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Why Cristiano Ronaldo chooses sideways pose during Portugal games?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.
Published at :April 1, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Modified at :April 1, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal FIFA World Cup

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

There is a reason why Ronaldo stands sideways during the national team anthem.

This summer, Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which, as revealed by him earlier, will be his last edition. The 41-year-old football legend has accomplished about everything possible in the game, but he is still lacking one thing.

Cristiano Ronaldo has never won the World Cup. He will be hoping to win the 2026 World Cup with Portugal to cap off his international career.

This implies that Portugal will be the centre of attention this summer, and many admirers might notice something odd he does regularly. Before a game, he sings the Portuguese anthem in a different way than the rest of his team, and here’s why.

Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during the national team anthem?

Top five goalscorers in World Cup qualifying history
LISBON, PORTUGAL – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Scotland at Estadio do SL Benfica on September 8, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

Both opposition teams stand together while their national anthems are played before the start of every international match, which is a tradition.

However, many have observed that Cristiano Ronaldo is positioned sideways in the line of players before Portugal play. The skipper turns to the side and stands at an angle to sing as the squad members embrace one another.

Why? He does this in order to make a patriotic gesture during the anthem by facing the Portuguese flag in the stadium. Throughout the years, Cristiano Ronaldo has made it a habit to honour his nation before games.

As Portugal attempt to win the World Cup for the first time this summer, this gesture is probably going to be seen again. Ronaldo has had five chances to win the title during his amazing international career, but he has never been successful.

Why does Cristiano Ronald stand sideways during the national team anthem?

He usually does it to face the Portugal flag.

How many trophies has Ronaldo won with Portugal?

He has won the Euros and two UEFA Nations League.

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Rajarshi Shukla
Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.