:00 EDT, with tensions running high as both nations battled for a spot in the Round of 16.

Match Details and Ronaldo's Impact

Croatia initially took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, putting immense pressure on the Portuguese side. However, Portugal responded swiftly when a foul on Renato Veiga led to a penalty in the 65th minute, which Ronaldo calmly converted in the 68th minute, sending Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković the wrong way and levelling the score at 1-1. This historic strike marked the 41-year-old Ronaldo's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match.

Portugal ultimately clinched the victory in the 94th minute with a dramatic header from super-sub Gonçalo Ramos, off a cross from Rafael Leão, sealing their progression to the next stage of the tournament. They are now set to face Spain in what promises to be another thrilling Round of 16 encounter.

The dramatic win against Croatia ensures that Ronaldo's international career will continue for at least one more match, as Portugal eyes a deep run in the tournament. The debate surrounding his pre-penalty whisper, however, is likely to continue to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).