Fans convinced they know what Cristiano Ronaldo said to himself before scoring World Cup penalty against Croatia

FANS are convinced they worked out what Cristiano Ronaldo said before scoring his World Cup penalty. The Portugal superstar found the net in the knockouts of a World Cup for the very first time. Croatia had taken the lead early in the second half of their last-32 clash in Toronto. But after having a goal chalked off by offside, Ronaldo had the perfect chance to score from the penalty spot. Ronaldo, 41, made no mistake as he put it down the middle for 1-1. But in the seconds before stepping up to take the kick, Ronaldo talked to himself. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP And fans on social media reckon he said “Bismillah” – which is Arabic for ‘in the name of God’. One said: “Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to say ‘Bismillah’ before successfully converting his penalty kick.” Another wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo before taking the penalty: Bismillah.. Bismillah.” A third added: “Cristiano Ronaldo said ‘Bismillah’ before taking a penalty kick against Croatia.” Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - All pubs that will open for England’s 1am World Cup clash - How England beat DR Congo by copying Brazil - Germany ‘tell Nagelsmann resign or be SACKED’ - BBC blasted for World Cup broadcasting decision - World Cup fan has to be rescued by CRANE KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE And a final user commented: “Am I going mad or Ronaldo just said ‘Bismillah’ before taking the penalty shot?” It is understood Ronaldo regularly started saying the phrase before set pieces when he moved to Al-Nassr – including his early free-kick which whacked Marin Pongracic in the private parts. Ronaldo broke his own record as the oldest World Cup goalscorer in history and oldest player to feature in the knockouts. But he was subbed off late on as Portugal tried to steady the midfield. Goncalo Ramos’ injury-time header proved the winner on the night but there was more drama in the 103rd minute as Croatia had an ‘equaliser’ ruled out by VAR – after the adidas ball ‘snicko’ technology proved there was a Croatian touch, meaning the goal was chalked off for offside. Ronaldo celebrated on the sidelines as the goal was ruled out and then the victory was confirmed. And that could prove to be his final international appearance – as his sister strongly suggested to Portuguese media he is planning to stop playing for his country after this World Cup. Katia Aveiro told Portuguese media outlet Sport TV: “From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it. “I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell. “So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”