Goal celebrations of the stars of Euro 2024 and their hidden meanings, according to body language expert

ASK any footballer, nothing beats scoring a goal.

The sheer ecstasy of the moment, the adulation from your adoring fans and recognition from your teammates makes it an occasion to be celebrated.

Some footballers get caught up in that moment of joy and don’t know what to do with themselves, while others have created their own trademark celebrations.

With the help body language expert Darren Stanton and OLBG, SunSport has uncovered the hidden meaning behind many of them, from goals scored at the Euros to classics from the Premier League and beyond.

Some of these explanations will shock you.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Copied by kids in school playgrounds around the world, Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ celebration is perhaps the most known goal celebration around.

Darren says: This is just sheer elation, a universal posture of success. The leap into the air is also showcasing his athletic abilities, whilst the outstretched arms is a classic case of occupying the space.

When humans do this, they want to exert their power over a situation. It’s also important to notice the genuine smile here and see how happy he is.

Jude Bellingham

Whenever he’s scored for Real Madrid, or England, Bellingham’s trademark open arm stretch in front of the fans has been performed.

Darren says: This is a really powerful gesture, something that Michael Jackson used to do quite a lot. There are definitely religious connotations to it, but not as much in this context.

Most of our vital organs are located in our abdomen and chest, that’s why when people feel threatened they put their hands in front of themselves.

However, when you open up your body like that you are asking for people to look at you, as they exude confidence and power. The more space you try to create with your body, the more power you are trying to exude and generate the impression of power.

Bellingham couldn’t generate a bigger space if he tried really, with his feet wide apart and his hands outstretched.

Harry Kane and Kieran Trippier

As Harry Kane scores against Denmark for the Three Lions in the Euros, he wheels off and is closely followed by Kieran Trippier

Darren says: We can see pure determination etched across Harry Kane’s face here and the adrenaline is pumping through his body.

However, when we look at Kieran Trippier, you can sense dejection and fatigue. It’s interesting to note because this is a suggestion which has been aimed at England throughout this tournament already.

There is also a lack of belief on Trippier’s face I can see as well here. It’s as if there is trepidation, or doubt that success is actually possible.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer often looks like he’s caught a draft after he’s scored. But, incredibly, his trademark celebration suggests something completely different in his demeanour.

Darren says: This is a classic self-reassurance gesture, protecting oneself when feeling vulnerable.

In complete contrast to Bellingham, who exudes power and confidence, Palmer is protecting his vital organs located in the chest and abdomen.

It’s not a particularly genuine smile, with no crows feet, his face is not engaged and his eyes are quite narrow and it actually suggests anxiety.

John McGinn

With his hands over his eyes, copying a superhero’s mask, Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn’s regular goal celebration hints to his personality.

Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze also used this popular move, after scoring against Portugal in a high-pressure Euros game.

Darren says: Again, this is a very mischievous gesture, and can massively help to alleviate stress or tension in high pressure situations.

As for McGinn, Darren adds: We can tell John McGinn is quite clearly very up for a laugh, which is clear to see from Ollie Watkins’ huge smile.

Jeremy Doku

Many footballers do it – a finger over the lips to shut out the noise that surrounds them, like Jeremy Doku.

Darren says: The finger across the mouth is a universal gesture; keep quiet and shut up.

The hand across the brow is literally searching for anyone who has doubted him in the past.

This is basically Doku looking for those who have doubted, and politely telling them to keep their criticisms to themselves.

Youri Tielemans

A crucial goal within the first minute for Belgium against Romania at Euro 2024 is met with a clench fist and a roar from goalscorer Youri Tielemans.

Darren says: This is as primeval as you are likely to get in a picture, sheer unbridled joy etched across everyone’s faces. In psychology, there is a theory that almost compares to mob mentality.

I don’t mean that in a negative sense, but when you have a group of individuals who are effectively pulling on the same rope, working towards the same goal and they have a degree of success.

With Tielemans, we can see his fists clenched and the veins on his right forearm pumped right up. This Belgium side are fully on it and absolutely elated.

Trent Alexander-Arnold & Jude Bellingham

After scoring against Serbia, Jude Bellingham reserved another goal celebration with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Darren says: We talk about matching and mirroring, when people match and mirror each other in their behaviours and gestures.

Trent and Bellingham are doing exactly that in this pre-rehearsed celebration which speaks to their rapport off the pitch.

It’s interesting to see nobody else is laughing or engaging with the celebration in this moment, which speaks to the closeness of their relationship – perhaps more so than anyone else in the squad. They are friends and colleagues, who have a great connection.

Kevin Csoboth

Although likely to be met with a booking from the ref, whipping your shirt off and scoring was perfected by Hungary’s Kevin Csoboth against Scotland.

Darren says: With his arms outstretched and a look of confusion on his face, this is almost an admission of guilt.

Although there is pure joy and relief from the goal, hence the shirt coming off, he may be aware of the magnitude of the situation.

There’s definite sadness and confusion, which makes for a bizarre expression, as he knows what he has done to Scotland.

James Maddison

Darts fan James Maddison once roped in teammate Son Heung-min to show off his goal celebration – the throwing of an arrow, which has since been copied by Bukayo Saka.

Darren says: This is a very humorous moment, with Son and Maddison mirroring each other, which shows their incredible chemistry and a strong relationship off the pitch as well as on it. 

They have mischievous smiles as well, so they have great rapport and deep respect for one another.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland’s Lotus Pose goal celebration has been seen all over Premier League stadiums, and even in TV ads.

Darren says: This is a player in his element, taking it all in as the moment of madness cascades around him.

Haaland is literally exuding calmness and composure, which is exactly like his finishing ability.

He is showing the fans his less serious side, and the photographer has captured a very humorous moment in time. 

Marcus Rashford

Over the years, whenever Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has scored for the Red Devils, he has pointed to his temple.

Darren says: This has become a trademark of Marcus Rashford, and it is quite literally urging his teammates to keep their mind on the task.

It’s the equivalent of saying, ‘It’s 0-0 lads’, and keeping composed.