A viral video of Cristiano Ronaldo, during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, has sparked debate on social media.
The video has been posted on social media platforms and is being viewed by many people as the moment at which Ronaldo stepped up and was able to score a crucial penalty.
It was noted by many that the Portuguese captain mouthed the phrase “Bismillah” or “In the name of Allah” before hitting the ball.
However, others have also suggested that it was a part of his pre-kick routine and he wasn’t saying Bismillah but was preparing himself for the kick.
Footage has sparked speculation from football fans around the world, especially as Ronaldo has been at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia for the last few seasons.
Read more: Ronaldo enjoys silencing critics after World Cup record
Those who support this position contend that he might have heard the phrase in the country regularly, and it became routine for the legendary footballer to say Bismillah before important moments.
Others, however, have an alternate interpretation of the clip. Some fans have suggested that Ronaldo’s motivational mantra was more of a breathing exercise or a variation of the phrases he normally uses when he is about to shoot a penalty.
In the past, sports psychologists have observed that top-level athletes have subconscious patterns, or rituals, to help them focus when it matters most.
Ronaldo and the Portuguese Football Federation have neither released a statement regarding the viral clip nor is the sound quality of the video good enough to confirm exactly what he said.
This has left the video with polarising opinions online.
Many have believed that Ronaldo gave the blessing “Bismillah,” but others have interpreted it differently.
Until there is clear evidence to the contrary, or until Ronaldo has said, it is a matter for individual interpretation and not fact.
Also read: Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn World Cup point
