Why does Ronaldo stand sideways during Portugal's national anthem?

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again become one of the biggest talking points at the FIFA World Cup 2026, not just for his performances on the pitch, but also for a pre-match ritual that has caught the attention of fans around the world.

Before every Portugal match, while his teammates stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing forward during the national anthem, Ronaldo noticeably turns sideways. The unique stance has sparked curiosity among viewers, with many wondering why the five-time Ballon d'Or winner chooses to stand differently from the rest of the team.

The answer lies in a long-standing tradition the Portugal captain has followed throughout his international career. Rather than facing straight ahead, Ronaldo turns to face the Portuguese flag inside the stadium while singing the national anthem. The gesture is his way of showing respect and expressing his patriotism before kickoff.

Ronaldo has maintained the ritual for years, and it has continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup even though the pre-match anthem ceremony is now held around the centre circle instead of in front of the team dugouts. The symbolic act has become one of the forward's signature pre-match habits, reflecting his pride in representing Portugal on football's biggest stage.

Portugal and Croatia collide in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash that could mark the final FIFA World Cup appearance for two of football's greatest modern icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
Both players are featuring in their sixth FIFA World Cup campaign, a feat achieved only by four players in tournament history, alongside Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa. At 41 and 40 respectively, Ronaldo and Modric continue to defy time, but only one nation will move forward after this heavyweight European showdown in Toronto.