Is It Right for a Player to Celebrate a Goal Against a Former Club?
When a player scores against their former team, it often sparks debates about whether it’s appropriate to celebrate. Per SportsRation’s Nsikakabasi Akpan, there’s no formal rule in football that prohibits players from celebrating a goal against their old club, but the decision to celebrate usually depends on the nature of the player’s past relationship with that club, the respect between the two, and the memories shared.
The recent celebration by Isco after scoring for Real Betis against his former team, Real Madrid, has brought this topic to the forefront. After scoring the winning goal in Betis’s 2-1 victory over Madrid in La Liga, Isco celebrated passionately in front of the home fans at Estadio Benito Villamarín. This led to strong reactions from some Madrid supporters. Isco, recognising the impact of his celebration, quickly issued an apology to Madrid fans. “I am very grateful to Real Madrid, and they will always be in my heart,” he said after the match.
But is there a right or wrong in this situation? From one perspective, players’ new clubs deserve the excitement that comes with a goal celebration. After all, the player is now committed to their current team, and celebrating a goal can be a way of expressing their commitment to their new fans. However, it’s also a personal choice. A player’s decision to celebrate, or not, is often tied to their feelings about the old club and how they left.
Take Ángel Di María’s goal against his former team, Real Madrid, on 19th September 2019. Playing for PSG at the Parc des Princes, Di María scored early in the match and celebrated with intensity. Some fans felt his celebration was harsh, but considering the circumstances, it was justified. Di María had played an important role for Madrid, including in their Champions League victories, yet he was sold to PSG as part of a deal to fund the signing of James Rodríguez. For Di María, this move was a sign of disrespect, and his celebration reflected his feelings of being let down by the club.
Similarly, in May 2019, Luis Suárez scored against his former team Liverpool in the Champions League. Suárez celebrated wildly, and the reaction from Liverpool fans was one of disappointment, given the amicable way he had left the club. The Liverpool board had allowed Suárez to join Barcelona on his own terms, so the celebration didn’t sit well with many supporters. However, Suárez seemed to realise this when he later promised not to celebrate if he scored against Liverpool in the second leg, showing some respect for the club that had treated him well.
Then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against his former team Sporting CP (formerly Sporting Lisbon) while playing for Real Madrid. Despite scoring a dramatic last-minute free kick, Ronaldo chose not to celebrate. He later explained, “I couldn’t celebrate a goal against Sporting, they made me who I am.” Ronaldo’s deep respect for the club that helped him rise to fame led him to hold back his celebration, even in a crucial moment.
On the other hand, there are players who choose to celebrate without hesitation, regardless of their previous club. Robin van Persie, after scoring for Manchester United against Arsenal, celebrated wildly, which only angered Arsenal fans more. The circumstances surrounding Van Persie’s move to United left many Arsenal supporters feeling betrayed, and his exuberant celebration only added fuel to the fire.
In the Nigerian Premier Football League, former Akwa United captain Ubong Friday scored against his old team, Akwa United, while playing for Rivers United. Initially, it seemed like Friday might celebrate, but after a moment’s pause, memories of his long tenure with Akwa United stopped him from doing so. His hesitation reflected the emotional connection he still had with the club and fans, despite now playing for a rival team.
There’s a wide range of opinions on this matter. Some believe players should show respect to their former clubs, especially if the move away wasn’t on bad terms. Others argue that fans often forget that players are essentially workers, and just because they move to a new club doesn’t mean they have to stop being passionate about their career. Ultimately, a player’s decision to celebrate a goal against a former team is a personal one, influenced by many factors, including the nature of their departure, their current team, and their personal feelings.
In conclusion, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to whether it’s right for a player to celebrate a goal against a former club. It’s a matter of personal choice, and while some celebrations can be seen as disrespectful, others are understandable based on the circumstances. Respect, memories, and personal emotions all play a role in this decision, making it a nuanced issue that varies from player to player.
